Abstract
The use of herbs as ergogenic aids in exercise and sport is not novel. Ginseng, caffeine, ma huang (also called 'Chinese ephedra'), ephedrine and a combination of both caffeine and ephedrine are the most popular herbs used in exercise and sports. It is believed that these herbs have an ergogenic effect and thus help to improve physical performance. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of these herbs on exercise performance. Recently, researchers have also investigated the effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on endurance cycling and running performance. These investigators have reported no significant improvement in either cycling or running endurance after supplementation with this herb. As the number of studies in this area is still small, more studies should be conducted to evaluate and substantiate the effects of this herb on sports and exercise performance. For instance, future research on any herbs should take the following factors into consideration: dosage, supplementation period and a larger sample size.
Highlights
According to botanists, ‘herb’ is defined as a softstemmed plant which dies after flowering, whereas herbalists define an ‘herb’ as any part of a plant which can be used for medicine, cooking, cosmetics and as a scent or dye
There are many types of herbs that can be found and have been used traditionally for many purposes. Athletes are among those who use herbs for their own benefit. They believe that some herbs may help them to improve their performance, speed up recovery, maintain health and fitness during intense periods of training, increase muscle mass and reduce body fat
Caffeine, ephedrine and recently Eurycoma longifolia Jack are among the popular herbs used to enhance exercise and sports performance
Summary
According to botanists, ‘herb’ is defined as a softstemmed plant which dies after flowering, whereas herbalists define an ‘herb’ as any part of a plant which can be used for medicine, cooking, cosmetics and as a scent or dye. Caffeine, ephedrine and recently Eurycoma longifolia Jack are among the popular herbs used to enhance exercise and sports performance. We conducted another study to investigate the effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on endurance running performance with a higher dosage of this herb and a longer supplementation duration [64]. Ginseng has positive effects on stress, caffeine improves mental alertness and mood and Eurycoma longifolia Jack has anxiolytic (that is, antianxiety) properties. How these changes in psychological states as a result of herbal supplementation affect sports performance has not been well-studied. Further studies could focus on the effects of these herbs on psychological states and determine if these effects (if any) are associated with a concomitant improvement in sports performance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
