Effect of Green Tea Extract on Exercise-Induced Inflammatory Markers

Background and Aim: Intensive resistance trainings cause the production of many free radicals and pre-inflammatory cytokines in athletes and military personnel. These factors may cause many complications for the athlete. In recent years, the use of anti-inflammatory compounds made of herbal extracts has been considered to reduce these inflammatory factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of green tea extract on inflammatory cytokines caused by endurance trainings in athletes. Methods: This study was conducted on 36 male athlete. Their individual characteristics including height, weight, body mass index were measured. Subjects (N=36) were randomly divided into three groups. The first group did their exercises without any supplement or medication. The green tea extract and the placebo were used along with the TRX training in group two and three respectively. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory factors were evaluated by ELISA method in all groups. Results: Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the group with green tea extract supplement along with the training was reduced in comparison with the placebo and training group. This decrease was not statistically significant in terms of TNF-α, but it was significant for IL-6 factor. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the use of green tea extract along with intense resistance training in athletes can reduce the production of some cytokines and thus reduce inflammatory injuries among them.