Kolokoouri, I., Engles, H-J., Cieslak, T., & Wirth, J. C. (1999). Effect of chronic ginseng supplementation on short duration, supramaximal exercise test performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 445.

Research results on the ergogenic effects of ginseng on aerobic work capacity are equivocal. There is little objective evidence of any ergogenic effect on other types of exhaustive exercise. This investigation looked at the effects of ginseng on short duration, supramaximal exercise (Wingate test) in adult females. Two groups (N = 12) were formed, one taking ginseng (2 g/d) and the other a placebo. The experiment lasted eight weeks. Nineteen Ss completed the study.

There were no differences between the groups in any of the following variables: peak power output, mean power output, or rate of fatigue.

Implication. Ginseng has no performance benefit for short duration, supramaximal exercise.

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