Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common and transient musculoskeletal condition characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that typically develops 6 to 24 hours after unaccustomed or intensive physical activity, peaking between 24- and 72-hours post-exercise. DOMS is most frequently associated with eccentric muscle contractions, in which the muscle lengthens under tension, examples resistance training, or sudden increases in exercise intensity or volume.

Methodology: This prospective, open label, comparative case study evaluated and compared the efficacy of immediate release bio-enhanced curcuminoids (Zing 95) -200 mg of 95% Curcuminoid (T) with 500 mg of 95% standard Curcuminoid (C). 24 healthy human volunteer s aged between 21 and 35 years, who engaged in moderate physical activity and experienced muscle soreness following gym-based exercise were randomised into two groups and were followed for 7 days. All participants performed daily gym-based exercises for at least one hour throughout the study period, including treadmill exercise. Muscle pain, tenderness, fatigue, delayed onset muscle soreness, endurance, jump height performance, VO₂ max, and biochemical markers (CK, CRP, LDH) were assessed from baseline (Day 0) to Day 7 using validated scales and performance tests. Changes in muscle swelling, lean body mass, muscle mass, rescue medication use, tolerability, adverse events, and overall satisfaction (5-point Likert scale) were also evaluated to determine efficacy and safety of the intervention.

Results: Muscle pain, tenderness, and DOMS significantly reduced from Day 5 onwards in both the groups, with earlier and better improvements in the Test group, including a significant between-group difference for pain and DOMS by Day 7. Fatigue domains (tiredness, need for rest, energy, weakness, strength) showed earlier and consistent improvement in the Test group. Jump height and power improved significantly in the Test group. CRP, LDH, and CK decreased in the Test group, while showing delayed recovery in the Comparator group, though between-group differences were not significant. Blood parameters for safety assessments remained within normal limits before and after the study. Improvements in Vo2 max and 6 min test were similar in both the groups.