Exploring effects of a natural combination medicine on exercise-induced inflammatory immune response: A double-blind RCT

Traumeel (Tr14) is a natural, combination drug, which has been shown to modulate inflammation at the cytokine level. This study aimed to investigate potential effects of Tr14 on the exercise-induced immune response. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy, untrained male subjects received either Tr14 (n=40) or placebo (n=40) for 24h after a strenuous experimental exercise trial on a bicycle (60min at 80%VO2max). A range of antigen-stimulated cytokines (in vitro), white blood cell count, lymphocyte activation and apoptosis markers, and indicators of muscle damage were assessed up to 24h following exercise. The area under the curve with respect to the increase (AUC(I)) was compared between both groups. The Tr14 group showed a reduced exercise-induced leukocytosis and neutrocytosis (P<0.01 for both), a higher AUC(I) score of antigen-stimulated IL-1 and IL-1 (absolute and per monocyte, all P<0.05), a lower AUC(I) score of antigen-stimulated GM-CSF (P<0.05) and by trend a lower AUC(I) score of antigen-stimulated IL-2 and IL-4 as well as a higher AUC(I) score of antigen-stimulated IL-6 (all P<0.1). Tr14 might promote differentiated effects on the exercise-induced immune response by (a) decreasing the inflammatory response of the innate immune system; and (b) augmenting the pro-inflammatory cytokine response.