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.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SUBJECTS

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

INTERVENTION

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.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

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.