Comparing the effect of aerobic training, origanum vulgare extract supplementation and their combination on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers on male rats

Background: Exercise activity is associated with increased oxidative stress and the use of herbal supplements such as Origanum vulgare extract is proposed as a method for modifying the oxidative response. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of aerobic Training, Origanum vulgare Extract supplementation and their combination on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in male rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats in a randomly were allocated in four equal groups: Origanum vulgare, aerobic training, combined aerobic training with Origanum vulgare and control (3 and 6 month) group. The Training groups trained on a treadmill for 12 weeks and 5 sessions per week. 48 h after the last training session, groups of rats were slaughtered ethically and a blood sample was obtained. MDA, TAC, SOD and CRP levels were measured using by the ELISA method. Analysis of two-way variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were applied for statistical analysis of the data at the significant level of P < 0.05.

Results: The concentrations of SOD in the three experimental groups were significantly higher than control group. Also, the concentrations of MDA and CRP in the three experimental groups were significantly lower than control group. In addition, TAC concentration in the training group was significantly higher than control group. Also, the concentration of CRP in the combined group was significantly lower than that of the training group and Origanum vulgare groups.

Conclusion: It seems that use of supplementation of Origanum vulgare extract with aerobic exercise training alleviates oxidative stress via increasing antioxidant defense and decreasing ROS.