Antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of Sarcocephalus latifolius roots and effects on sports performance in rats

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Sarcocephalus latifolius root extracts and their effects on sports performance in rats. A total of 15 male Wistar rats were used and divided into 3 groups. The GrpEDSE and GrpED+Entr groups were each subjected to 7mL/kg distilled water by body weight, and then the GrpSL+Entr group was treated with 300mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius roots. Rats belonging to GrpED+Entr, GrpSL+Entr groups were subjected to swimming for fifteen days. Twenty-four hours after the last training session, the evaluation was done. The results revealed that the studied plant has an antioxidant property with a value of 405.97±2.39 mmol EAA/mg. Then, the training induced a significant increase (p˂0.001) in swimming performance in treated rats belonging to GrpSL+Entr groups with a running time of 321.214±22.09 min. These extracts of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves represent natural antioxidants and would thus participate in the improvement of performance in athletes.