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 24 h after a strenuous experimental exercise trial on a bicycle (60 min 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 24 h following exercise. The area under the curve with respect to the increase (AUCI) was compared between both groups. The Tr14 group showed a reduced exercise‐induced leukocytosis and neutrocytosis (P