Role of Ginseng and L-Carnitine in Modulating Exercise Endurance and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Ginseng and L-carnitine are natural compounds often used as dietary supplements to enhance athletic performance. However, their combined effects on exercise endurance remain unclear. : This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation on exercise endurance in a rat model. : Male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups ( = 5 per group): control, ginseng extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), L-carnitine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), and combined treatment. Half of the groups underwent a 16-day exercise training program of swimming without loading. Exercise endurance was assessed using a tail-suspended forced swimming test. Relative organ weight, glycogen content, blood biochemistry, and gene expression were analyzed. : Both ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased exercise endurance, particularly in the exercise group. Ginseng extract and L-carnitine also increased liver glycogen content and upregulated the expression of and genes in the liver and muscle. In addition, both supplements reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA levels and increasing SOD activity. : Ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation may enhance exercise endurance by improving energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and upregulating key genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.