The effect of 8 week of pomegranate supplementation on inflammatory and muscular damage indices in over weight untrained men due todifferent intensity VO2max

Considering the importance of the use of plant antioxidants in preventing inflammatory and muscular damage indices, the present study was performed to determine the effect of 8 weeks of pomegranate supplementation and aerobic training on inflammatory and muscular damage indices in overweight men.
Twenty overweight men were assigned into two equal supplement and placebo groups as randomized and double-blind study (225mg/day pomegranate or dextrose for 8 week). Meanwhile, both groups participated in running tests with 50 to 80% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) 8weeks, 3 sessions/ week. Then, blood samples were taken during three phases at baseline, immediately and 24 hours after different intensities of aerobic exercise (60% and 75% VO2max). The data was analyzed by SPSS software (V: 20) using repeated measure ANOVA and paired T tests at the significant level P≤0.05.
The result showed a significant increase in Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C - reactive protein immediately after the exercise in both groups (P=0.001). However, these indices were decreased 24 hours after exercise in both groups, and this decrement was higher in the pomegranate group (P=0.001), (P=0.01). Although, no significant difference was found in Creatine kinase in any stage of the study in both groups (P=0.27), (P=0.20), but, a significant decrease was found in CRP levels in the supplement group as compared with placebo in 75% VO2max (P=0.03).
The results indicated that the combination of regular exercise and pomegranate supplementation had a significant effect on the control and decline of inflammatory markers particularly CRP in overweight males. However, more research is needed based on a few studies conducted in this area.