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Lycium barbarum Attenuates Increased Plasma Stress Hormone Levels Induced by a Short and Intense Exercise Challenge. A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Human Clinical Study
Author(s) -
Amagase Harunobu,
Nance Dwight M
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.104.6
Subject(s) - placebo , hormone , dehydroepiandrosterone , medicine , lactic acid , endocrinology , heart rate , stressor , analysis of variance , hydrocortisone , blood pressure , androgen , biology , alternative medicine , pathology , clinical psychology , bacteria , genetics
We examined the effects of orally consumed Lycium barbarum , as a standardized juice (GoChi), in healthy adults (18‐60 years old). Subjects consumed 120 ml/day of GoChi or placebo for 30 days. Subjects were given a short and intense exercise challenge on a cyclergometer at 70% of age‐adjusted maximum heart rate both pre‐ and post‐treatment. Changes in plasma levels of stress hormones (dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol) and lactic acid were assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment, and before and immediately after the exercise challenge. Hormone levels were measured by ELISA and analyzed with ANOVA. DHEA, cortisol and lactic acid levels were all significantly increased in the placebo group (N = 19) after exercise for both pre‐ and post‐treatment challenges (by 26‐57%, 28‐125%, and 140‐170%, respectively). Whereas a significant increase in levels of DHEA and cortisol after the initial exercise challenge was seen at pre‐treatment in the GoChi group (N = 20), at post‐treatment, the exercise‐induced increase of DHEA and cortisol was significantly attenuated. Lactic acid level was not changed by GoChi or placebo. These results suggest that consumption of GoChi may increase adaptability to a physical stressor, but has no detectable effect on lactate levels. Based on this and previous studies, GoChi may improve physical activities, in part, by modifying adrenal steroid regulation.