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Cited by 274Medicinal Plants and Bioactive CompoundsExercise and Physiological ResponsesSports Performance and Training

Selected herbals and human exercise performance

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Bucci, Luke R·2000·The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
DOI 10.1093/ajcn/72.2.624s
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Abstract

Herbs have been used throughout history to enhance physical performance, but scientific scrutiny with controlled clinical trials has only recently been used to study such effects. The following herbs are currently used to enhance physical performance regardless of scientific evidence of effect: Chinese, Korean, and American ginsengs; Siberian ginseng, mahuang or Chinese ephedra; ashwagandha; rhodiola; yohimbe; CORDYCEPS: fungus, shilajit or mummio; smilax; wild oats; Muira puama; suma (ecdysterone); Tribulus terrestris; saw palmetto berries; beta-sitosterol and other related sterols; and wild yams (diosgenin). Controlled studies of Asian ginsengs found improvements in exercise performance when most of the following conditions were true: use of standardized root extracts, study duration (>8 wk, daily dose >1 g dried root or equivalent, large number of subjects, and older subjects. Improvements in muscular strength, maximal oxygen uptake, work capacity, fuel homeostasis, serum lactate, heart rate, visual and auditory reaction times, alertness, and psychomotor skills have also been repeatedly documented. Siberian ginseng has shown mixed results. Mahuang, ephedrine, and related alkaloids have not benefited physical performance except when combined with caffeine. Other herbs remain virtually untested. Future research on ergogenic effects of herbs should consider identity and amount of substance or presumed active ingredients administered, dose response, duration of test period, proper experimental controls, measurement of psychological and physiologic parameters (including antioxidant actions), and measurements of performance pertinent to intended uses.

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Research works printed but not linked: 18

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Authors
Bucci, L. R.
Corresponding author
Bucci, Luke R
Venue
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2000-08
Volume
72
Issue
2
Pages
624S-636S
ISSN
0002-9165 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1093/ajcn/72.2.624s
OpenAlex
W1890068506
Cited by
274
References
127
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 14
FWCI
0.59
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
Keywords
herbal supplements, exercise performance, ergogenic aids, ginseng, Siberian ginseng, Ephedra, Withania somnifera, Rhodiola, yohimbe, Cordyceps, Shilajit, Smilax, Tribulus terrestris, saw palmetto, β-sitosterol, diosgenin, caffeine, dose-response relationship, antioxidant activity
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Drugs, Chinese Herbal, Ephedrine, Female, Panax, Humans, Male, Phytotherapy, Middle Aged, Oxygen Consumption, Physical Endurance, Plants, Medicinal, United States, United States Food and Drug Administration, Exercise, Adrenergic Agents, Dietary Supplements

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