A review of the effects of medicinal plants on exercise and physical health factors in athletes

Background: Medicinal plants have long been considered and have a long history, especially in eastern countries. Today, some of these herbs are used as sports supplements and studies have been carried out on the effects of some of these herbs on the general health and some of the functional factors of athletes and non-athletes. Some studies have confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and regulatory effects the herbs have on body metabolism; due to the intentional and scientific use of these herbs, as well as the greater partial efficacy of some of these herbs along with exercise. Methods: In this review paper, the effects of some of these supplements and herbal remedies (Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum verum, Camellia sinensis, Zingiber officinale, Crocus sativus, and Allium sativum) on the general health and fitness of athletes and non-athletes have been studied by using dozens of papers as well as credible sources. Results: After searching, screening, and qualitative evaluation of the studies, at the end of the final synthesis, 88 articles were performed. Most of these studies have confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of these herbs, and have also emphasized that paired with exercise these herbs have a greater efficacy. Conclusion: Different studies have been done on the effects of herbal remedies with exercise. However, in most of these studies the protocols of exercise and physical activity were not based on specific principles and, more importantly, the dosage of these herbal remedies in human samples was the same for different individuals and not based on body weight or time and type of exercise.