Metabolic effects of wild bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia) supplementation in athletes: A metabolomics perspective
Chin Hsu Department of Exercise Health Science, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung, Taiwan
Wild bitter gourd ((Momordica charantia, BG) is a common tropical vegetable. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of BG have been reported. It has been shown that BG increased O2 consumption and mRNA expression of genes related to mitochondria biogenesis and energy metabolism in mice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the metabolic effect of BG in the middle- and long-distance runners by using a metabolomics approach and to elucidate the potential of being a kind of ergogenic aid. Using a randomized and double-blinded trial, we provided the capsules of bitter gourd powder (BGP) or placebo for the middle- and long-distance runners for two weeks. We analyzed the body composition, endurance exercise performance, respiration and blood samples in the beginning and the end of supplementation. According to the LCMS metabolomics data, we found the dipeptides contents in the serum samples were higher in the BGP group. The long-chain acylcarnitines, steroids, phosphatidylserine, and oxidized lipids were lower. It indicated the efficiency of energy provision from each energy nutrient was increased, and the accumulation of oxidized products were decreased through the bitter gourd supplement. Although the exercise performance and body composition were not changed, this study provided tentative evidence of promoting energy utilization of the wild bitter gourd in the athletes.
Key words: bitter gourd, metabolomics, runners, energy efficiency
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