Ginseng in Sports Nutrition: Mitigating Muscle Damage and Enhancing Athletic Performance
Date
2-14-2024
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
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Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
1:00-1:10pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Despite exercise being an activity that is required for all humans to participate in to promote strength and wellness, it can lead to muscular degeneration, fatigue, and stress. In the article “Effect of Ginseng Intake on Muscle Damage Induced by Exercise in Healthy Adults” by Borja Muñoz-Castellanos, Patricia Martínez-López, Rafael Bailón-Moreno, and Laura Esquius, the authors analytically review the findings from various studies in which ginseng’s potential to alleviate exercise-induced muscle damage is determined. Ginseng is an herbal supplement that is composed of active compounds called ginsenosides which contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have found that these properties may have an effect on the neuromuscular system, specifically, reduced biomarkers of muscle damage like creatine kinase and interleukin-6. In turn, this would result in a promotion of muscle repair and recovery by minimizing the inflammation response triggered by exercise.
For muscle damage, ginseng’s ability to reduce biomarkers of creatine kinase is observed. High levels of creatine kinase can result in severe muscle damage and can cause a myriad of other issues including renal failure. The ingestion of ginseng correlates to safer practices of physical activity by reducing chances of injury. For muscle fatigue and soreness, it has also been observed that ginseng has an impact on blood lactate levels. Increased levels of lactate present in the blood is associated with muscle soreness and muscle fatigue. With the levels of blood lactate lowered, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is also reduced, which is associated with the possibility of enhanced performance.
Despite the plethora of data providing promising results, there is still many questions left unsolved. Due to lack of cohesivity amongst the studies analyzed, dosage size, consumption timing, consumption frequency, and type of ginseng has yet to be determined. For future studies into the topic, to yield more insightful results, certain strains of ginseng, expanding study populations, including athletes, and determining dosage size should be focused upon. Implementing this plan of study would help solidify and substantiate ginseng’s position in sport related nutrition.
Overall, the data that has been collected on the topic of ginseng and its effect on the musculoskeletal system after strenuous exercise has be quite insightful. The promise of ginseng’s ability to reduce exercise-induced muscle degradation, reduce muscle pain, and enhance athletic performance is most desirable in regards to the future of supplementation. The studies analyzed in this article sets up the framework for continuing the investigation into the effects of ginseng and its future role in the world of sports nutrition.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Rehabilitation and Therapy
Recommended Citation
Carter, Caroline, "Ginseng in Sports Nutrition: Mitigating Muscle Damage and Enhancing Athletic Performance" (2024). JSU Student Symposium 2024. 19.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2024/19