Comparing Efficacy of Rhodiola Rosea, Red Goji Berry, and Siraitia Grosvenorii in Physical Recovery After Aerobic Exercise

Abstract

This manuscript compares the effects of Rhodiola rosea, red goji berry, and Siraitia grosvenorii on the recovery of physical strength in athletes after aerobic exercise. Subjects were compared for the effects of different treatments on changes in physiological (heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and vertical jump-and-reach performance) and biochemical (blood lactic acid, creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen) markers after four weeks of aerobic exercise. After four weeks of aerobic exercise, the heart rate of all groups of athletes increased rapidly, the level of fatigue deepened, the vertical jump-andreach performance decreased, and the levels of blood lactic acid, creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen all increased to varying degrees. At the 12th minute after exercise, the heart rate of the Rhodiola rosea group, the red goji berry group, and the Siraitia grosvenorii group recovered faster, the RPE value was lower, and the vertical jump-and-reach performance was better compared with the control, P < 0.05; moreover, the levels of all three biochemical markers were all significantly lower than those of the control group. In conclusion, the intake of these nutrients can promote the recovery of physical strength in athletes, accelerate the clearance of blood lactate, and inhibit the generation of creatine kinase and blood urea nitrogen. Therefore, they can be used as nutritional support for athletes during aerobic exercise.