POLYSULFIDE-ENRICHED GARLIC SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND REDUCES HEART RATE DURING HIGH INTENSITY INTERMITTENT EXERCISE

Abstract

This study aim is to determine the effect of short-term (5-day) polysulphide-enriched garlic (PEG) administration on cognitive function and physiological responses to high-intensity intermittent exercise performance. Fifteen recreational team-sport players underwent a randomized, double blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial of PEG and PLA (placebo) supplementation, with a washout period of 14-day separating each trial. Following a 4-day supplementation of 4 g PEG and PLA (placebo), participants consumed a single dose of the supplement 3 hours in day-5 prior to the completion of a Yo–Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test (YYIRTL1). Resting exhaled hydrogen sulphide was 42% greater, while systolic BP and mean arterial pressure was lower by 3% in PEG compared to PLA (p < 0.05). Performance in the cognitive function test was 4% and 3% faster at rest and during YYIRTL1, respectively, with performance in YYIRTL1 only tended to increase in PEG compared to PLA (p = 0.08). Mean heart rate was lower during YYIRTL1 (p < 0.05). These results indicate that PEG supplementation, with dose equivalent to average sized garlic clove, lower both resting BP and heart rate during exercise. Short term PEG supplementation may also enhance cognitive function during high-intensity intermittent performance.