Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of HIIT in Individuals with Long COVID: Insights into the Potential Role of Triphala

Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. While high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and supplementation with antioxidants such as <i>Triphala</i> have demonstrated individual therapeutic benefits, their combined effects remain unclear. This study aimed primarily to evaluate the effects of an 8-week HIIT program on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and exercise-related symptoms in individuals with long COVID, and secondarily to explore whether <i>Triphala</i> supplementation provided additional benefits. A total of 104 participants (aged 18-59 years) were randomized into three groups-control (placebo), HIIT (cycling for 28 min/day, 3 days/week), and combined (HIIT + <i>Triphala</i>, 1000 mg/day)-for 8 weeks. The biomarkers assessed included interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Following the intervention, significant reductions in IFN-γ, TNF-α, MDA, protein carbonyls, and rating of perceived exertion were observed in both the HIIT and combined groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with no significant differences between the two. SOD activity significantly increased in all groups, including the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with no between-group differences. An 8-week HIIT program appears to be effective in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and dyspnea in individuals with long COVID. <i>Triphala</i> supplementation did not provide any additional statistically significant benefit but was safe and well tolerated.