The effect of chamomile extract on antioxidant indices in young female futsal players

Background: Limited research has investigated the use of chamomile as an antioxidant supplement in team sports. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chamomile extract on antioxidant indices in young female futsal players. Methods: ۲۰ young female futsal players (Average age: ۲۲.۰۸ ± ۵.۰۳ years, weight: ۵۴.۴ ± ۸.۶۲ kg, and body mass index: ۲۰.۵۶ ± ۲.۶ kg/m۲) were divided randomly into two groups, experimental group (۱۰ people) and control group (۱۰ people). The experimental group consumed ۱۵۰۰ mg/day of the supplement for one week, while the control group received a placebo. Both groups were nutritionally controlled during this period. After the end of the intervention period, two simultaneous futsal matches were held for two groups (two teams of ۵ players in each match). Anthropometric characteristics were evaluated in resting conditions and biochemical markers were measured before the intervention, immediately after the competition, and ۳۰ minutes after the competition. Data analysis was performed using the repeated measurement variance test. The level of significance was considered at P<۰.۰۵. Results: The results showed a significant increase in SOD levels (P<۰.۰۵) and a significant decrease in CAT levels (P<۰.۰۵) immediately after the competition in the supplement group, but this significance was not seen ۳۰ minutes after the competition. Conclusion: One-week consumption of chamomile improves antioxidant defense in young female futsal players. Conducting studies with long-term follow-up to confirm these findings should be considered.