Anti-fatigue and ergogenic effect of rourea coccinea schum. and thonn. (connaraceae) ethanolic extract in rats

Plants are recognized today as natural medicinal sources and some are used as ergogenic aids because of their antioxidant properties. Rourea coccinea is one of the most widely used plants in African traditional medicine. Studies have demonstrated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of supplementation of R. coccinea ethanolic extract on anti-fatigue and ergogenic functions following intense endurance exercise. Male Wistar rats divided into three groups (n = 10) were given distilled water, ethanolic extract of R. coccinea (Rc) at 400 mg/kg (Rc-400) and 800 mg/kg (Rc-800) per day orally for 16 days. The effects on physical performance and anti-fatigue of the extract were evaluated after physical tests by measuring the time of swimming until exhaustion, and the level of biomarkers associated with fatigue such as blood glucose, blood lipids, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). The results showed that the 400 and 800 mg/kg extract significantly increased swimming time compared to the control group. Rats in the extract treated groups showed a decrease in the level of AST, ALT and CK after physical activity compared to the control group. Blood glucose was significantly increased with the treated groups. In lipid profile, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL levels were not significantly altered in Rc treated groups; however, Rc extract decreased the LDL level significantly. Overall, these results suggest that the ethanolic extract of R. coccinea possesses anti-fatigue effects and increases physical performance in rats. Therefore, supplementation of R. coccinea may be beneficial for improving physical performance and combating muscle fatigue.