The effect of Oligonol intake on cortisol and related cytokines in healthy young men

This study investigated the effects of Oligonol intake on cortisol, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 concentrations in the serum at rest and after physical exercise loading. Nineteen healthy sedentary male volunteers participated in this study. The physical characteristics of the subjects were: a mean height of 174.2 ± 2.7 cm, a mean weight of 74.8 ± 3.6 kg and a mean age of 22.8 ± 1.3 years. Each subject received 0.5 L water with Oligonol (100 mg/day) (n = 10) or a placebo (n = 9) daily for four weeks. The body composition, the white blood cell (WBC) and differential counts as well as the serum cortisol, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations were measured before and after Oligonol intake. The cortisol concentration and serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 after Oligonol intake were significantly decreased compared to before treatment (P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the rate of increase of these factors after exercise was decreased compared to the placebo group. There was no change in the WBC and differential cell counts. These results suggest that oral Oligonol intake for four weeks had a significant effect on inhibition of inflammatory markers in healthy young men.