Abstract

Background and Aim: The effect of prolonged and intense endurance exercise, and the effect of cinnamon in secretion and function of male sex hormones are controversial subjects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of intense endurance training and the consumption of cinnamon powder on the levels of male sex hormones in young trained cyclists. Methods: Sixteen elite cyclists aged 17 to 23 years participated in this study. The subjects were randomized to one of two equal groups: training (T, n=8) and training with cinnamon powder (TC, n=8). The TC group were given 5 mg/kg/day cinnamon powder, along with three main meals. The T group received an equivalent amount of placebo at the same time. Subjects in both groups cycled 80?120 km per day (75-85 maximum heart rate). Subjects trained 6 times per a week for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected 24 h before and 24 h after the intervention. Serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH were measured by ELISA kits. The independent t-test was used to assess differences between the two groups. All analyzes were performed using SPSS-19 software. Results: There was a significant increase in the concentration of testosterone hormones (p=0.001), LH (p=0.036) and FSH (p=0.018) in the training group (T) compared with the cinnamon powder (TC) group. Conclusion: Consumption of cinnamon in male athletes with Long-term endurance training can increase sex hormones. So cinnamon can recommend for prevention reduction in sex hormones after intense endurance exercises.