Immunopharmacology of the main herbal supplements: a review.
It is debated whether the use of herbal supplements in endurance sports, in order to have a better performance, is correct or not, from the perspective of both as safety and as effectiveness. In this review we try to find out if the most common herbal supplements (Echinacea, Rhodiola, Ginseng) are effective in the improvement of performance or in the modulation of the immune system. According to the results of our review, the prevalent effect is adaptogenic rather than ergogenic, with a better tolerance of the exercise induced stress, related to enhancement of the whole immune system and decrease of the oxidative damage.
Angelo P
AP
Amico
Annamaria
A
Terlizzi
Sabino
S
Damiani
Maurizio
M
Ranieri
Marisa
M
Megna
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Neuroscience and Sense Organs Department, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. paolo-amico@alice.it.
Pietro
P
Fiore
D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D020900:Echinacea / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D005894:Panax / Q000276:immunology; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D028321:Plant Preparations