Gynostemma pentaphyllum Extract Containing Gypenoside L Improves Physical and Mental Performance

by | Apr 25, 2023 | 2023, Botanicals, Fitness and Exercise

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. 12-week supplementation with GPE resulted in significant differences in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.05) and value of temporal fatigue on the multidimensional fatigue scale (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. 

The practice of physical exercise represents a non-pharmacological approach for the prevention of many diseases due to its ability to enhance musculoskeletal function, cardiorespiratory and metabolic health, pain management, cognition, learning, memory and more1. However, intense and prolonged exercise induces inflammation, due to high generation of free radicals and increases oxidative muscle damage2. Oxidative stress affects numerous tissues including blood and skeletal muscles and increases protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, along with accelerating muscle fatigue3.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a medicinal plant with multiple pharmacological effects attributed to its various chemical ingredients, including saponins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids4. Gypenosides, the major active constituents in G. pentaphyllum, possesses anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-exercise fatigue properties5. Previous research has shown that G. pentaphyllum enhances exercise performance by promoting myotube differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism through the upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1α (PGC-1α)6.

Yejin et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of G. pentaphyllum extract containing gypenoside L (GPE) under non-exercise conditions on the improvement of physical performance. Study inclusion consisted of being a healthy adult aged 19-60 years who agreed to an exercise stress test. A total of 100 participants were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the control (placebo, n=50) or treatment (GPE, n=50) group. Those in the GPE group consumed a capsule with the content of gypenoside L and ginsenoside Rg3 of 18.46 ± 0.13 mg/g and 1.61 ± 0.01 mg/g. Subjects in the placebo group received a capsule containing cyclodextrin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide for a total product of 700 mg. All participants consumed a capsule once daily for 12 weeks.

Physiological assessments were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Physical characteristics such as height and weight were recorded and used to calculate BMI. Furthermore, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure and pulse were analyzed.  Blood parameters of exercise performance were measured pre-exercise, post-exercise, and recovery. Post-exercise cardiorespiratory responses, biochemical parameters of fatigue, and exercise responses were measured and compared at baseline and 12 weeks. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was utilized to assess participants’ metabolic equivalent of take (MET). Cardiopulmonary responses, specifically VO2 peak, O2 pulse, and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were measured on a motorized treadmill using a modified Bruce protocol.

After the subjects were in a resting state, blood samples were obtained for a fatigue-related blood test. A treadmill test was utilized, with increases in speed and incline every 3 minutes, for a maximum of 15 minutes. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, visual analog scale (VAS), and multidimensional fatigue scale (MFS) were used to assess exercise response. Biochemical markers of fatigue, such as serum levels of myoglobin, interleukin (IL-6), total antioxidant status, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were examined. Independent t-test and a paired t-test were utilized to assess differences in each group between timepoints (baseline and at 12 weeks).

Of the participants, 88 were men (control group: 40; treatment group: 48) and 12 were women (control group: 10; treatment group: 2), with a statistically significant difference in sex between the two groups (p = 0.014). Significant findings of the study are as follows:

  • Post-exercise levels of lactic acid, ammonia, lactate dehydrogenase, and free fatty acid in the blood serum were significantly higher after 12 weeks of treatment than at baseline (p < 0.05).
  • The VO2 max value was significantly higher in the treatment group (p = 0.010) after 12 weeks of treatment than at baseline. In addition, VO2 max was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.007).
  • No significant changes in the multidimensional fatigue scale were noted in the control group, while temporal fatigue was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (p = 0.049).

Results of the study show that 12-week supplementation of GPE improved blood parameters in the recovery period compared to baseline. Furthermore, the treatment group had positive changes in cardiopulmonary and exercise responses and eNOS levels compared with the control, suggesting improved physical and mental performance.

Source: Ahn, Yejin, Hee‐Seok Lee, Seok‐Hee Lee, Kyung‐Lim Joa, Cho Young Lim, Yu Jin Ahn, Hyung Joo Suh, Sung‐Soo Park, and Ki‐Bae Hong. “Effects of gypenoside L‐containing Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract on fatigue and physical performance: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial.” Phytotherapy Research (2023).

© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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Posted April 24, 2023.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

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