In a new study from Thailand, researchers have found that combining asparagus extract with high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) may significantly improve cardiovascular and respiratory function in overweight and obese individuals. Published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, the research examined the synergistic effects of Asparagus officinalis extract, rich in a natural compound called 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), when taken alongside a structured HIIT program. The results offer a potentially powerful, non-invasive intervention to reduce the risk of heart disease and respiratory issues in young adults with elevated BMI.
The 12-week clinical trial involved 72 participants aged 18 to 30, each with a body mass index (BMI) above 22.9 kg/m². They were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group, a HIIT-only group, a group that received the asparagus extract alone (AOE), and a group that combined the HIIT program and the extract. The HIIT regimen consisted of three sessions per week, while the AOE group received a daily supplement dose of approximately 1.71 mg/kg of Asparagus officinalis extract. Participants logged their supplement intake via a mobile app, and all subjects were assessed on various metrics before and after the intervention, including heart rate variability (HRV), endothelial function, blood pressure, lung strength, chest expansion, and body composition.
While the asparagus extract alone did not yield significant changes in cardiovascular health, the combination with HIIT led to substantial improvements in heart rate variability, endothelial responsiveness, and respiratory muscle strength. The researchers noted that this pairing appeared to enhance molecular pathways related to protein synthesis, inflammation reduction, and vascular remodelling. Notably, the HIIT + AOE group demonstrated better vasodilation and increased blood flow to tissues compared to the HIIT-only group, suggesting that the extract amplified exercise-related benefits.
Interestingly, although resting blood pressure was significantly reduced only in the HIIT group, the combination group experienced a noticeable decline in blood pressure variability, an important marker for cardiovascular risk. Pulmonary function, particularly related to exhalation and chest wall expansion, also improved most in the combined intervention group.
The findings suggest that integrating Asparagus officinalis extract with a HIIT routine could be a safe and effective strategy for enhancing cardiovascular and respiratory fitness among young obese individuals. Researchers concluded that this dual approach may help prevent future cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. They also called for further studies to investigate the extract’s impact on lipid levels, blood glucose, and inflammation to better understand its full potential.