Effect of Saengmaeksan on Fatigue, Liver Function, and Immunity Combined with High-Intensity Training

Abstract

Saengmaeksan (SMS) is a traditional drink that consists of three natural herbs, Lirio platyphlla, Panax ginseng, and Schisandra chinensis, and improves fatigue, liver function, and immunity. Moderate-intensity exercise has a positive effect on fatigue, liver function, and immune function, whereas long-term high-intensity training has a negative effect on these aspects. We hypothesized that SMS intake will improve fatigue (ammonia, lactic acid), liver function (aspartate transaminidase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), and immunity (IgA, IgG, IgM) with high-intensity training. To investigate this hypothesis, 17 male college tennis players were randomly assigned to SMS and placebo groups with high-intensity training. SMS and placebo were consumed in 110 mL doses for a total of 770 mL. High-intensity training was performed at 70%–90% of heart rate reserve, conducted five times weekly for 4 weeks. A significant interaction effect was observed between the SMS and control (CON) groups regarding ammonia, ALT, and IgA levels. Ammonia levels significantly decreased in the SMS group, but there was no difference in the lactic acid levels. AST significantly decreased in the SMS group. IgA significantly increased in the SMS group, IgM significantly decreased in both groups, but there was no change in IgG. The correlation analysis revealed positive correlation in ΔAST vs. ΔALT, ΔALT vs. ΔIgG, and ΔIgA vs. ΔIgG in the SMS group. These findings demonstrate that SMS intake can reduce ammonia, AST, ALT, and IgM levels, while causing an increase in IgA, which has a positive effect on fatigue reduction, liver function, and immunoglobulins in a high-intensity training or related environment.