Role of Ginseng and L-Carnitine in Modulating Exercise Endurance and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Ginseng and L-carnitine are natural compounds often used as dietary supplements to enhance athletic performance. However, their combined effects on exercise endurance remain unclear. <b>Objectives</b>: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation on exercise endurance in a rat model. <b>Methods</b>: Male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups (<i>n</i> = 5 per group): control, ginseng extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), L-carnitine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), and combined treatment. Half of the groups underwent a 16-day exercise training program of swimming without loading. Exercise endurance was assessed using a tail-suspended forced swimming test. Relative organ weight, glycogen content, blood biochemistry, and gene expression were analyzed. <b>Results</b>: Both ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased exercise endurance, particularly in the exercise group. Ginseng extract and L-carnitine also increased liver glycogen content and upregulated the expression of <i>AMPKα1</i> and <i>PGC-1α</i> genes in the liver and muscle. In addition, both supplements reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA levels and increasing SOD activity. <b>Conclusions</b>: Ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation may enhance exercise endurance by improving energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and upregulating key genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.