A review of the role of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medicinal plants in exercise and recovery

The purpose of this research was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of medicinal plants in exercise and recovery. Scientific evidence supports the positive effect of regular physical activity on health, with a strong emphasis on exercise intensity. The evidence shows that intense physical activities, in addition to creating tissues, by producing free radicals and oxidative stress in active agents, because damage caused by oxidative stress and reduce sports performance in athletes. Several studies show that nutritional interventions and the use of antioxidant supplements can provide a protective role against oxidative stress caused by sports activities. The efficient use of these supplements is recommended to athletes based on data that is aimed at improving sports performance. Some supplements may lead to better adaptation and improvement of the body's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant system during exercise or recovery, which helps in better performance of athletes during training or sports competitions. In this review study, in addition to investigating inflammatory and oxidative factors during sports activities, the effects of several nutritional supplements in line with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in exercise and recovery are presented.