Repressed Exercise-Induced Hepcidin Levels after Danggui Buxue Tang Supplementation in Male Recreational Runners

Abstract

This study was to investigate the protective and recovery effects of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) supplementation on exercise performance, hepcidin, iron status, and other related biochemical parameters after being challenged by a single bout of intense aerobic exercise. A total of 36 recreationally active males were pair-matched and randomly assigned to receive DBT or a placebo for 11 days, while using clusters based on their aerobic capacities. On the eighth day of the supplementation, the participants performed a 13-km run with maximal effort. Blood and urine samples were collected and analysed before treatment (Pre-Tre) and immediately after (Post-Ex), 24 h after (24-h Rec), and 72 h after (72-h Rec) the run. DBT supplementation dramatically shortened the finish times by 14.0% (12.3 min) when compared with that in the placebo group. Significant group × time effects were observed in serum hepcidin and iron levels. DBT supplementation repressed hepcidin levels at Post-Ex and 24-h Rec, thereby causing a significant increase in iron levels by 63.3% and 31.4% at Post-Ex and 72-h Rec, respectively. However, DBT supplementation had no significant anti-inflammatory or haemolysis-preventative effects. Short-term DBT supplementation shortened the running time and repressed exercise-induced hepcidin levels, thereby boosting iron levels and accelerating iron homeostasis during recovery.

Keywords: Angelica sinensis; Astragalus membranaceus; exercise performance; iron deficiency; sports nutrition; traditional Chinese medicine.

Figure 1

Flowchart of participant enrollment, allocation, and treatment.

Figure 2

The chromatogram of DBT analysed using (a) HPLC-ELSD and (b) HPLC-PDA. ¹ astragaloside IV, ² ferulic acid, ³ ligustilide, ⁴ n-butylidenephthalide.

Figure 3

Relationship between VO₂max and finish time in each group as analysed using Spearman’s correlation (r = −0.925, p < 0.001, slope = −1.203 in control group; r = −0.649, p < 0.05, slope = −0.682 in DBT group).

Figure 4

Changes in serum levels of (a) hepcidin, (b) iron, (c) ferritin, and (d) haptoglobin. ^† Significant group × time effect (p < 0.05) analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. ^# p = 0.050, * p < 0.050, ** p < 0.010, *** p < 0.001 as compared with Pre-Tre in each independent group using paired t-test.

Figure 5

Changes in serum levels of (a) malondialdehyde (MDA), (b) superoxide dismutase (SOD), (c) catalase (CAT), and plasma levels of (d) glutathione peroxidase (GPx). ^† Significant group × time effect (p < 0.05) analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. * p < 0.050, ** p < 0.010, *** p < 0.001 as compared with Pre-Tre in each independent group using paired t-test.