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.