A SciTechnol Journal Research Article Bellar et al., J Athl Enhanc 2018, 7:5 DOI: 10.4172/2324-9080.1000304 Journal of Athletic Enhancement All articles published in Journal of Athletic Enhancement are the property of SciTechnol, and is protected by copyright laws. Copyright © 2018, SciTechnol, All Rights Reserved. International Publisher of Science, Technology and Medicine The Effects of a Botanical Blend on Post-Exercise Mucosal Antimicrobial Proteins Bellar D 1 *, Aldret RA 1 and Judge LW 2 Abstract Exercise is a stressor that is known to in some cases suppress antimicrobial protein levels, particularly secretory immunoglobulin type A (IgA). Athletes in the midst of in-season training often demonstrate declining levels of sIgA as well as increased risk for ailments such as upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it is important to investigate natural supplements that may enhance post exercise mucosal immune function. Twenty healthy college- aged males volunteered to participate in the present single blind, repeated measures study. Three treatments were administered (botanical spray, botanical drops, placebo) at the onset of 30 Min of 80% VO 2 max cycle ergometer exercise. Secretory IgA and Human Alpha Defensin were quantifed in saliva samples 30 Min and 90 Min post exercise. Analysis via repeated measures Anova revealed a signifcant treatment effect at 30 min (p=0.030) with post hoc testing revealing a difference between the botanical spray and placebo (p=0.027), but by 90 Min there was no differences by treatment (p=0.758). There was no difference by treatment observed at either 30 or 90 Min for human alpha defensin concentrations. Based upon these preliminary data, it appears that a single dose of the tested botanical blend delivered via mouth spray can increase sIgA, one of the primary anti-microbial proteins in the oral cavity, for a short time post exercise. Keywords Secretory IgA; Human alpha defensing; Aerobic training *Corresponding author: David Bellar Ph. D, Director-School of Kinesiology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA, Tel: (337) 482-6615; Fax: (337) 482- 6278; E-mail: dbellar@louisiana.edu Received: August 13, 2018 Accepted: November 12, 2018 Published: November 19, 2018 Introduction Exercise is a known stressor that has infuence over many diferent physiological systems in the body. Tere is evidence in the literature that long-term training in athletes can negatively afect antimicrobial protein levels in the oral cavity [1]. Furthermore, it has been reported that athletes face a higher incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) compared to more sedentary individuals [2]. Based upon the reports in the literature, it is understood that long-term training for sport performance is a stressor that can both elevate physiological potential for in the athletic arena, but may depress function in other system. Moreira et al. [3] reported that a 2-week detraining period afer a competitive soccer season attenuated secretory IgA (sIgA) suppression and symptomology of URTI due to training. From this study it can be suggested that mucosal immunity can quickly rebound if rest and recovery are allowed for athletic populations. However, with the demands placed upon athletes, reduced mucosal immunity and risk for URTI are likely to remain an issue into the future. It has also been determined by previous research that certain forms of acute athletic performance and exercise have the ability to suppress immunoglobulin secretion in the oral cavity [4-6]. However, most of these exercises are long duration and aerobic, the evidence for the changes in antimicrobial protein with short-term intermittent exercise is less clear with some evidence suggesting no change in immunoglobulin type A [7]. Additionally, Li and Gleeson [8] reported that 60% VO 2 max cycling for 2 hours did not negatively impact sIgA secretion rates. However, MacKinnon and Jenkins [9] had previously reported a decline in sIgA with intense interval exercise (0.075 g * kg -1 ) on a cycle ergometer. Tough there is much study yet needed to fully elucidate the responses of antimicrobial proteins in the saliva with all forms of exercise there is enough evidence that further study is warranted particularly regarding methods to increase antimicrobial protein levels. Additionally, recreational exercisers represent a larger population overall as compared to athletes and are engaged in exercise to beneft health and wellness. If these individual are experiencing reductions in anti-microbial protein levels any potential treatment would be benefcial for a large number of persons. Some botanicals, such as baker’s yeast beta glucan, have been shown to increase sIgA in saliva and help decrease symptoms of cold and fu post exercise [10]. Shiitake mushrooms are another natural food substance that is known to contain beta glucans, which may be benefcial for human health [11]. Shiitake mushrooms have been demonstrated to have anti-oxidant activity post exercise, but no evidence currently exists to examine changes in oral anti-microbial protein levels post exercise [12]. Terefore, the purpose of this initial investigation was to examine the efects of a botanical supplement on secretory immunoglobulin A and alpha defensing levels post-exercise. Methods Te study was a within subjects, repeated measures, single blind, placebo controlled, cross-over design. Afer initial data collection for anthropometrics and maximum aerobic capacity, subjects were randomly assigned an order of treatments. Te treatments consisted of two administration methods of the botanical product and a saline placebo solution. Te subjects engaged in exercise sessions afer the administration of each treatment and saliva samples were taken at 30 minute and 90 Min post exercise to examine antimicrobial protein levels of secretory IgA and human alpha defensing (NHP1-3). Subjects For the study 20 apparently healthy male subjects were recruited to participate (Table 1). Te subjects gave written informed consent prior to initiating the study. Te institutional review board at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette approved the study methods. Initial lab visit On the frst visit the subjects had basic anthropometric information collected, followed by the administration of the Leisure and Physical Activity survey to determine exercise and sedentary habits (Table 2) [13-15]. Height and weight was collected via a standard triple beam