Determination of Oxidative Stress Levels and Some Antioxidant Activities in Muaythai Athletes Using Turmeric Extract

Objectives: This study examined the effects of turmeric extract supplementation on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense parameters in Muaythai athletes and sedentary individu-als. Methods: Forty-four healthy men aged 18–25 years were assigned to four groups (n = 11 each): Muaythai control, Muaythai plus turmeric, sedentary control, and sedentary plus turmeric. The supplementation groups received 400 mg of turmeric extract daily for 28 days, while the athlete groups followed a structured training program. A three-day rest period was implemented before blood sampling to minimize the effects of acute exercise. Venous blood samples were collected on days 1 and 28. Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured spectrophotometrically. Data were analyzed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: At baseline, athletes had significantly lower MDA levels and higher CAT and GSH levels than sedentary participants (p < 0.05). After 28 days, MDA decreased (p = 0.021) and GSH increased (p = 0.006) in the Muaythai plus turmeric group, whereas the change in CAT was not significant (p = 0.233). In the sedentary plus turmeric group, MDA decreased and CAT increased (both p = 0.001), with no significant change in GSH (p = 0.424). Neither control group showed significant changes. Conclusions: Turmeric extract supplementation was associat-ed with favorable changes in selected oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in Muay-thai athletes and sedentary individuals.