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Enhancing Exercise Performance with Natural Products: A Comprehensive Review
Amama Rani1,2, Sojin Kang1, Sojin Kim3
1Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
Nutrients
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Natural products show promise in managing exercise-induced fatigue and improving recovery. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Nutraceutical science
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Exercise is crucial for health but can cause fatigue, muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- Conventional strategies may not fully manage these exercise-induced complications.
- Natural products are being explored as complementary approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on natural products for exercise recovery and performance.
- To assess natural products' role in alleviating exercise-induced responses.
- To identify mechanisms by which natural products support athletes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical literature.
- Categorization of evidence by mechanisms: fatigue attenuation, endurance enhancement, strength improvement, and inflammation modulation.
- Investigation of approximately 164 natural products.
Main Results:
- Natural products target fatigue markers, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress.
- Evidence suggests potential benefits for exercise performance and recovery.
- 164 natural products have been studied for these effects.
Conclusions:
- Natural products show potential as complementary strategies for exercise recovery.
- Biological plausibility and therapeutic potential are indicated.
- More rigorous clinical trials are necessary to establish efficacy, safety, and recommendations.
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