Effects of a Polyherbal Supplement on the Signs and Symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

The Effects of a Polyherbal Supplement on the Signs and Symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: a 2-arm, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Design Study

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study in healthy subjects to determine the effects of a polyherbal supplement on the signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by eccentric exercise of the arm.

Approximately 30 subjects will be enrolled. The study includes a 19-day treatment period and a minimum 7-day washout period in which no test product is administered. Subjects will then crossover to a second 19-day treatment period to complete the study. Subjects receive test product (polyherbal capsule or placebo capsule) daily during the treatment periods. Two exercise test sessions followed up to 5 days will occur during the study using a modified seated arm-curl bench. Muscle strength is assessed on each day of the 5-day exercise test period. Safety is assessed during the study by collecting adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data (serum hematology and chemistry), and vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, temperature).

Inclusion Criteria:

• ≥ 18 years of age
• be in good general health without clinically significant disease, as determined by medical history, physical examination, and urine drug screens
• body mass index (BMI) ≥ 18 and ≤ 30 kg/m2
• females of child bearing potential must agree to use appropriate birth control methods during the entire study period
• agree not to initiate any new exercise or diet programs during the entire study period
• agree not to change their current diet or exercise program during the entire study period
• understand the study procedures and sign the forms providing informed consent to participate in the study, and authorize the release of relevant protected health information of the study investigator
• agree not to stretch, utilize ice massage, take anti-inflammatory medications (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen), or use any other treatment for the duration of the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous history of upper extremity injury or pain
• use of anti-inflammatory medications or pain medications beginning at the screening visit and during the study
• daily use of dietary supplements and herbal supplements beginning at the screening visit and during the study
• use of any immunosuppressive drugs or biologic products in the last 12 months (including steroids [except for inhaled and topical dose forms]);
• antibiotic use, anticoagulants, intra-articular steroids in past 3 months
• any significant GI condition that would potentially interfere with the evaluation of the study product including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's), history of lap band surgery, history of perforation of the stomach or intestines, or gastroparesis
• clinically significant renal, hepatic and biliary, endocrine (including diabetes mellitus), cardiac, pulmonary, pancreatic, neurologic (particularly balance or neuropathy problems), hematologic disorder, or significant mental health disorder
• known allergy or sensitivity to herbal ingredients in the test products, olive oil, or soy
• history or presence of cancer in the last 5 years (except basal cell carcinoma of skin or in-situ cervical cancer)
• recent history of (within 2 years) or strong potential for alcohol or substance abuse
• participation in a clinical study with exposure to any non-registered drug product within 30 days prior to this study
• report use of tobacco or products containing nicotine
• individual has a condition the Investigator believes would interfere with his or her ability to provide informed consent, comply with the study protocol, which might confound the interpretation of the study results or put the person at undue risk, including subjects who are bed or wheelchair-bound or those who have any physical disability which could interfere with their ability to perform the exercise assessments included in this protocol.