Full Length Research Paper

Morinda officinalis How enhances exercise endurance and possesses protective effects against oxidative stress of the rats after exercise

Zhang Dao-rong¹*, Wan Yu¹, Zu Jing¹, Zhan Jian-guo², Li Lei¹ and Bai Jian-qing¹

¹College of physical education, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, 223300, China.

²Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: zdredu@sina.cn. Tel: +86 0517 83525726.

Fax: +86 0517 83525680.

Accepted 23 July, 2010

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Morinda officinalis How (RMO) on exercise endurance capacity and exercise-related changes in lipid peroxidation. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were taken in the study, and the animals were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) including one control group and three RMO administered groups (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight). The RMO extracts were administered every day orally using intragastric tube for 30 days. Forced swimming test was performed with a weight corresponding to 3% body weight attached to the tail. Forced swimming time and biochemical parameters were measured. The result indicated RMO could enhance exercise endurance and possessed protective effects against oxidative stress of the rats after exercise. The study also revealed that RMO elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations, suggesting that RMO were able to up-regulate antioxidant enzymes to protect against oxidative stress-induced injury after exercise. In addition, RMO also possessed the ability to retard and lower the blood lactate produced after exercise.

Key words: Morinda officinalis How, endurance capacity, lipid peroxidation, exercise.