The effect of ginseng supplement consumption on the response of some immune system function indices to exhaustive aerobic exercise in active young males

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran.

2 Department of Exercise Physiology. Faculty of Humanities,, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran.

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction: Moderate-intensity exercise boosts immune system, while intense exercise can reduce the immune system function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ginseng supplementation on immune system function indices after exhaustive aerobic exercise.   
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 active male students with the mean age of 21.8±2.5 years were randomly divided into experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Subjects of the experimental and control groups respectively received 1036 mg of ginseng supplement or placebo (dextrose) daily for ten days. All subjects were participated in the aerobic shuttle run test after supplementation period. SerumIgA, IgG, IgM and cortisol levels were measured in three phases; baseline, after supplementation and after aerobic exercise test. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA.
Results: There were no significant differences in serum levels of IgA (P=0.73), IgG (P=0.86), IgM (P=0.42) and cortisol (P=0.96) between experimental and control groups following exhaustive aerobic exercise test.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that short-term ginseng supplementation has no effect on the response of immune system function indices to exhaustive aerobic exercise in young males.     

Keywords


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