Jaboticaba berry (Myrciaria jaboticaba) consumption improves plasma GSH levels and accelerates muscle recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION

Jaboticaba berries have demonstrated high antioxidant activity, with potential health benefits. However, their functional properties have not been demonstrated in humans.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of jaboticaba berry juice (JBT) intake on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), which is known to increase oxidative stress, muscle soreness, decrease muscle function, and muscle quality.

METHODS

Twenty-four trained participants were randomly allocated to consume 250 mL of JBT (containing approximately 1300 mg of total polyphenols) or a fruit-flavored placebo drink (PLA) for 7 days. On day 4, participants performed 6 × 10 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Plasma-reduced glutathione (GSH), myoglobin (Mb), muscle soreness (DOMS), maximal isokinetic voluntary contraction (MVCisok), and functional (MQf) and morphological (MQm) muscle quality were assessed before and 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after EIMD.

RESULTS

The EIMD protocol increased Mb levels (p < 0.001) and DOMS (p < 0.001) and reduced GSH levels (p < 0.001), MVCisok (p < 0.001), MQf (p < 0.001), and MQm (p= 0.028). JBT intake increased GSH levels (p = 0.001), decreased DOMS (p < 0.041), and accelerated the recovery of muscle strength (p = 0.004) and functional muscle quality (p = 0.002) and morphological (p = 0.006) in the following days after the eccentric exercise when compared to control.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of jaboticaba berry polyphenols may alleviate the symptoms of muscle damage in resistance-trained participants.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (RBR-9fjqvng).