Evidence supporting the use of: Ginsenosides
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginsenosides, the primary active components of ginseng (especially Panax ginseng), have been investigated for their potential to support athletic performance and exercise recovery. Some scientific studies suggest that ginsenosides may enhance physical stamina, reduce fatigue, improve energy metabolism, and promote recovery following intense exercise. Proposed mechanisms include improved oxygen utilization, increased glycogen storage, and modulation of stress hormones such as cortisol. However, the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate, with many studies being small, short-term, or lacking rigorous controls.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses present mixed results. While a few studies report modest improvements in physical performance measures (such as time to exhaustion or perceived exertion), others find no significant effects compared to placebo. Differences in ginseng species, dosage, preparation, and participant fitness levels may account for inconsistent findings. The World Anti-Doping Agency does not prohibit ginseng, reflecting the absence of strong evidence for performance enhancement.
In summary, the use of ginsenosides as an athletic or exercise aid is supported by some scientific evidence, but this evidence is generally weak (rating: 2/5). More large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are needed to clarify their efficacy and optimal usage parameters.
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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
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
Rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
Tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
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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
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
eurycomanone
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
ecdysteroids
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
ecdysterone
ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
Growth factors
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Guaranine
Glycerol
Higenamine
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
horny goat weed
isomaltulose
Isoleucine
kola nut
ketone salts
lactalbumin
Laxogenin
macamides
maral root
Mineral ascorbate
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
Methylliberine
Mate
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macaenes
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
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pyrroloquinoline quinone
paraxanthine
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pyruvate
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Quinoa Protein
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ribose
robusta coffee
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salt
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Turkesterone
Trichopus zeylanicus
Theacrine
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Tribulus Terrestris
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
Xanthine
Yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Ginsenosides
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Parkinson's Disease
Stress
Triglycerides (high)