efficacy
There are very few well-controlled studies sup-
porting an ergogenic effect of ginseng supple-
mentation. In their major recent review of
the ergogenic properties of ginseng, Bahrke and
Morgan (1994) indicated that because of method-
ological and statistical shortcomings, there is no
compelling evidence to indicate ginseng supple-
mentation consistently enhances human physi-
cal performance and there remains a need for
well-designed research to address this issue. One
recent well-designed study (Pieralisi et al. 1991)
did find an ergogenic effect of Geriatric Phar-
maton (a preparation including ginseng G115
and other elements, including dimethyl-
aminoethanol) on various physiologic variables,
includingV
.
o2max., and performance during the
Bruce treadmill protocol. However, the investi-
gators noted that the ergogenic effect is attrib-
uted to the total preparation used, i.e. Geriatric
Pharmaton, and not to the standardized ginseng
G115, because some research has supported
a beneficial effect of dimethylaminoethanol
bitartrate, possibly by affecting favourably
the choline–acetylcholine complex. However,
several recent studies with appropriate designs
have not reported any benefits to endurance per-
formance. For example, no significant ergogenic
effects were associated with 6 weeks of Eleuthero-
coccus senticosusMaxim L (ESML) supplemen-
tation in highly trained runners on any
metabolic, psychological or performance para-
meters measured in both a submaximal and
maximal aerobic exercise task, including heart
rate,V
.
o 2 ,V.
E,V.
E/V.
o 2 , and respiratory exchange
ratio during both exercise and recovery, ratings
of perceived exertion during exercise, serum
(lactate) following exercise, and run time to
exhaustion in a maximal test (Dowling et al.
1996). Additionally, Morris and others (1996), in a
double-blind, placebo-controlled study, reported
no effect of a standardized ginseng extract (8 or
16 mg · kg–1body mass for 7 days) on ratings of
perceived exertion or time to exhaustion on a
cycle ergometer test.
Nevertheless, quality research evidence
364 nutrition and exercise
regarding the effect of ginseng supplementation
on exercise performance is limited and more con-
trolled research is needed with varying types,
dosages, and physical performance parameters.safety
Animal studies indicate that extracts of ginseng
have a low acute or chronic toxicity and the doses
normally used with humans are regarded as
safe. However, Beltz and Doring (1993) noted a
ginseng-abuse syndrome has been reported,
with such symptoms as hypertension, nervous-
ness, sleeplessness and oedema.Conclusion
Nutritional ergogenics have been used since time
immemorial, and will continue to be used as long
as athletes believe they may gain a competitive
advantage. However, before using such supple-
ments for their purported ergogenic effects, one
should address the following questions.
Is it effective? If the supplement has not been
shown to be effective, either by appropriately
designed research or repeated personal experi-
ences, there is no reason to buy it.
Is it safe? Most nutrient and dietary supple-
ments are presumed to be safe if consumed in
recommended dosages. However, athletes often
believe that if one is good, 10 is better, and may
take amounts in excess of normal needs (Burke &
Read 1993). Excess amounts of various nutrients
and dietary supplements may pose health risks
to some individuals.
Is it legal? Most nutritional ergogenics are con-
sidered legal because they are regulated as food
or dietary supplements, not drugs. However, the
same dietary supplements may contain drugs,
such as caffeine and ephedrine, which may lead
to a positive doping test.
Athletes should be allowed to utilize any effec-
tive, safe and legal nutritional supplement in
attempts to enhance sport performance, just as
they should be able to use the most effective and
legal equipment specific to their sport which
may provide a mechanical edge.