The antioxidant and polyphenol compounds within pomegranate are shown to enhance recovery and decrease oxidative stress, one study found a reduction of the immediate increase of an oxidative stress markers, MDA by over 12% along with an increase in antioxidant responses [2].

Pomegranate extract will prevent the rise of MDA and induce antioxidant defence following from physical exercise which should have the effect of lowering oxidative stress and lowered muscle inflammation [3].

Following the consumption of pomegranate the acute perception of muscle fatigue was reported to be 4.37% lower. This could be explained by reduced inflammation or metabolic by-products of exercise. With lowered fatigue and soreness this could be beneficial for performance in the days after a training session [4].

Black maca extract contains phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants which can provide protection against excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Lactic acid production has been seen to decrease along with decreasing inflammation markers such as IL-6 and TNF-a [5].

Blood ammonia levels were seen to decrease following black maca supplementation. Ammonia can contribute to muscular fatigue by trying to replenish ATP in muscles used during exercise and being a by-product generated when a metabolic process cannot be achieved due to depleted energy [6].

Cordyceps can improve the recovery time of muscular fatigue after high intensity exercise. This may be due to a potential preconditioning affect of utilising a pro-inflammatory stimulus to aid in th recovery of muscle inflammation post workout [8].

It has been shown to increase the total blood haemoglobin, white blood cell and creatine kinanse test [7], this contributes to less muscle damage and faster cell repair following exercise.