Sea cucumber phytochemical compounds have the potential to reduce TNF-a levels after exercise

Introduction: Increased levels of TNF-a in the blood after exercise can cause muscle pain. Objective: This study aims to analyze the potential of sea cucumber phytochemical compounds in reducing TNF-a levels after exercise. Methodology: This type of research is experimental research. Subject selection was carried out using the purposive sampling method. Next, the subjects were divided into two groups, namely the treatment group (K1) received sea cucumbers, and the control group (K2) received placebo. Sea cucumber is given in supplementation form at a dose of 500 mg. This study involved 16 healthy guys. The study's participants were between the ages of 20 and 25. Three days were dedicated to data collection, starting with the collection of information on the subjects' characteristics. Subjects were then instructed to warm up. Practice is done afterwards. The exercises carried out include weight training with maximum intensity. 24 hours after exercise, blood was taken for pre-test data to measure TNF-a levels. Then the samples were given placebo intervention and sea cucumber supplements based on their respective groups. 48 hours after exercise, blood was taken for post test data to measure TNF-a levels. Results: The results showed that sea cucumber supplementation after exercise was shown to significantly reduce TNF-α levels in healthy men p<0.05*. Discussion: The anti-inflammatory properties of sea cucumber can have a positive impact in reducing TNF-α levels after exercise. Conclusions: Sea cucumber supplementation at a dose of 500 mg was able to reduce TNF-α levels significantly. We recommend investigating the effect of sea cucumber supplementation on IL-6 levels in the future.