Effects of Lignosus rhinocerus and Eurycoma longifolia on Aerobic Exercise Performance, Rate of Perceived Exertion and Heart Rate in Young Athletes
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Abstract
Ergogenic supplements are widely used by athletes to enhance sports performance, yet scientific evidence supporting their efficacy remains variable. Lignosus rhinocerus and Eurycoma longifolia are traditional herbal supplements purported to improve physical fitness and metabolic function. However, data on their combined effects of Lignosus rhinocerus and Eurycoma longifolia on aerobic performance are scarce. This study aimed to examine the impact of combined supplementation with Lignosus rhinocerus and Eurycoma longifolia on aerobic exercise performance, rate of perceived exertion and heart rate in young male athletes. Eight young male athletes completed a randomised and crossover study, receiving either the supplement combination or a placebo for six consecutive days, with an additional acute dose administered one hour before an aerobic exercise test. Time to complete the aerobic exercise test, rate of perceived exertion and heart rate were recorded during each trial. A one-week washout period separated the two trials to minimise carryover effects. Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests, and are presented as mean ± SD. This study found that combined supplementation of Lignosus rhinocerus and Eurycoma longifolia had no significant effect on aerobic exercise performance, rate of perceived exertion and heart rate compared with the placebo. Both the rate of perceived exertion and heart rate increased significantly from baseline in all trials, consistent with expected physiological responses to exercise. These findings suggest that six days of supplementation of Lignosus rhinocerus and Eurycoma longifolia, including an acute pre-exercise dose, is insufficient to elicit measurable ergogenic benefits in young athletes. Future research should explore longer supplementation durations and varied dosages to determine potential performance-enhancing effects.
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