Turmeric Extract and Oxidative Stress in Muaythai Athletes and Sedentary Men

This study examined whether taking turmeric extract for 28 days affects oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in healthy men who practice Muaythai and men who do not exercise regularly. Oxidative stress occurs when reactive molecules exceed the body\'s protective defenses and can damage cells. The study included 44 healthy men aged 18-25 years in four groups of 11: Muaythai athletes without supplementation, Muaythai athletes taking turmeric extract, men who did not exercise regularly and received no supplementation, and men who did not exercise regularly and took turmeric extract. Participants were first categorized as Muaythai athletes or sedentary individuals according to their physical activity status. Within each category, participants were randomly allocated to the turmeric supplementation group or the control group using a lottery method. The supplementation groups received 400 mg of turmeric extract daily for 28 days. The athlete groups followed a structured Muaythai training program. Blood samples were collected on Day 1 and Day 28 to measure malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, and catalase and reduced glutathione, which are involved in the body\'s antioxidant defenses. Changes over time were evaluated within and between groups.