Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Oriental
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginseng, Oriental (Panax ginseng) has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine for promoting vitality and physical performance. In recent decades, scientific research has evaluated its potential as an athletic and exercise aid. Several randomized controlled trials and reviews suggest that Panax ginseng may have modest benefits in reducing fatigue and improving physical endurance, particularly in untrained or moderately trained individuals. The proposed mechanisms include enhanced oxygen uptake, improved energy metabolism, and modulation of stress response via ginsenosides, the main active compounds in ginseng.
However, the evidence base is mixed. Some studies report improved exercise performance, reduced fatigue, or faster recovery, while others find no significant effects compared to placebo. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that the overall benefit for athletic performance is small and not consistently demonstrated across all populations or types of exercise. Many studies are limited by small sample sizes and varying dosages and extract standardizations. Nonetheless, because there is some scientific evidence—albeit limited and inconsistent—supporting its use for enhancing exercise performance and reducing fatigue, its use as an athletic and exercise aid is rated as having low to moderate evidence.
In summary, while Panax ginseng has traditional roots as a tonic for physical stamina, scientific validation for its effectiveness as an athletic and exercise aid is limited and not robust. Further well-designed trials are needed to clarify its role in this context.
More about Ginseng, Oriental
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Ginseng, Oriental
Addictions (general remedies for)Adrenal Fatigue
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Body Building
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (general)
Concentration (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Strokes
Wrinkles