Effect of garlic extract supplementation and endurance exercise on salivary antioxidant enzymes and blood pressure in trained females

The aim of this study was to evaluate of the short-term effects of garlic supplementation on salivary superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (Prox) enzymes, blood pressure and heart rate during and after a cycle ergometer endurance exercise in trained female.

A total of 10 volunteer female athletes (age: 22.12 yrs, body fat: 23.64%, VO2max: 39.27 ml/kg/min) randomly divided in garlic supplementation (daily 1200 mg) and placebo (daily 1200 mg starch) groups with counter-balance design. Subjects after 3 days of supplementation were performed a cycle ergometer endurance exercise for 30 minutes. The variables were assessed before and after the supplementation, during and after of exercise.

Heart rate at 5 and 10 minutes of physical activity was significantly lower after garlic supplementation in comparison with placebo. Also at 10 minutes of recovery, heart rate was lower than in other conditions in the placebo group. Systolic blood pressure was lower in those who had consumed garlic at the end of the activity. Prox enzyme activity in terms of both garlic supplements and placebo was higher than before of activity, and at 30 minutes of recovery was higher in terms of garlic consumption than placebo. SOD increased immediately and 30 minutes after exercise in-comparison with baseline and before the exercise. Also, this enzyme showed a significant difference with placebo immediately, 30 and 60 minutes after exercise (p<0.05).

It is concluded that garlic supplementation may reduce the heart rate and blood pressure during and after exercise activity and increase some antioxidant enzymes activity.