The Ergogenic Effects of Red Ginseng and Paeonia radix Mixtures

Objectives: This study was designed to identify the ergogenic effects of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures and optimal ratios. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by administering treatments of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures to rats and by measuring the time to exhaustion by treadmill running. Results: The treatment of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures to the rats increased the time to exhaustion by treadmill running. The most potent inhibition of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures on the 5-HT synthesis and the TPH expression in the dorsal raphe was observed at the dose of 200 mg/kg and the optimal ratio of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix for the maximum efficacy was 50:50. Under normal conditions (not exercise), long-term treatment of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures did not affect the 5-HT synthesis and the TPH expression in the dorsal raphe, suggesting that Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures does not alter serotonin level in the normal rats. The suppressive effect of Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures on the 5-HT synthesis and the TPH expression during exercise is a possible ergogenic mechanism of these mixtures. Conclusions : Red ginseng and Paeonia radix mixtures reduce exercise-induced fatigue, and have the effect of acting as ergogenic aids on the time to exhaustion by treadmill exercise and on 5-HT synthesis and TPH expression.