Study aim: To determine the effects of mint extract on muscle pain and blood lactate levels after a 400-m run.

Material and methods: A group of 16 physical education students (mean age 21.81 ± 2.13 years) volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned into 3 groups: mint, placebo or control. The mint group was given orally mint extract (5 ml/kg of body mass) and the placebo group was given unsweetened tea (5 ml/kg) in a double-blind fashion and cross-over design one hour before a 400-m running test. Subjects in the control group remained untreated. The effect of mint extract on muscle pain was recorded by an inquiry; blood lactate levels were measured after the running test.

Results: Oral administration of mint extract significantly (p<0.01) decreased blood lactate concentrations but muscle pain levels remained unchanged in all groups.

Conclusions: Oral administration of mint extract may have a beneficial effect on blood lactate clearance and therefore may increase athletic performance.