Evidence supporting the use of: Siberian ginseng
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero, has a long history of traditional use in Russia and China as an adaptogen, believed to enhance stamina, reduce fatigue, and improve physical performance. Soviet scientists in the 20th century popularized its use among athletes and cosmonauts, promoting it as a tonic to increase endurance and recovery. Traditional medicine systems have used Siberian ginseng for centuries to support general vitality, especially during periods of physical stress.
Scientific evidence for Siberian ginseng as an athletic or exercise aid is limited and not robust. Some small-scale studies have suggested modest improvements in endurance and reduced fatigue, but results are inconsistent and often methodologically weak. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to support significant ergogenic effects in healthy individuals. Most clinical trials are small, short-term, and may suffer from bias or poor controls.
Overall, while Siberian ginseng’s use in athletic contexts is grounded in traditional practices and some anecdotal reports, current scientific research does not provide strong support for its effectiveness as an exercise or athletic aid. More well-designed, large-scale studies would be necessary to establish any clear benefit.
More about Siberian ginseng
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Eurycomanone
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Glycerol
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
Tribulus Terrestris
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Siberian ginseng
Adrenal FatigueAthletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hypertension
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Mood Swings
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress