Jung, H. L., Kang, H. Y., Chang, Y., & Kim, T. U. (2011). Effects of Panax ginseng supplementation on muscle damage and inflammation after treadmill running in humans. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(5). Supplement abstract 1790.

This study determined if Panax ginseng extract intake influenced exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation responses in male college students. Ss were randomly assigned to either a red-ginseng intake group (N = 9) or a placebo group (N =9). Ss performed a high-intensity uphill treadmill running task (two rounds of 45 minutes at l0 km/h with a 15 degree uphill slope separated by five minutes of rest). The red-ginseng group ingested 20 grams/day of Korean red-ginseng extract (mixed with 200 ml of water) in three doses per day for seven days before performing the uphill treadmill exercise test and for four days after the treadmill test. The placebo group ingested 200 ml of water containing Agastachia Herba on the same schedule. Plasma creatine kinase activity and interlukin-6 levels were measured pre-exercise and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-exercise. The interlukin-6 level was also measured one and two hours post-exercise.

Plasma creatine kinase was lower in the red-ginseng group 72 hours after exercise compared to the placebo group. Interlukin-6 decreased in the red-ginseng group after two and three hours into recovery compared to the placebo group. Plasma glucose and insulin responses in the red-ginseng group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group.

Implication. Red-ginseng supplementation has the potential to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammatory responses after high-intensity exercise. Improvements in insulin sensitivity are also likely.

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