The effects of moringa seed supplements on oxidative stress and 10 km running performance

Abstract

Athletes use herbal supplementation to increase physical fitness, reduce the potentially negative consequences of strenuous training, and gain a competitive edge. The goal of this study was to identify the effects of Moringa seed supplements on oxidative stress and 10 km running time. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 26 male runners. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental (supplemented) group (n = 15), which received 3% of the athlete’s body weight of moringa seed powder added to juices (orang without sugar 300 ml) in the evening after the training, three days a week for 8 weeks. The control (placebo) group (n = 11) received a placebo (orang without sugar 300 ml) at the corresponding times. After the intervention period, malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced and 10 km running time was improved in the experimental group. No significant changes were observed in catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione concentrations in the two groups. In conclusion, moringa seeds were effective in enhancing endurance performance and reducing oxidative stress in a group of young endurance athletes.