Green Tea Extract and Ginger (Thermal effect)

Erzurum Technical University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Exercise Physiology; Nutritional Supplementation

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Green Tea Extract; Dietary Supplement: Ginger; Dietary Supplement: Combined Supplement (Green Tea + Ginger); Dietary Supplement: Placebo Arm

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07150533

ETU-Green Tea and Ginger

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates the effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation, both individually and in combination, on endurance performance, metabolism, thermal comfort, and muscle soreness in recreationally active young men. Participants will complete cycling tests under both normal room temperature (21-24°C) and cold (5-7°C) conditions. The study uses a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design to compare the outcomes of placebo, green tea, ginger, and combined supplementation. The findings may help to identify nutritional strategies that improve exercise performance and comfort in different environmental conditions.

Full description

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial is designed to evaluate the effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation, both individually and in combination, on endurance performance, metabolic responses, thermal sensation, and muscle soreness in recreationally active men.

Sixteen healthy participants will complete eight experimental conditions: placebo, green tea extract (500 mg), ginger (1 g), and a combination of both, tested under normal (21-24°C) and cold (5-7°C) environments. Each condition will be separated by a washout period to avoid carryover effects.

Endurance capacity will be measured using a time-to-exhaustion cycling test at 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Metabolic responses will be assessed by gas analysis to determine respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Perceptual measures will include the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and a thermal sensation scale, while muscle soreness will be evaluated 24 hours post-exercise using a visual analog scale (VAS).

The study aims to determine whether the combined intake of green tea and ginger provides synergistic benefits over individual supplementation, particularly in cold environments where thermoregulation and endurance capacity are challenged. Findings may contribute to practical nutritional strategies that enhance exercise performance, comfort, and recovery under environmental stress conditions.

Enrollment: 16 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Male participants aged 18-35 years

Recreationally active (≥3 aerobic exercise sessions per week, ≥30 minutes per session, for at least 6 months)

VO₂max between 40-50 mL/kg/min (recreationally active fitness level)

Body mass index within the normal to slightly overweight range (approximately 18.5-27.5 kg/m²)

Willingness to comply with study requirements, including supplementation and exercise testing protocols

Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

History of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or neurological disorders

Allergy or intolerance to green tea, ginger, or maltodextrin

Current use of ergogenic supplements, medications affecting metabolism, or stimulants (e.g., beta-blockers, caffeine pills)

Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption (>14 units per week)

Inconsistent exercise habits (<3 sessions/week in the past 6 months)

Participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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16 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo Arm

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants receive a placebo consisting of maltodextrin in capsule form, matched in appearance and taste to the active supplements.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Placebo Arm

Green Tea Extract Arm

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive 500 mg of standardized green tea extract in capsule form.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Green Tea Extract

Ginger Arm

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive 1 g of ginger supplement in capsule form.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Ginger

Combined Supplement Arm

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive a combination of 500 mg green tea extract and 1 g ginger, both administered in capsule form.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Combined Supplement (Green Tea + Ginger)