Effect of Melissa Officinalis L. extract supplementation on eccentric training induced muscle damage and perceived pain

Lemongrass (Melissa officinalis) has an effect on the nervous system, causing relaxation and an important role in modulating the inflammatory condition. The aim of present study was to examine the effect of Melissa Officinalis L. extract supplementation on eccentric training induced muscle damage response and perceived pain.Materials: In this experimental study, sixteen healthy middle-age men (20 – 35 years of old) were divided into placebo (Plc) or supplement (S) group randomly according their muscle strength. Subjects in the S group consume 1.5 mg/kg of Melissa Officinalis L. extract for 14 days while subjects in the Plc group consume same dosage of dextrose. Then, all the subjects performed eccentric biceps curls with 120% of their 1RM on two occasions. Blood sample were taken before and after the supplementation and immediately after the eccentric training. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. The study results indicated that LDH increased in Plc group after the eccentric training (p=0.01). Blood CK had not significant change after the intervention in both groups and perceived pain was increased in both groups (p=0.01). In summary, it seems that Melissa Officinalis L. extract supplementation can be considered as an effective way to reduce intense exercise induced-muscle damage, but more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.