The effects of pomegranate supplementation on markers of exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

چکیده مقاله

Background Pomegranate supplementation has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, with some evidence suggesting it may accelerate recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), including metabolic, mechanical, and neuromuscular recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of pomegranate supplementation on markers of EIMD. Methods A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to January 2024 identified studies evaluating pomegranate supplementation and exercise recovery. Studies involving athletes and non-athletes aged 18–55 were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated for EIMD markers. Study quality was assessed using a modified PEDro scale. This review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024536905). Results Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pomegranate supplementation did not significantly affect markers of metabolic recovery, including myoglobin [WMD=-1.344 ng/mL, 95% CI: -4.11 to 1.42, p=0.342] and creatine kinase [WMD=-11.990 U/L, 95% CI: -28.64 to 4.66, p=0.158], or neuromuscular recovery, as indicated by lactate levels [WMD=-0.093 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.39 to 0.21, p=0.546]. Muscle soreness also remained unchanged [WMD=0.999, 95% CI: -0.18 to 2.17, p=0.097]. However, a significant reduction in lactate dehydrogenase levels [WMD=-21.152 U/L, 95% CI: -39.29 to -3.01, p=0.022] immediately post-exercise suggests a short-term protective effect against mechanical muscle damage. Conclusions Pomegranate supplementation does not appear to enhance overall recovery markers for EIMD but may offer short-term benefits for mechanical muscle damage. Standardizing supplementation regimens, dosages, and exercise protocols is crucial to better understand the potential benefits of pomegranate supplementation in EIMD recovery.