Dietary phytochemical supplementation may improve muscle recovery from exercise. In this study, we investigated the effect of mate tea (MT) consumption -a phenol-rich beverage -on muscle strength and oxidative stress biomarkers after eccentric exercise. In a randomised, crossover design, twelve men were assigned to drink either MT or water (control; CON) for 11 d. On the 8th day, subjects performed three sets of twenty maximal eccentric elbow flexion exercises. Maximal isometric elbow flexion force was measured before and at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise. Blood samples were obtained before and at 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise and analysed for total phenolics, GSH, GSSG, GSH:GSSG ratio and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH). After eccentric exercise, muscle strength was significantly reduced over time, regardless of treatments. However, MT improved the rate of strength recovery by 8·6 % on the 1st day after exercise (P < 0·05). Plasma concentration of total phenolic compounds was higher in MT than in CON at all time points (P < 0·05) but decreased significantly at 72 h after exercise in both trials (P < 0·05). Blood levels of GSH were significantly decreased at 48 and 72 h after exercise in CON (P < 0·05) but did not change over time in MT. No significant changes were observed for GSSG, GSH:GSSG ratio and LOOH levels. MT intake did not influence muscle strength at all time points assessed but hastened the strength recovery over 24 h after exercise. MT also favoured the concentration of blood antioxidant compounds.

Increased superoxide production by phagocytic NADPH oxidase has been associated with inflammatory conditions. Growing evidences suggest that dietary polyphenols may modulate the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits. Herein, we examined whether soluble mate tea (SMT) consumption - a polyphenol-rich beverage - affects the expression of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase protein p47 and/or circulating biomarkers of inflammation and antioxidant biomarkers in humans. In a two-phase study, nine men were requested to drink water (control) for 8 d and then follow a second 8-d period drinking SMT. Blood samples were analysed for p47 protein in CD16/CD14 cells, interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, total phenols, and reduced and oxidised glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively) after each study phase. After SMT intake, CD16/CD14 cells' p47 protein and serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly attenuated (P < .05) while plasma phenolic compounds and blood GSH:GSSG ratio were significantly enhanced (P < .05). Consumption of SMT favourably affected leukocytes' p47 expression and inflammatory cytokine and antioxidants levels in peripheral blood, which may help decrease oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation.

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