Plant bioactives as nutraceuticals and therapeutics in sports

Abstract

Background: Plant-based nutraceuticals and therapeutics have emerged as promising natural interventions to enhance athletic performance, support recovery, and promote long-term health benefits. Compounds from herbs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, legumes, and other plant parts are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, as well as essential micronutrients that collectively modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, and metabolic functions during physical exertion and injury. Objectives: This review evaluates findings from clinical research involving athletes, along with traditional knowledge from indigenous communities that utilise plant-based remedies to manage sports injuries, muscle fatigue, and recovery. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1999 and 2025, with a focus on the last 10 years, using keywords related to plant-based nutraceuticals, Sports, Athletic performance, Sports injury, Sports supplements and Adaptogens. Only English language human studies publications involving athletes or physically active individuals were included. Results: Various human studies have widely documented their roles in reducing exercise-induced / sports-induced muscle damage, accelerating tissue repair and improving endurance capacity. Plant-derived compounds such as Curcumin, Quercetin, Catechins, Resveratrol and Allicin exhibit the capacity to improve muscle strength, reduce fatigue and enhance recovery. Additionally, various adaptogens help in the regulation of stress hormones and improve physical resilience under high training loads. Traditional and indigenous knowledge supports these findings, particularly for managing sports injuries and recovery. Conclusion: Plant-based nutraceuticals offer effective, safe, and multifunctional support for athletic performance and recovery. Their integration into sports nutrition holds strong potential to improve performance and injury management after standardized clinical investigations.