The Effects of American Ginseng Supplement on Cytokines after Exhaustive Exercise

• Main Authors: Yueh-Hua Li, 李月華
• Other Authors: Bor-Cherng Su
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/14494987790271474971

碩士 === 國立體育學院 === 運動科學研究所 === 93 === Strenuous exercise induces increased levels in a number of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Data from clinical trials of animal suggest that saponins, which are the active constituents of ginsengs, have dual effects to immune cells and cytokines including promotion and inhibition. However, there is not much information about the effects of ginseng supplement on cytokines after exercise. A randomized, double blind, crossover was designed in this study. Six untrained healthy males were assigned to take either ginseng concentrate (400 mg American ginseng saponin x 4capsules/day) or placebo (hydroxymethylcellulose) for 4 wks. After the intervention, each subject performed treadmill running at 80% of maximal oxygen consumption until exhaustion. IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-β levels in plasma were measured. The concentrations of IL-2 and TNF-βon day 7 after exercise in ginseng group were significantly lower than those values in placebo group. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γat 2 hours and day 7 after exercise in ginseng group were significantly lower than those values in placebo group. The concentrations of IL-10 immediately, 2 hours, and day 7 after exercise in ginseng group were significantly lower than that value in placebo group (P<0.05). Ginseng supplementation may inhibit the cytokine production and decrease the degree of secondary damage of systemic tissues or organs.