Effects of Supplementation with Ginseng and Branched Chain Amino Acids Improved Central Fatigue and Enhanced Attention during Exercise: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo Controlled

Abstract

Muscle fatigue was a common problem after exercise. When fatigue occured, body functions were affected and changed. Changbai Mountain ginseng had higher anti-fatigue substances than general commercial ginseng. And recent studies had showed that the supplementation of branched chain amino acids (BCAA), including leucine, isoleucine and valine, can increase attention and reduce fatigue. However, its effect on Changbai Mountain ginseng combined with BCAA was still unclear. Subjects were allocated to Gojinsen® drinks and placebo group (1:1 ratio) for 14 days, and then examined by maximal oxygen consumption, time to exhaustion, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen saturation (SPO2), blood lactate concentration, and continuous attention performance test (CPT II). The Gojinsen® group significant increased maximal oxygen consumption, time to exhaustion, and attention compared to placebo group. Moreover, the Gojinsen® group significant decreased lactate concentration and fatigue compared to placebo group. By our study, Gojinsen® drinks had anti-fatigue effect and enhanced attention, and the therapeutic potential for people suffering from exercise fatigue.