Research Progress on the Mechanisms and Applications of Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Intervention of Exercise-Induced Fatigue

Weisheng Liu

doi:10.54097/021mrq32

Authors

Weisheng Liu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/021mrq32

Keywords:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Exercise-induced Fatigue, Multi-target Mechanism, Lactate Shuttle, Oxidative Stress, Application Progress

Abstract

High-intensity or prolonged exercise training easily leads to exercise-induced fatigue, thereby affecting sports performance and increasing the risk of skeletal muscle injury and immunosuppression. In recent years, with the cross-integration of sports pharmacology and natural product chemistry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique clinical advantages in promoting recovery from exercise fatigue due to its "holistic regulation" characteristics, which involve multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. This article systematically reviews the core mechanisms by which the active ingredients of TCM intervene in exercise-induced fatigue, exploring their molecular pathways in targeting oxidative stress, regulating the immune microenvironment, accelerating the clearance of metabolic waste, and modulating central neurotransmitters. Furthermore, this review evaluates the current application status of single Chinese herbs and classic compound formulas in sports medicine, and prospectively discusses the scientific barriers and methodological limitations in current research. This aims to provide rigorous evidence-based medical support for the development of novel, natural anti-fatigue sports supplements.

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