Proprietary Lychee Extract Reduced Exercise-Induced Inflammation

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in various plants, and a new study suggests that a lychee fruit polyphenol extract may inhibit inflammation caused during exercise. The results have been published in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice.

Researchers assigned 19 healthy, sedentary men to water with 100 mg of Oligonol (a proprietary lychee fruit polyphenol extract) or placebo twice daily for four weeks. Levels of inflammation markers (cortisol, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6) were assessed. After four weeks of supplementation, subjects were assigned to 60 minutes of running. Inflammation markers from before supplementation, during supplementation, and after exercise were then compared.

Levels of the three inflammation markers remained level before and during supplementation. After exercise, however, each marker drastically increased.

Post-exercise levels of cortisol, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were all significantly lower for the Oligonol group compared to the placebo group, indicating that the supplementation may have reduced these inflammation markers.

“Although a number of studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Oligonol, this is the first published trial in humans that confirms an important role for Oligonol as an anti-inflammatory agent,” said Dr. Dan Kenner, a leading writer and consultant in alternative health care.

Oligonol is registered by FDA as a New Dietary Ingredient (NDI). The ingredient is supplied by Maypro Industries Inc. (Purchase, NY).