Evaluation of the Ergogenic Properties of Hesperetin on Exercise-induced Fatigue

Evaluation of the Ergogenic Properties of Citrus Flavonoid Hesperetin: Investigating Exercise-induced Fatigue, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Muscle Damage Mechanisms, and Judo-specific Performance

Twenty young, healthy, physically active men and women (12~30 years) did a pre-post trial randomized into placebo or HST trials (500 mg/d for two weeks). HST supplementation enhanced endurance judo-specific performance and effectively attenuated exercise-induced fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and muscle damage.

Participants in this study will be assigned identification numbers and randomly allocated to either the hesperetin (Hst) trial or the placebo trial. Seven days before the formal exercise performance test, all participants will undergo a maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) test using a cycle ergometer. The judo simulation consists of four consecutive 4-minute matches, each separated by a 30-minute rest. Participants will supplement with either placebo or Hst (500 mg/day) for 2 weeks. They are required to fast for 12 hours before the test day. On the experimental day, participants consume a light meal (300 kcal) and intake of either the placebo or Hst capsule, then rest for 1 hour. Afterward, participants perform a 15-minute judo-specific warm-up. All participants are required to complete all three matches. To standardize the judo simulation, opponents will be matched so that weight differences do not exceed 10%. Between the 30-minute rest time, blood samples will be collected and judo-specific physical performance will be evaluated. Immediately following the recovery period of the fourth match, the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) will be evaluated. Judo-specific physical performance assessments will include grip strength, Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), and 10-second Wingate test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Judo athletes aged 12 to 30 years with at least 5 years of judo training experience.

Exclusion Criteria:

• All participants must be free from chronic conditions such as heart disease and hypertension, and must not have experienced any serious lower limb musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.