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My Library. Search the site. Remember Login. Register Reset Password. x You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles. Ginseng Supplements by Andrew Hamilton. Another scientific study gives the thumbs down. Another scientific study gives the thumbs down Meanwhile, the news about another popular supplement - ginseng - is not nearly as positive.

Preparations of ginseng, which are supposed to be formulated using the roots of a plant called Panax ginseng, have been used in China for thousands of years in the treatment of a variety of different ailments.

Many herbalists and Chinese doctors believe that ginseng provides individuals with resistance to a variety of different stressors, including physical and mental challenges.

In Europe, it's estimated that 5 per cent of the adult population ingests ginseng regularly. In the United States, ginseng is widely sold as a sort of 'energy booster' - something which can supposedly alleviate fatigue and increase endurance.

Preparations of the plant are now so popular that they can be found readily in supermarkets, and the 'big bucks' which can be made by selling ginseng are reflected in the recent television ads, broadcast nationwide, which show Chicago Bulls' all-star forward Scotty Pippen bouncing a basketball energetically through the countryside, supposedly after ingesting his daily dose of Panax ginseng.

Although ginseng contains some chemicals which probably have an impact on human physiology most notably the 'ginsenosides,' which are known chemically as glycosylated steroids - steroids with ring-like sugar structures attached , the exact mechanism by which ginseng might influence human performance is unknown.

One popular idea is that ginseng increases the production of cortisol, a key 'anti-stress' hormone released by the adrenal glands. Another theory is that ginseng might enhance the ability of muscles to extract oxygen from the blood.

However, research examining the effects of ginseng on physical capacity has produced very conflicting results. As Mel Williams points out in his fine new book, The Ergogenics Edge published by Human Kinetics Publishers , many of the pro-ginseng studies were carried out in the s and s - and were pretty deeply flawed.

Sometimes the findings were not even subjected to statistical analysis, and often there was no control or placebo group and no double-blind protocol researchers frequently knew which subjects were getting ginseng, and the subjects themselves occasionally knew, too, raising the possibility that a 'placebo effect' boosted their performances.

More recent, properly performed ginseng research has unearthed few benefits associated with use of the herb. To find out whether ginseng really has any ergogenic effects, scientists at Wayne State University in Detroit recently divided 36 healthy men into three different groups.

Placebo-group members received no ginseng during the eight-week study. Men in a second group ingested mg of a standardized Panax ginseng preparation per day in which mg of the preparation was equivalent to mg of Panax ginseng root , and a third group's members took in a very high dose - mg of ginseng daily the clinically recommended amount is mg per day.

Before and after the eight-week period, the subjects were assessed for oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, blood-lactateconcentration, heart rate, and perceived exertion during both submaximal and maximal exercise on a stationary bicycle.

The study was carried out in double-blind manner 'No Ergogenic Effects of Ginseng Panax ginseng C. Meyer during Graded Maximal Aerobic Exercise,' Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol.

The results? Well, the research showed that ginseng did absolutely nowt. There was no effect on oxygen consumption, lactate production, perceived effort, or anything else, and it mattered not whether the exercise was maximal or submaximal.

Ginseng simply did not boost physical capacity, nor did it make exercise feel easier some scientists have speculated that ginseng's main effect is actually on the nervous system. This same Wayne State research group has also shown that ginseng does not increase the work capacities of healthy young women see 'Failure of Chronic Ginseng Supplementation to Affect Work Performance and Energy metabolism in Healthy Adult Females,' Nutritional Research, vol.

The subjects in the Wayne State study were not well-trained, and some ginseng proponents have argued that ginseng's true benefits become apparent only in highly fit people.

However, surely the millions of Chinese who have taken ginseng for their ailments over the past two millenia were not all world-class athletes, and in fact the scientific evidence suggests that - if anything - ginseng might work better in persons who are not very fit 'Effects of a Standardized Ginseng Extract Combined with Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate, Vitamins, Minerals, and Trace Elements on Physical Performance during Exercise,' Clinical Therapeutics, vol.

Can ginseng help you recover better from tough workouts - or improve your performances? Well, ginseng has been around for thousands of years, so it must be able to do something. And it's important to bear in mind that most of the scientific probes which have attempted to 'root out' ginseng's true actions have lasted only eight to 12 weeks, perhaps not long enough for ginseng's actual merits to emerge.

Still, there is very little solid evidence to suggest that ginseng could enhance athletic performance by even a millisecond. Unfortunately, there is also a darker side to ginseng supplementation.

In the Wayne State work, three of the subjects in the high-dose mg per day ginseng group developed nasty bouts of diarrhoea, and other reports have linked ginseng with high blood pressure, nervousness, and sleeplessness, encouraging the idea that ginseng may indeed have a stimulant effect.

However, ginseng itself may not always be the culprit underlying these disorders, since investigators have determined that some 'ginseng' products contain no ginseng at all!

In , Swedish researchers determined that six of the popular 'ginseng' products sold in the United States, Great Britain, and Sweden contained no measurable amounts of ginseng 'What Do Commercial Ginseng Preparations Contain? Beware of ephedrine If not ginseng, what is actually in some of these 'ginseng' formulations?

The researchers found unidentifiable herbal material and - in one case - ephedrine, a powerful and very dangerous drug. The inclusion of ephedrine in a product is a very cynical move by a supplement maker, since the ephedrine will tend to make the product more popular - while increasing the health risk for the user.

Ephedrine is a potent stimulant and a proven 'fat-burner,' but it may also increase the risk of heart attacks, seizures, and episodes of psychosis! The perils of 'ginseng' ingestion hit home for a young Swedish athlete in when he tested positive for ephedrine, which is banned by both the IOC and IAAF.

During the investigation which followed, the Swede revealed that he had been using a 'ginseng' preparation called 'Up Your Gas'. Subsequent analysis of 'Up Your Gas' at Huddinge Hospital in Stockholm revealed that the product contained no ginseng at all - but did contain a great deal of ephedrine.

To put it bluntly, there are commercial 'ginseng' preparations which probably don't contain ginsenosides - but may contain stuff which will get you banned from competition if you're a competitive athlete - and possibly damage your health.

If you do decide to plunge into ginseng supplementation, make certain that you use a product which has been independently analyzed for its purity and ginseng content. Of course, the same is true for other supplements.

Take the case of melatonin, for example. Melatonin has been hugely popular for the past two years as a 'remedy' for day-time drowsiness, insomnia, depression, and jet lag. In effect, large numbers of people are self-medicating themselves with the stuff in hopes of improving their well-being.

No matter that melatonin is actually a fairly potent hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain: it is marketed as though it is a harmless dietary supplement - a sort of 'magic dust' which can improve health without producing any major problems.

Unfortunately, a recent laboratory analysis revealed that four out of six different melatonin products found at health food shops contained unidentifiable impurities 'Melatonin,' The Medical Letter, vol.

In addition, scientists investigating the compound noted that the melatonin bottles usually identified the distributor - but not the manufacturer - of the product. When the investigators asked the distributor for the name of the manufacturer, they were told it was 'proprietary information'!

Who can forget what happened in , when the sale of a popular sports supplement - 'purified' L-tryptophan - was halted when it was determined that the L-tryptophan was not pure at all?

An important Japanese manufacturer of L-tryptophan had started using a new micro-organism in its production process while simultaneously decreasing the amount of carbon it used to filter out impurities in its products.

As a result, the L-tryptophan it exported to the United States contained a contaminant which caused more than cases of an illness called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome - and 27 deaths 'Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome,' The Physician and Sportsmedicine, vol. Getting back to the less dangerous world of Panax ginseng, what's the final word on it?

Well, there's no strong evidence that it will improve your health or performances, and it's hard to know what you're actually getting when you buy it, but it's certainly good for the national economy, if not yours!

In the next few issues of Sports Performance Bulletin, we'll tackle two other currently popular supplements - calcium pyruvate and St. John's wort. Heart disease prevention should be at the very top of your priority. But how?

Well, continue reading! The following pointers will show you precisely…. Pamper your mom with these brilliant ideas on Mother's Day, either in person or virtually! Make your mom feel special as she deserves. Looking for an energy booster? Ginseng is a potent adaptogenic herb shown to improve mood, reduce pain, and boost energy.

No matter which…. If you wish to level-up your workouts, ginseng is a natural, energy-boosting alternative to fight fatigue and increase exercise performance.

It's hard enough…. Despite all the health benefits that ginseng has, not all ginseng is created equal! This blog will explain ways to determine ginseng quality.

With the still-ongoing coronavirus pandemic, ginseng could help ensuring that your immune system is as strong as it can be. It's an undeniable fact. Every brain changes with age—and unfortunately, mental function changes along with it. In fact, science indicates that certain aspects of….

Enjoy the gift of ginseng—free shipping for orders over Ginseng and Exercise Ginseng and Exercise. Can Ginseng Help You Perform Better During Exercise? Ginseng: an adaptogenic herb that fights fatigue and boosts energy Why ginseng?

Alarm phase 2. Phase of resistance 3. Phase of exhaustion As you encounter a stressor e. Boosts endurance Researchers in a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research randomly assigned 29 untrained adults to 2 groups. Improves several performance measures Ginseng can improve exercise performance measures in athletes.

Amps up fat oxidation Looking to shed those extra pounds from exercising? OTHER NEWS 4 Ways Ginseng Can Improve Your Gut Health February 1, Asthma. Asian Ginseng: Which Is the Best Type of Ginseng? October 11, American vs. May 26, Does Ginseng Keep You Awake or Help You Fall Asleep? Ginseng for Weight Loss: Does It Work?

March 7, Many weight loss "hacks" out there don't work. Caffeine vs. Ginseng: Which Is Better? December 20, Ginseng should be your preferred caffeine alternative. Your Guide to Using North American Ginseng November 9, You've heard wonders about North American ginseng. How To Keep Your Heart Healthy 5 Heart Disease Prevention Tips!

July 6, Heart disease prevention should be at the very top of your priority. April 26, Pamper your mom with these brilliant ideas on Mother's Day, either in person or virtually!

Always Tired? Ginseng Can Help You Fight Fatigue March 9, Looking for an energy booster? March 3, If you wish to level-up your workouts, ginseng is a natural, energy-boosting alternative to fight fatigue and increase exercise performance.

How To Determine The Quality Of Ginseng December 18, Despite all the health benefits that ginseng has, not all ginseng is created equal!

Can Ginseng Boost Your Immune System?

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Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Why Use American Ginseng. Why Do Athletes Use It?

What Do the Advocates Say? These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.

How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes? Side Effects Occasional cases of insomnia or agitation have been reported with the use of American ginseng. Interactions with Medicines Certain medicines interact with this supplement. In a recent clinical trial backing its ingredient Libifem® for improved muscle strength, power, endurance and body composition with a females-only popluation Show more.

CONTINUE TO SITE Or wait Oats: A Superfood for Sport Nutrition and Health Content provided by Fazer Mills Jan White Paper Oats are a versatile, affordable, and easy to use superfood that can offer many health benefits and a well-balanced nutritional profile for athletes.

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New Study for Female Athletes Content provided by Gencor Oct Product Brochure In a recent clinical trial backing its ingredient Libifem® for improved muscle strength, power, endurance and body composition with a females-only popluation Fazer Mills HP Ingredients.

Facebook Twitter Linkedin. On-demand webinars Nutraceutical market trends for insights by PharmaLinea and IQVIA PharmaLinea Ltd. An adaptogen is anything that improves resistance to stress such as: heat, cold, trauma, sleep deprivation, infections, many forms of stress, exertion, and numerous other taxing circumstances 1.

Another interesting note about adaptogens such as ginseng is that they are suppose to be free of any side effects as well as helping an organism return to a state of balance and equilibrium. Simply put, ginseng supplementation has been shown to elevate mood, increase energy, strengthen the immune system, enhance mental function, give a positive sense of well being, and possibly, even help diabetics improve their blood sugar levels.

Because of all these proposed positive effects, many have theorized that ginseng may be a very important supplement for improving human performance in athletes. Due to the many years of investigation and study involving the supplement ginseng, there have been many highly advanced research studies that have taken place to shed further light on the topic.

In one of the most classic ginseng studies performed nearly two decades ago involving human performance, Pieralisi et al 2 performed a double-blind, randomized, crossover study on 50 healthy male sports teachers, 21 to 47 years of age.

Every day for six weeks, each subject received either a ginseng vitamin combination or a placebo. The subjects then performed an exercise test on a treadmill at increasing work loads. The total work load and maximal oxygen consumption during exercise was significantly greater after ginseng supplementation than after the placebo.

Heart rate, lactate levels, and rate of perceived exertion were significantly less for a given work load in the ginseng group versus the placebo group. It can be clearly seen from this study that ginseng preparation increased the subjects' work capacity by improving muscular oxygen utilization.

Perhaps, one of the most profound studies to date involving ginseng and its effects on human performance was a study performed by Ziemba et al 3. This study involved fifteen soccer players averaging 19 years of age. They were placed into one of two groups: a placebo group or an experimental group which supplemented with ginseng.

They were then placed on a bicycle ergometer at various stages until volitional speed or exhaustion was reached. All subjects were tested on reaction time through the entire study to assess mental alertness and mental acuity under a state of extreme exhaustion.

It was found that ginseng treatment was found to shorten reaction time at rest and during exercise, shifting the exercise load associated with the shortest reaction time toward higher exercise loads.

This study concluded that ginseng extract does improve psychomotor performance and reaction time during exercise without affecting exercise capacity. One of the supposed drawbacks of supplementing with ginseng is the thought that ginseng simply carries out normal body functions and reactions on the same level as a multivitamin.

In other words, some have theorized that ginseng is no more effective than a daily multivitamin. These theories and rumors led Caso et al 4 to examine these reports and claims in his own study.

In this study, he compared the effects of two different supplements: a complex multivitamin and another similar vitamin but combined with ginseng.

The study was comparative, randomized and double-blind, and it involved patients of both sexes divided into two groups taking one capsule per day for 12 weeks.

Group A received the multivitamin and ginseng combination while group B received the multivitamin only. In this study, different measurements were taken as well as an item questionnaire assessing the quality of life.

The results indicated that Group A had significantly higher subjective measures of quality of life compared to Group B. It also appears that for the entire questionnaire, each question showed significant improvement for subjects in Group A, whereas, those in Group B, there was no significant difference or increase in any single question.

Blood pressure and weight management were superior in Group A versus Group B. All in all, ginseng was found to be more beneficial than a standard multivitamin taken alone.

Ginseng combined with a multivitamin appears to be an excellent supplement not only for health and performance, but also for psychological wellness and perception.

One of the more current studies by Hsu et al 5 could have major implications in regards to advanced human performance examined whether ginseng supplementation was able to improve endurance exercise performance as well as other physiological markers.

There were two groups studied for four weeks: a ginseng group and a control group. Physiological measurements and performance indicators were studied.

It appears that although there was no change in performance in either group, there was a significant decrease in creatine kinase leakage in the ginseng group. This could be of great importance to athletes due to the fact that high levels of creatine leakage are often associated and indicative of overtraining in athletes.

Of interesting note is that this study was using American ginseng versus supposedly the higher quality Asian ginseng. Thus, the results may have been even greater had the so-called superior Asian ginseng been used. It must also be considered that this study only lasted four weeks, which is generally too short a time period to induce measurable increases in long term performance.

Generally speaking, improvements of physiological markers such as creatine kinase levels may take a minimum of weeks to build up noticeable improvements in performance 8. Among the many benefits already discussed on ginseng, it has been proposed that ginseng may also play a significant role in nitric oxide production in the human body.

In a study by Friedl et al 6 , he investigated the effect of Panax ginseng upon inducible nitric oxide synthesis. Levels of nitric oxide in the human body and other immune system functions associated with nitric oxide were measured in a laboratory setting using specimens of human cells.

There were two conditions in which the cells were measured: one with ginseng and one without it. It was found that when the cells were injected with ginseng, levels of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase, which are responsible for the production of nitric oxide, nitric oxide was significantly higher than in those cells without ginseng.

Although this study did not go further to test actual human subjects and investigate the potential outcomes, this study did show great potential. The authors have theorized from this study that because nitric oxide plays an important role in immune system function, sexual health, muscular strength and hypertrophy, as well as other factors, ginseng may therefore be a vital form of supplementation for the general population as well as many athletes.

Although there are many different forms of ginseng, there has been little conclusive evidence demonstrating one's effectiveness over the other. However, it appears that most scientists have found Asian ginseng to be the most productive and beneficial in their studies when compared to other forms of ginseng.

In a review by Bucci et al 7 , Asian ginseng was found to be the primary form of this supplement in quality studies that showed relevant and positive effects from ginseng. Simply put, most of the studies listed that used Asian ginseng benefited while those who used other forms of ginseng often found no difference between the control and experimental group.

Also, most studies involving ginseng, use the Asian form of ginseng. As of today, Asian ginseng is the most popular among consumers.

Another interesting note about adaptogens such as ginseng is that they are suppose to be free of any side effects as well as helping an organism return to a state of balance and equilibrium. Simply put, ginseng supplementation has been shown to elevate mood, increase energy, strengthen the immune system, enhance mental function, give a positive sense of well being, and possibly, even help diabetics improve their blood sugar levels.

Because of all these proposed positive effects, many have theorized that ginseng may be a very important supplement for improving human performance in athletes.

Due to the many years of investigation and study involving the supplement ginseng, there have been many highly advanced research studies that have taken place to shed further light on the topic.

In one of the most classic ginseng studies performed nearly two decades ago involving human performance, Pieralisi et al 2 performed a double-blind, randomized, crossover study on 50 healthy male sports teachers, 21 to 47 years of age. Every day for six weeks, each subject received either a ginseng vitamin combination or a placebo.

The subjects then performed an exercise test on a treadmill at increasing work loads. The total work load and maximal oxygen consumption during exercise was significantly greater after ginseng supplementation than after the placebo.

Heart rate, lactate levels, and rate of perceived exertion were significantly less for a given work load in the ginseng group versus the placebo group. It can be clearly seen from this study that ginseng preparation increased the subjects' work capacity by improving muscular oxygen utilization.

Perhaps, one of the most profound studies to date involving ginseng and its effects on human performance was a study performed by Ziemba et al 3. This study involved fifteen soccer players averaging 19 years of age.

They were placed into one of two groups: a placebo group or an experimental group which supplemented with ginseng. They were then placed on a bicycle ergometer at various stages until volitional speed or exhaustion was reached.

All subjects were tested on reaction time through the entire study to assess mental alertness and mental acuity under a state of extreme exhaustion. It was found that ginseng treatment was found to shorten reaction time at rest and during exercise, shifting the exercise load associated with the shortest reaction time toward higher exercise loads.

This study concluded that ginseng extract does improve psychomotor performance and reaction time during exercise without affecting exercise capacity. One of the supposed drawbacks of supplementing with ginseng is the thought that ginseng simply carries out normal body functions and reactions on the same level as a multivitamin.

In other words, some have theorized that ginseng is no more effective than a daily multivitamin. These theories and rumors led Caso et al 4 to examine these reports and claims in his own study.

In this study, he compared the effects of two different supplements: a complex multivitamin and another similar vitamin but combined with ginseng.

The study was comparative, randomized and double-blind, and it involved patients of both sexes divided into two groups taking one capsule per day for 12 weeks.

Group A received the multivitamin and ginseng combination while group B received the multivitamin only. In this study, different measurements were taken as well as an item questionnaire assessing the quality of life.

The results indicated that Group A had significantly higher subjective measures of quality of life compared to Group B. It also appears that for the entire questionnaire, each question showed significant improvement for subjects in Group A, whereas, those in Group B, there was no significant difference or increase in any single question.

Blood pressure and weight management were superior in Group A versus Group B. All in all, ginseng was found to be more beneficial than a standard multivitamin taken alone.

Ginseng combined with a multivitamin appears to be an excellent supplement not only for health and performance, but also for psychological wellness and perception.

One of the more current studies by Hsu et al 5 could have major implications in regards to advanced human performance examined whether ginseng supplementation was able to improve endurance exercise performance as well as other physiological markers.

There were two groups studied for four weeks: a ginseng group and a control group. Physiological measurements and performance indicators were studied. It appears that although there was no change in performance in either group, there was a significant decrease in creatine kinase leakage in the ginseng group.

This could be of great importance to athletes due to the fact that high levels of creatine leakage are often associated and indicative of overtraining in athletes.

Of interesting note is that this study was using American ginseng versus supposedly the higher quality Asian ginseng.

Thus, the results may have been even greater had the so-called superior Asian ginseng been used. It must also be considered that this study only lasted four weeks, which is generally too short a time period to induce measurable increases in long term performance.

Generally speaking, improvements of physiological markers such as creatine kinase levels may take a minimum of weeks to build up noticeable improvements in performance 8. Among the many benefits already discussed on ginseng, it has been proposed that ginseng may also play a significant role in nitric oxide production in the human body.

In a study by Friedl et al 6 , he investigated the effect of Panax ginseng upon inducible nitric oxide synthesis. Levels of nitric oxide in the human body and other immune system functions associated with nitric oxide were measured in a laboratory setting using specimens of human cells.

There were two conditions in which the cells were measured: one with ginseng and one without it. It was found that when the cells were injected with ginseng, levels of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase, which are responsible for the production of nitric oxide, nitric oxide was significantly higher than in those cells without ginseng.

Although this study did not go further to test actual human subjects and investigate the potential outcomes, this study did show great potential.

The authors have theorized from this study that because nitric oxide plays an important role in immune system function, sexual health, muscular strength and hypertrophy, as well as other factors, ginseng may therefore be a vital form of supplementation for the general population as well as many athletes.

Although there are many different forms of ginseng, there has been little conclusive evidence demonstrating one's effectiveness over the other.

However, it appears that most scientists have found Asian ginseng to be the most productive and beneficial in their studies when compared to other forms of ginseng. In a review by Bucci et al 7 , Asian ginseng was found to be the primary form of this supplement in quality studies that showed relevant and positive effects from ginseng.

Simply put, most of the studies listed that used Asian ginseng benefited while those who used other forms of ginseng often found no difference between the control and experimental group.

Also, most studies involving ginseng, use the Asian form of ginseng. As of today, Asian ginseng is the most popular among consumers.

Before any conclusive evidence can be drawn to say that Asian ginseng is superior, much more research is needed. However, as you fatigue, you enter the exhaustion phase; this is where you run out of energy—and stop running.

the phase of resistance of your exercise session so you have more energy to continue working out hard. Below, find a brief roundup of current studies highlighting why you should take ginseng as a pre-workout. Researchers in a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research randomly assigned 29 untrained adults to 2 groups.

One group received mg of Chinese ginseng, while the other received a placebo i. The findings? Ginseng can improve exercise performance measures in athletes. These are all physiological variables that are positively correlated with endurance exercise performance. Looking to shed those extra pounds from exercising?

Talk about bang for your buck. So… The next time you plan on exercising? Psst: looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of ginseng on-the-go e.

on the way to the gym? Breast cancer. A higher risk of heart disease and early death. These have all been linked to poor gut health underscoring the….

American vs. Asian ginseng: learn ginseng's history, how these two species differ, and whether there's truly a species better than the other here. Does Ginseng Keep You Awake or Help You Fall Asleep? Most people think of ginseng as an energy booster.

Ginseng's benefits for female fertility, sexual function, and health are well-documented. In this article, we explore four key benefits you need to know. Chinese emperors were obsessed with ginseng.

For good reason. Here, discover 4 proven benefits of ginseng for men. It's a, um, pleasurable read—we promise. Many weight loss "hacks" out there don't work. What about ginseng? Here, we explore whether ginseng truly works for weight loss, so you can….

Ginseng should be your preferred caffeine alternative. Supporting athletes, coaches and professionals who wish to ensure their guidance and programmes are kept right up to date and based on credible science.

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Psychological Aides. Resources Issue Library. Search the site Search. My Account. My Library. Search the site. Remember Login. Register Reset Password. x You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles. Ginseng's effects on athletic performance Supplements by Andrew Hamilton.

Ginseng, which has been used as a tonic and restorative for over years in China, is one of the most popular new nutritional supplements for athletes, but research into ginseng's effects on athletic performance has yielded ambiguous results.

The first ginseng 'study' took place in China in the year 1 , when a runner who consumed ginseng competed against another harrier who had gone cold turkey.

The ginseng eater won the race, encouraging the belief that ginseng possessed ergogenic properties. In a double-blind investigation which took place years later, 50 individuals took either a placebo or two capsules of ginseng extract Ginsana for six weeks.

Ginseng takers performed more total work, boosted V02max by 7 per cent, and reduced heart rates and oxygen consumption during high-intensity exercise, suggesting that ginseng enhanced the efficiency with which muscles utilized oxygen.