Title : The effects of saengmaekssan beverage infused with antler and Asparagus cochinchinensis extracts on improving fatigue and physical strength
Abstract:
Sports drinks work by quickly replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise or physical labor and enabling rapid removal of various metabolites. However, to increase the market demand, they contain an excessive amount of sugar which results in severe side effects that are masked by their benefits. This research aims to study the effects of saengmaekssan, an oriental sports drink known to have fewer side effects, to determine whether the intake of saengmaekssan infused with antler and Asparagus cochinchinensis extracts after a workout improves fatigue and physical strength. For this experiment, 12 badminton club members ingested saengmaekssan infused with cochinchinensis extract three times per session for 2 weeks (500 ml at 2 hours before the workout, 200 ml at 30 minutes before the workout, and 200 ml right after the workout). To compare the hematocrit, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ammonia, and lactic acid levels before and after the recovery period, blood was drawn twice, once 10 minutes after the exercise and then 20 minutes post-exercise during the recovery period. There was a significant improvement in hematocrit levels, indicating fluid regulation ability, but no significant effects on CK and LDH levels, indicating concentration muscle damage. Significant reductions in ammonia and lactic acid levels indicate fatigue. no significant difference was observed before and after the workout regarding reaction time and agility, but a significant difference was observed in balance. Thus, saengmaekssan infused with cochinchinensis extract had significant effects on fluid regulation ability and the reduction of fatigue markers, and although not significant, on the reduction of muscle damage markers . Moreover, prolonged intake of saengmaekssan infused with antler and cochinchinensis extracts may improve motor abilities. Therefore, it is likely to gain popularity as a natural sports drink with the benefits of regular sports/energy drinks and without the side effects of high sugar and caffeine.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- I questioned the efficacy of a beverage made of natural ingredients, but the results of this study proved its efficacy. This study was initially designed as a pretest-posttest research, but with the results of this study confirming the efficacy of the beverage, further research through a pretest-posttest control group will be conducted. Moreover, natural beverages will be developed tailored to patients with central and peripheral nervous system injuries.
- Athletes will prefer sports drinks with natural ingredients that are effective in improving motor skills with fewer side effects than those of regular sports drinks and energy drinks that are high in sugar and caffeine. Moreover, medical workers at rehabilitation facilities can introduce natural sports drinks to patients who need exercise.
- In addition to sports drinks, it will be possible to develop various types of products based on natural ingredients, and through further research, these products may be introduced into the market.
