Perception of Herbs Used in Sport: Pre-Study among Coaches and Athletes

This study was meant to identify a certain level of knowledge in using herbs amongst coaches and athletes. Herbs are a natural product that can increase human body performance. For example, most people know that herbs like ginseng if taken in small measures help people in sexual performance, and that ulam raja can be used as an ingredient in beauty products. However, they are not aware of other secret properties in herbs that can increase athletes’ performance or human body metabolism. Data were collected from 50 coaches (from MSN) and 30 athletes (from UiTM). All 50 coaches were represented by 25 males and 25 females, as for the athletes (individual game), they were divided into 15 males and 15 females. The data was collected using ‘Perception of Using Herbs amongst Coaches and Athletes’ and also interviews. All data have been analyzed using descriptive analysis. We have concluded that most of the respondents are not aware of or have no good knowledge about herbs being used in sports to improve athletes’ performance. The percentage of the herbs-knowledge survey has shown 56.7% (17) as undecided. In the survey, 33.3% (1) gave no as an answer, whereas others who responded with yes were 40% (12). From this finding, all participants mainly assume that herbs can only increase the release of sexual hormones and can influence sexual potency; but instead, they should think that taking herbs can also improve human body performance. Nevertheless, this study provides an understanding of how herbs can be taken and applied as a cure or remedy in sports.