No ergogenic effects of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) during graded maximal aerobic exercise.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of chronic supplementation with two different dosages of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer on physiologic and psychological responses during graded maximal aerobic exercise.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Thirty-six healthy men consuming an otherwise supplement-free diet who maintained their usual activity level.


METHODS
A standardized P ginseng C.A. Meyer concentrate (G115) was added to the normal diet of study participants at a dosage level of either 200 or 400 mg/day, where 100 mg of the preparation is equivalent to 500 mg P gingseng root.


METHODS
Submaximal and maximal aerobic exercise responses before and after an 8-week trial intervention.


METHODS
Analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Thirty-one subjects completed the study. Supplementation with ginseng had no effect on the following physiologic and psychological parameters: oxygen consumption (mL/kg per minute), respiratory exchange ratio, minute ventilation (L/min), blood lactic acid concentration (mmol/L), heart rate (beats/min), and perceived exertion (P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data in healthy men do not offer support for claims that P ginseng C.A. Meyer is an ergogenic aid to improve submaximal and maximal aerobic exercise performance.
Engels
H J
HJ
Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation-Exercise Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Wirth
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D005894:Panax; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000187:drug effects; D010809:Physical Fitness; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000187:drug effects; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects
D010936:Plant Extracts; D019344:Lactic Acid