Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on the immune function of boxers

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on immune function of boxers. Methods: Thirty athletes who received boxing training in Pukyong National University were randomly divided into three groups and then divided into three intervention stages to ensure that each group underwent different doses of Lepidium meyenii Walp. The levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and immunoglobulin (Ig) in the blood of the athletes were detected before and after each intervention stage. Results: After taking different doses of Lepidium meyenii Walp., there was no significant change in the level of red blood cells (P > 0.05); the level of white blood cells in the low and high dose groups increased significantly (P < 0.05; P < 0.01); the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG in the high and low dose groups increased significantly (P < 0.05), but the difference of increase amplitude was not large. Conclusion: Lepidium meyenii Walp. can improve the immune function by raising the level of white blood cells and Ig in athletes.