Punica Granatum Juice Effects on Oxidative Stress in Severe Physical Activity

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate Punica granatum juice effects on oxidative stress in young healthy males during severe physical activity. METHODS: Our subjects were selected from healthy males at 18 - 24 years. They were enrolled and randomly distributed into control and supplemented groups. 240 ml of Punica granatum juice and tap water were given to supplement and control groups daily for two weeks, respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken at the starting and the end of two weeks of intervention. Subjects were given once severe physical activity and then fasting blood samples were taken. Fasting blood samples were used for testing of oxidative and antioxidative factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, paired samples t-test, and independent samples t-test. RESULTS: The levels of arylesterase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity after severe physical activity in supplement group were significantly increased (p<0.05), while the content of malondialdehyde showed a significantly decrease in comparison to control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that regular intake of Punica granatum juice significantly modulates oxidative stress and thus protects against severe physical activity oxidative injury in young healthy males.