The combination of exercise training and Zataria multiflora supplementation increase serum irisin levels in postmenopausal women

<p><strong>Background:</strong> We examined the effect of antioxidant supplementation and exercise on irisin within postmenopausal women.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> Forty-eight participants (age: 55.7 ± 4.9 years; weight: 68.0 ± 6.3 kg; BMI 27.0 ± 2.7; mean ± SD) were randomized into four groups for the eight week intervention: control group (CG; <em>n</em> = 12), resistance training group (RTG; <em>n</em> = 12), supplementation with <i>Zataria multiflora</i> group (ZG; <em>n</em> = 12), or supplementation with Z. multiflora and resistance training group (ZRTG; <em>n</em> = 12). RTG and ZRTG performed circuit resistance training, and both ZG and ZRTG consumed 500 mg of <i>Z. multiflora</i>every day during the intervention. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the intervention.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> There was a significant difference in irisin at post-training, with greater levels in ZRTG compared to CG. A significant increase was noted for irisin at post-training compared to pre-training for ZG, RTG, and ZRTG. Moreover, we identified a significant decrease in malondialdehyde in the RTG and ZRTG groups and increase in glutathione in the ZG, RTG, and ZRTG groups when compared to CG.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> These findings showed that exercise, <i>Z. multiflora</i> supplementation or their combination led to an increase in irisin.</p>