This study evaluated whether eight weeks of Korean ginseng extract supplementation could affect exercise performance, body composition, and selected blood-based physiological markers in healthy adults. A total of 60 healthy adults aged 20 to 50 years were recruited and randomly assigned to either a Korean ginseng extract group or a placebo group in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants consumed one 10 mL packet of Korean ginseng extract or placebo daily for eight weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Outcome measures included exercise performance tests, body composition, endocrine markers, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, immune cell indices, and blood cell counts. Forty-nine participants completed the post-intervention assessments. The study was approved by the University of Taipei Institutional Review Board under approval number IRB-2023-011.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Korean ginseng extract supplement, provided as one 10 mL packet daily for eight weeks. The supplement contained ginseng extract, water, and fructooligosaccharides.
Placebo supplement, provided as one 10 mL packet daily for eight weeks. The placebo was designed to have a similar taste and appearance to the Korean ginseng extract supplement and contained water, maltodextrin, fructooligosaccharides, and casein phosphopeptide.
Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei
Taipei, Taipei City, Taiwan
Change in Biceps Strength
Change in biceps isokinetic strength from baseline to after eight weeks of supplementation, assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in VO2max
Change in maximal oxygen uptake from baseline to after eight weeks of supplementation, assessed using a cycle ergometer and portable gas analysis system.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
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