Supplementation with crajiru [Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann] alters physical performance parameters in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Athletes typically try to enhance performance and reduce fatigue, and certain plants may offer performance-enhancing and recovery-accelerating benefits, as well as other health benefits. Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann is a species that is commonly used as a herbal medicine, mainly because of its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of F. chica on physical performance parameters has not yet been investigated, though there is evidence that this species can act in this sense. Purpose: This study investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of F. chica leaves on physical performance parameters in Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: The animals were treated during 28-days with and without continuous swimming exercise, with an aqueous dried extract from F chica leaves administered via gavage. Doses of 15 or 30 mg/kg of F. chica extract were compared with the negative control (no treatment) or 5 mg/kg of caffeine (positive control). Biochemical and hematological blood markers were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Results: In the forced swim test, there was an increase in swimming time in the groups that consumed the F. chica extract at doses of 15 or 30 mg/kg of weight. Lactate and creatine kinase values were reduced in the group that consumed F. chica at 30 mg/kg (p≤0.05) and 15 mg/kg for the exercise group (p≤0.05), when compared to the other groups investigated. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of F. chica leaves influences the aerobic performance parameters and markers of fatigue in rats. This is the first study to report the ergogenic effect of F. chica extract, which can be explored in the development of products to increase the physical performance of athletes.