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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
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Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance
E A Dowling1, D R Redondo, J D Branch
1Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0196, USA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim L (ESML) supplementation did not improve aerobic exercise performance in highly trained runners. The 8-week study found no significant ergogenic effects on metabolic, performance, or psychological measures.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Supplementation
Background:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim L (ESML), also known as Siberian ginseng, is a popular herbal supplement.
- Its potential ergogenic effects on athletic performance are of interest in sports science.
- However, empirical evidence supporting its efficacy in highly trained athletes remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ESML supplementation on physiological and performance parameters during submaximal and maximal aerobic exercise.
- To determine if ESML provides an ergogenic advantage for endurance athletes.
- To assess the impact of ESML on metabolic, performance, and psychological markers.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 20 highly trained distance runners.
- Participants were randomly assigned to an ESML or placebo group for 8 weeks.
- Physiological measures (heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilation, RER, RPE) and time to exhaustion were recorded during submaximal (10 km race pace) and maximal treadmill tests.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between the ESML and placebo groups in heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilation, RER, RPE, or time to exhaustion.
- Serum lactate levels at rest and post-exercise also showed no significant variations between groups.
- The data indicate a lack of ergogenic effect from ESML supplementation.
Conclusions:
- ESML supplementation does not appear to enhance metabolic, performance, or psychological parameters in highly trained distance runners during submaximal and maximal aerobic exercise.
- The findings do not support the use of ESML as an ergogenic aid for improving endurance exercise capacity.
- Further research may be needed to explore potential effects in different populations or dosages, but current evidence is negative.
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