Supplementation with a bioactive melon concentrate in humans and animals: prevention of oxidative damages and fatigue in the context of a moderate or eccentric physical activity

Abstract Background: Physical activity is recognized to provide both physical and psychological health benefits. However, oxidative stress can occur in case of poor adaptation to effort and reduce training effectiveness inducing muscular and joint damages. SOD B® M is a melon concentrate, well known to counteract oxidative stress and prevent its side effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of the melon concentrate in the context of both a strong and isolated effort associated with deleterious effects, and a moderate and regular physical activity considered as beneficial. Methods: First, a preclinical study was set up on Sprague Dawley rats to evaluate the effect of the melon concentrate on the prevention of damages induced by an eccentric exercise. Secondly, the combined effect of the melon concentrate and a regular standardized physical training was studied on the overall physical condition of healthy subjects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Repeated measures ANOVA, student’s t test and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analyses. Results: Melon concentrate helped to prevent gastrocnemius damages induced by the eccentric exercise. It allowed a reduction of fibrosis by approximately 38 % and a reduction of TNF-α plasma level by 28 %. This supplementation also induced a rearrangement of myosin fibers and an increase in PGC-1α plasma level. In the clinical study, melon concentrate was able to decrease oxidative stress and CRP plasma level. Besides, magnesium (Mg) plasma level was higher in the context of a regular training performed by healthy subjects supplemented with the melon concentrate. Conclusions: Melon concentrate was able to prevent damages generated during an eccentric exercise. It also allowed a better adaptation to effort linked to PGC-1α activation: a regulator of energy metabolism. The antioxidant properties of the melon concentrate and its ability to mobilize Mg also suggest that the supplementation could induce a better endurance and resistance to fatigue during regular physical activity.