Citation

Koncic MZ, Tomczyk M. Curr. Drug Targets 2013; 14(9): 1079-1092.

Affiliation

Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia. mzovko@pharma.hr.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Bentham Science Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23574283

Abstract

As a society we are increasingly concerned about our physical appearance. For example, as much as 24% of people in developed countries admittedly exercise to improve their performance. Professional sportsmen and amateurs alike are in a constant search for new means that will enable them better sport results in shorter time. Among those means, a prominent place belongs to dietary supplements. However, the producers often advertise products whose use in sports is neither scientifically founded nor safe. This brings on an irrational use of herbal supplements which sometimes leads to unwanted side effects, but is more often of little use. Thus, the aim of this review will be to systematically evaluate some of the herbal supplements that are used as adaptogenic and ergogenic aids in sport. The review will include available data on Rhodiola rosea, Withania somnifera, Schisandra chinensis, Tribulus terrestris, Vitis vinifera, Citrus aurantium, and others. Their effects, active ingredients as well as possible adverse effects will be discussed with special focus on clinical studies.

Language: en