# Artepillin C-rich propolis extract supplementation promotes muscle recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage in resistance-trained young females: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

## TL;DR

A propolis extract with artepillin C helps young female athletes recover faster from muscle damage caused by intense exercise.

## Contribution

This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial showing propolis extract's effectiveness in promoting muscle recovery in trained females.

## Key findings

- EPP-AF reduced muscle soreness and improved recovery of muscle function after exercise-induced damage.
- EPP-AF mitigated increases in muscle thickness and ultrasound echo intensity compared to placebo.
- Participants taking EPP-AF showed faster recovery of maximal voluntary isokinetic torque.

## Abstract

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results from intense or unaccustomed exercise, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced muscle function due to excessive reactive oxygen species. Propolis, a natural bee-derived substance rich in bioactive coumpounds such as artepillin-c, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential to mitigate EIMD. This study investigated the effect of a standardized Brazilian green propolis extract (EPP-AF) on recovery from EIMD, which is characterized by muscle soreness, reduced function, and lower muscle quality.

Twenty-two trained female participants were randomly assigned to consume eight capsules of EPP-AF (containing approximately 54 mg artepillin C) or a placebo (PLA) for seven days. On day four, participants performed 10 sets of 10 maximal eccentric contractions of the knee extensor muscles. Maximal voluntary isokinetic torque (MVIT), muscle thickness (MT), muscle ultrasound echo intensity (EI), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed before and at 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-EIMD.

The EIMD protocol significantly increased MT (p = 0.031), EI (p = 0.013), and DOMS (p < 0.001) while reducing MVIT (p < 0.001). Compared to placebo, EPP-AF supplementation attenuated DOMS (p < 0.001), mitigated increases in MT (p = 0.025) and EI (p = 0.043), and accelerated MVIT recovery (p = 0.037) in the days following days of eccentric exercise compared to placebo.

EPP-AF may alleviate the symptoms and attenuate markers of muscle damage in the knee extensor muscles of resistance-trained females. These findings highlight the potential of propolis as a natural intervention to enhance recovery from EIMD.