title: Herbs and natural supplements in the prevention and treatment of delayed-onset muscle soreness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Unaccustomed and intense eccentric exercise is a common cause of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). There are multiple remedies for the treatment of DOMS, but its clinical and laboratory pieces of evidence are scarce. Currently, the treatments proposed for DOMS are numerous and include pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, stretching, massage, nutritional supplements, and other alternatives. To find a holistic treatment with effective pain relief and minimum side effects, complementary and alternative medicine, including herbal therapies, plays a main role.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, the existing published studies investigating the efficacy of herbal and natural supplementation therapies for the prevention or treatment of side effects, symptoms, and signs of DOMS are summarized.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Previous studies have documented the efficacy of herbal therapies to treat pain, inflammation, as well as laboratory and clinical side effects of DOMS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of herbs in DOMS seems safer and has lower side effects than pharmacotherapy. However, the potential for side effects and drug interactions should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
authors.forename: Abbas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meamarbashi
keywords: Delayed onset muscle soreness; Herbs; Natural products