Medicinal Plants and Oxidative Stress in Athletes. A Review on Antioxidant Compounds
Abstract
High-intensity physical activity can trigger oxidative stress, potentially impairing athletic performance through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. In this context, the present study reviewed current evidence on antioxidant compounds found in Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, Matricaria chamomilla L., and Mentha piperita L. A narrative review was conducted using articles published between 2015 and 2025 from the PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus databases, resulting in the selection of 50 studies. Findings revealed that M. chamomilla and M. piperita offer promising benefits in enhancing antioxidant responses and supporting muscle recovery in humans, largely due to their rich profiles of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. B. dracunculifolia also demonstrated antioxidant potential and glycemic improvements in experimental models, though clinical data in humans remain scarce. Despite the protective role of antioxidants, excessive supplementation may interfere with key physiological adaptations to exercise, such as mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle hypertrophy. This underscores the need for more targeted investigations. Integrating herbal medicine into sports nutrition emerges as a promising approach to mitigate oxidative damage and support athletic performance. However, further clinical research is essential to ensure safe and effective application in athletic settings.
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