title: No ergogenic effects of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) during graded maximal aerobic exercise.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation-Exercise Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Engels
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wirth
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D019344:Lactic Acid