Abstract

Aims: The antioxidant effects of Magnolia officinalis along with endurance training have not been studied so far. In the present study, the antioxidant effects of crude extract of Magnolia officinalis along with endurance training have been investigated on the antioxidant marker levels of brain and liver tissues in male rats. Methods: Twenty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as control (saline), training, Magnolia, and Magnolia-training. Training groups underwent an endurance training program for 8 weeks. Rats in training and saline groups received 2 ml crude Magnolia extract orally for 4 weeks. 72 hours after the last training session, plasma samples and tissues were collected for the catalase and MDA measurements. Data were analyzed using t test and Mann-Whitney test at α≤0.05. Results: Plasma catalase activity in Magnolia group was shown to be significantly higher (p≤0.002) than saline group. Training as well as Magnolia extract results in significant differences (p≤0.05 and p≤ 0.007) in the activity of liver catalase. However, liver MDA changes were only significant in Magnolia group compared to saline group (p≤0.013). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the behavior of plasma and tissue catalase and MDA are different in response to Magnolia and training. It is also shown that catalase activity is intensified by Magnolia extract. Magnolia extract seems to be more effective on liver in comparison with plasma and hypothalamus.