Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences,
University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Abbas Meamarbashi, Department
of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,
56199-11367 Ardabil, Iran. Tel./Fax: +98 451 5516815; E-mail:
a_meamarbashi@yahoo.com
Abstract: Purslane is the richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids and
antioxidant nutrients. This is the first attempt to elucidate the possible
effects of Purslane extract on muscle soreness. To examine the preventive
effects of Purslane extract on delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) following one
session eccentric exercise, twenty healthy non-athlete students were randomly
assigned to the experimental and control groups. Experimental group received
Purslane extract (n=10), 1200 mg/day from 72 hours before
training until 48 hours after training. One session bench-stepping exercise
performed to induce DOMS. Serum LDH, CK, Cortisol, IgA, Sodium and Potassium,
maximal knee extension isometric force, thigh circumference, knee range of
motion, and pain perception were measured 72 hours before exercise, immediately
post, 24 and 48 hours after exercise. Serum concentration of LDH and Cortisol
in 24 and 48 h after exercise exhibited a significant difference between
control and experimental groups (P< 0.05). Serum CK was
significantly lower after 48 h (P< 0.001). IgA has shown
lower concentration immediately post, 24 and 48 h after exercise
(P< 0.01). The level of pain perception was significantly
lower in experimental group after 48 hours (P< 0.005). The
right knee range of motion and maximal isometric force were significantly lower
in the experimental group after 48 h (P ⩽ 0.05). These
findings suggest that Purslane extracts reduced the biochemical and clinical
variables of DOMS and it can be speculated that Purslane extracts is effective
in prevention of DOMS.
