Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term ginseng supplementation on laboratory muscular damage indices in young boxers after acute exhaustive aerobic exercise.

Methods: In semi-experimental study, after completing consent forms, twenty young boxers were allocated in two placebo and Ginseng supplement groups randomly. Subjects in supplement group received 2gr ginseng capsules daily for one week, whiles other group consumed dextrose for the same amount. All subjects of both groups underwent an exhaustive aerobic exercise test which was performed on treadmill after seven days of supplementation. Venous blood samples were collected in four phases; baseline, after seven days and immediately prior to the exercise, immediately after and 24 h after exercise. The data was statistically analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA test in P>0.05 significantly.

Results: The results of this study indicated that the LDH level had been increased immediately in both groups (supplement: 389.01 and placebo: 371.58 (U/L)), and in 24 hours (supplement: 397.46 and placebo: 371.58 (U/L)) after aerobic exercise (P>0.05). While ginseng consumption prevented the significant increase of the CK in supplement (255.37±52.10) group versus placebo (323.59±52.04) group at 24 hours after exercise (P=0.012).

Conclusion: Based on the present findings, it seems that ginseng supplementation can modulate muscle cell damage after acute exhaustive aerobic exercise.