The Effect of Ginseng Supplementation on Psychomotor Performance, Indices of Physical Capacity and Plasma Concentration of some Hormones in Young Well Fit Men.

Since immemorial time Panax ginseng has been known as therapeutic, tonic, prophylactic and restorative agent in ancient Korea, China and Tibet and at present time is also used as a food supplement by Western societies (6). Various ginseng preparations in a form of powders, teas, tinctures or extracts, very often mixed with other substances are recommended for attenuation of degenerative processes caused by aging or fatigue, as well as for treatment of various disorders and diseases in several organs (e.g. circulatory and nervous system, liver, kidney). One of the most commonly known properties of ginseng is its possibly positive influence on physical and mental performance and general well being. Because of these adaptogenic properties promoting vitality and resistance to stress ginseng is considered as an ergogenic aid. During almost 40 years in many laboratories attempts have been made to find out whether ginseng can be 'a remedy for today's problems'. The present work is focused on the results obtained in human studies and concerning an influence of ginseng root extracts on exercise and mental performance.