Evaluation of Pine Bark Extract for Anti-fatigue Ergogenic Properties

Evaluation of Pine Bark Extract for Anti-fatigue Ergogenic Properties

This research proposal aims to elucidate the physiological responses to pine bark extract supplementation during a single bout of high-intensity cycling exercise at 70% VO₂max and the subsequent recovery phase. Specifically, the study seeks to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which pine bark extract modulates exercise-induced fatigue and metabolic fitness, and to determine whether such supplementation may enhance endurance performance in the post-recovery period.

The primary active component of natural pine bark extract (PBE) is proanthocyanidins, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial function-enhancing properties. These attributes suggest its potential as an ergogenic aid to improve exercise performance. In this study, 14 healthy participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 300 mg/day of PBE or a placebo for 4 consecutive days. Following supplementation, participants will consume a low-calorie meal (300 kcal) accompanied by either the placebo or PBE and rest for one hour. One hour after capsule ingestion, participants will perform a 60-minute cycling exercise at 70% VO₂max. Upon completion of the exercise challenge, they will consume a post-exercise meal adjusted to body weight. After a 3-hour recovery period, subjects will undergo an anaerobic power test followed by an endurance test at 75% VO₂max to volitional exhaustion. Gas exchange and blood samples will be collected at multiple time points: pre- and post-initial cycling session, during the recovery phase, and following the exhaustive endurance test. Gas samples will be analyzed to determine rates of fat and carbohydrate oxidation. Blood biomarkers will be assessed for glucose, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid (UA).

Inclusion Criteria:

• A minimum of three years of regular exercise habits.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have smoking and drinking habits.
• People who feel unwell due to other reasons during the experiment.
• Individuals with respiratory disorders.
• Severe lower limb musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.