The effects of silymarin supplementation on cellular damage and stress indices after an acute aerobic exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Intense physical activity leads to muscle damage associated with increased oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant balance. This study aims to evaluate the effect of silymarin extract supplementation on damage indicators and cellular stress in active men after acute aerobic exercise. Materials and Methods: Twenty athletic men (average age of 25.09 ± 2.11 years) were placed in two groups of silymarin (n = 10) and placebo (n = 10) in a double-masked design. After 14 days of supplementation, both groups participated in an aerobic exercise protocol. Changes in serum creatine kinase (CK), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured before and immediately after the workout. The data were analyzed using the analysis of the covariance test at a significancy level of p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that acute aerobic exercise significantly increased CK and MPO levels in both groups (p ≤ 0.05). However, this increment was lower in the silymarin group compared to the placebo group. In addition, the TAC increased significantly in the silymarin group after two weeks of supplementation compared to the placebo group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the present research findings, a 14-day silymarin supplementation likely prevents muscle damage and oxidative stress caused by performing a residual aerobic session in men.