Acute Effect Of Hydro Alcoholic Extract Of Melissa Officinalis On Metabolic Rate, Substrate Oxidation, And Salivary Cortisol Of High-Intensity Interval Exercise In Inactive Women

Nowadays, the use of traditional herbal remedies for the prevention and treatment of diseases along with exercise has become very popular. The aim of this study was to investigate acute effect of hydro alcoholic extract of melissa officinalis on metabolic rate, substrate oxidation and salivary cortisol during and after high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) in inactive women. Ten inactive women were selected based on criteria (BMI 22.28±0.60 kg/m2). Individuals participated in two separate sessions. In the first session, extract of melissa officinalis (500 mg) were intake one hour before HIIE. In the second session, the placebo (500 mg of starch) was intake. The HIIE program consisted of 11 alternates (1-minute with 90% vVO2max followed by 2-minute rest intervals with 60% vVO2max). Pre, during and after HIIE, respiratory gases was measured using the respiratory gas analyzer and was used to calculate metabolic rate (Energy Expenditure, VO2) and substrate oxidation (Fat oxidation, Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)). Heart rate monitored by polar sensor. Salivary cortisol after collection was measured by chemiluminescence method. Based on results, there was no significant difference in VO2 (P =0.51), Fat Oxidation (P= 0.9), RER (P= 0.76), Heart rate (P= 0.42) and energy expenditure (P=0.6) between melissa officinalis and placebo intake. Also, there was no significant difference in salivary cortisol (P= 0.15). Generally, hydro alcoholic extract of melissa officinalis supplement intake along HIIE has no effect on metabolic rate, substrate oxidation and cortisol level in inactive women.