Blueberries extract supplementation improves physical performance and decreases oxidative stress in mice

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of blueberry extracts (BBE) supplementation on physical performance and exercise-induced oxidative stress. 40 male Swiss mice were randomly divided into four groups (three BBE supplementation groups and one control group). The control group was gavaged with distilled water and BBE supplementation groups were gavaged with BBE (1, 2 and 4 ml respectively). After 21 days, forced swimming test was performed and the result shows that BBE supplementation could extend the swimming time to exhaustion of the mice, decreasing the blood lactic acid and MDA levels, while increasing SOD, CAT and GPX activities. It was concluded that BBE supplementation improves physical performance (swimming time) and decreases oxidative stress.

Key words: Blueberries extract, physical performance, oxidative stress, mice.