The Effects of Black Mulberry Supplementation on Plasma Interleukin-6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Response to One Session Basketball Training in Female Basketball Players

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mulberry supplementation on two pro-inflammatory markers response, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and performance after a session of strenuous exercise. Black Mulberry is a fruit rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins which have been proved to act as antioxidants in body. Materials and Methods: Fifteen female basketball players participated in Basketball Exercise Simulation Test (BEST). Blood samples were taken in three turns including before BEST, immediately and one hour after to measure Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) concentrations. After 3 days of recovery, the same participants consumed 300 mL of pulped Black Mulberry Juice for 10 days and participated again in the same exercise protocol and their blood samples were collected in the same three turns. During both exercise sessions, performance variables were recorded considering the number of goals and RPE. ANOVA and Bonferroni’s follow up tests were used for data analysis (α=0.05). Results: A significant increase in IL-6 concentration was seen immediately and one hour after BEST, before and after supplementation (P<0.05). The comparison of TNF-α concentration in six stages showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Analysis of Borg Test showed significant decrease after supplementation (P<0.05) but no significant results were shown in performance of participants (P<0.66). Conclusions: Black Mulberry supplementation can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and PRE after exercise. highest frequent patterns in partial syndrome group (33.5%) and bulimia nervosa (28.1%) included two main meals daily. The missing dinner in partial syndrome and bulimia nervosa groups were significantly higher than that in non-affected group (P<0.05). The highest frequency of drinking water (4–6 cups/day) was seen in partial syndrome group (41%). This included 3–2 cups/day (39% and 42.3%) in bulimia nervosa and non-affected groups, respectively. A significant difference was seen between these groups (P = 0.037). Consumption of all cereals and vegetables in the affected group was significantly lower than that in non-affected group (P < 0.05). Study of lipid intake status in the participants showed that the frequency of low-fat dairy products in affected groups (25% and 35.8% in partial syndrome and bulimia nervosa, respectively) was significantly higher than that in non-affected group (12.7%). Conclusions: Study demonstrated that missing dinner and drinking higher volumes of water with decreased cereal and low-fat dairies intakes were the major techniques used by the adolescents to reduce the calorie intake. Despite of these differences, the overall food habits in the affected group do not seem different significantly from those in non-affected groups.