Dose-response and temporal ergogenic effects of ginseng supplementation in athletes and active participants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #performance-enhancing-substances #panax #sports #athletes

Dose-response and temporal ergogenic effects of ginseng supplementation in athletes and active participants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Khan et al., 2022 | J Sports Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Khan Nasreen, Sharma Saurabh, ... Sharma Raj Kumar. Dose-response and temporal ergogenic effects of ginseng supplementation in athletes and active participants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci. 2022-Nov;40(21):2444-2460. doi:10.1080/02640414.2022.2162753

Abstract

This review sought to assess the dose-response, i.e., low (<300 mg/day) and high (>300 mg/day), and temporal effects of ginseng, i.e., immediate, short-term (up to 4 weeks) and long-term (>4 weeks) in comparison to placebo on physical performance [visual analogue scale (VAS) level, vertical jump(VJ), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), peak power output (PPO)] and physiological measures [VO2 max, creatine kinase(CK), heart rate(HR)], in athletes and active participants. Search in four databases with English language constraints yielded 492 studies. Fourteen studies were shortlisted through PEDro scale by methodological quality evaluation. Ginseng exhibited significant short-term effect at high dosage for VJ improvement (SMD: -8.17, 95% CI: -16.28 to -0.06, p= 0.05). Ginseng had no effect on VAS (SMD: -0.65, 95% CI: -1.35 to 0.06, p= 0.07), RPE (SMD: -1.11, 95% CI: -2.57 to 0.35, p= 0.14), PPO (SMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -1.78 to 0.38, p= 0.20), HR (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -2.05 to 0.96, p= 0.48), CK (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.84, p= 0.21) and VO2 max (SMD: 0.08, 95% CI: -0.69 to 0.85, p= 0.08).The ginseng supplementation was found to have significant short-term effect at high dose only for VJ in athletic and active participants. Methodologically strong research is warranted to further consolidate these findings.

Key Findings

Methodologically strong research is warranted to further consolidate these findings.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 492
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Panax
  • Sports
  • Athletes
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09