Red Ginseng as an Ergogenic Aid: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.
This systematic review was performed to summarize clinical trials assessing the effect of Red Ginseng (RG) supplementation on exercise performance and fatigue recovery.



Two English databases (PUBMED, MEDLINE) and two Korean databases (KISS, RISS) were used as systematic searching engines. We included only articles written in the English and Korean languages. Clinical trials, which evaluated exercise performance and recovery variables with RG supplementation, were included in this review. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Analysis was conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.



In total, 135 potentially relevant studies were identified, and 14 studies were included. Overall, the aerobic capacity (VO2max, heart rate, time to exhaustion, shuttle run, and anaerobic threshold) exhibited no improvement with RG supplementation. In anaerobic capacity (peak power, mean power, and 30 m dash run), no significant improvements with RG supplementation was described in most of the studies. The antioxidant function predominantly measured by levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) showed mixed results. Red Ginseng's effects on fatigue recovery were evaluated using lactate as a main outcome. Two studies observed significant effects while other 5 studies showed no significant effects.



The clinical effects of RG have been assessed in various conditions. Although the number of studies presented in this review is small and results of studies are mixed, it is hypothesized that this review article may provide useful guideline to design and conduct future studies investigating efficacy of RG supplementation on exercise performance and fatigue recovery in human trials.
Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
Nan Hee
NH
Lee
Department of Kinesiology, College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, USA
Hyun Chul
HC
Jung
Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
SukHo
S
Lee
Aerobic Capacity; Anaerobic Capacity; Antioxidant Function; Fatigue Recovery; Red Ginseng