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.