The effects of Panax ginseng supplementation on growth hormone, cortisol and lactate response to high-intensity resistance exercise

Abstract

SummaryStudy aim: Growth hormone, cortisol, and lactate play an effective role in regulating and stimulating the muscle building process. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng supplementation on growth hormone, cortisol, and lactate response to intense resistance exercise in young female non-athletes. Materials and methods: Ten non-athlete girls participated in this double-blind counter-balanced crossover study. They were assigned to two groups: the ginseng group and the placebo group. In two 4-week periods, they received the supplement and the placebo. In the first four weeks, 5 participants received ginseng (100 mg daily) and 5 others received placebo (maltodextrin). At the end of the 4 weeks, blood samples (5 ml) were taken to measure blood levels of the factors. Afterwards, the resistance exercise protocol was implemented, and immediately after that blood samples were taken. In the second four-week period, the five participants who had taken ginseng received placebo, and the five subjects who had received placebo took ginseng. The same tests were administered again. Results:The results showed that except for cortisol in the ginseng group, there were significant pre -to post-exercise changes for all 3 indicators in both groups. No significant difference was observed in pre -to post-exercise changes in the levels of GH (p = 0.71), cortisol (p = 0.34), or lactate (p = 0.90) between groups. Conclusions: 100 mg ginseng consumption daily for 4 weeks does not have an impact on the response of GH, cortisol, or lactate to high-intensity resistance exercise in young female non-athletes.

Comparison between the Biological Active Compounds in Plants with Adaptogenic Properties (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng)

“…The extract is also used because of its adaptogenic properties, as an antioxidant and as an aphrodisiac [ 195 , 198 , 200 , 201 , 202 ]. The intake of this extract is not associated with side effects [ 35 , 203 , 204 , 205 , 206 ].…”

Plant Adaptogens—History and Future Perspectives

“…The intake of Panax ginseng extract is not associated with serious side effects [ 21 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. The safety of the extract is another benefit to be considered.…”