Courbaril extract (hymenaea courbaril l.) improve the explosive strength more than monohydrate creatine and decreases the muscle damage

Abstract

Problem statement: The Courbaril extract (Hymenaea courbaril L) has been used for several objectives including to improvement of the sexual and sportive performance in the Amazon region. However, no scientific data were displayed about the use of this natural product to sportive performance improvement. Approach: Fifteen participants participated In a experimental Study. They performed three experimental sessions, one day after the end of each supplementation protocol with 9 days of washout between then. First, the participants intake courbaril extract, in the second placebo, and in the third creatine monohydrate, all by five days before the experimentation. The exercise sessions were composed by warm-up included a gentle 5-minute walk in the university parking followed by dynamic stretching exercises with low intensity and less than 10 seconds of insistence in the final joint position. The main part of the exercise tests was composed by: (1) Pull-up (PULL); (2) Push-up (PUSH); (3) Sit-up (SIT); (4) 50m Sprint (50MS). Ever between 8 and 11am, blood samples were collected before and immediately after the physical test sessions to biochemical determinations. High-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) to characterization of the extract compound and DPPH to antioxidant effect in vitro were performed. ANOVA ONE WAY and Post Hoc Test of Tukey’s with a significance of 5% were used. Purpose: to examine and compare the effects of courbaril extract (Hymenaea courbaril L.) with monohydrate creatine in muscular explosive strength of young adults. Results: Both supplements improved the performance if compared to placebo, however, courbaril extract was more effective than creatine in the pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and the 50 meters sprints. The creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were improved with courbaril supplementation immediately post the exercise challenge without reach pathological levels. In regard the explain the possible mechanism under our observations, the HPLC display a rich antioxidant compound in courbaril extract and the DPPH display a potent dose dependent antioxidant effect. Additionally, aromatases were found which can probably decrease the conversion of the testosterone in a female hormone. Both mechanisms have a potential relation with the observed improved performance. Conclusion: Both supplementations provoke enhancement on the performance of young adults, but the courbaril was more effective than creatine to muscle strength which allowed higher exposition to the high-level effort, explaining the increase of muscle damage-related enzymes observed like a pertinent overview of the work.