A Review of Research Methodologies on the Efficacy and Compliance of Herbal Medicines with Anti-Doping Regulations in Sports

Objectives This study investigated the research methodologies of interaction between herbal medicines and anti- doping regulations, focusing on their efficacy and compliance. The research investigates research methodologies to explore the potential of herbal medicines in enhancing athletic recovery and performance while adhering to the standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Methods This review systematically collected and synthesized evidence on herbal medicines’s efficacy and compliance with anti-doping regulations. Data on bioactive compounds were extracted from databases such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), PubChem, and DrugBank and cross-referenced with the WADA Prohibited List using tools like Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). Relevant literature, including computational and experimental studies, was analyzed to evaluate herbal medicines’ pharmacological mechanisms and regulatory compliance in sports medicine. Results This review highlights methodologies to evaluate the efficacy and compliance of herbal medicines in sports under anti-doping regulations. Screening and network pharmacology identified bioactive compounds and their mechanisms, emphasizing pathways such as PI3K-Akt and NF-κB linked to stress modulation, inflammation control, and energy metabolism. Analytical techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) ensured accurate detection of WADA-prohibited substances. Pharmacokinetic profiling assessed absorption, metabolism, and excretion, confirming efficacy and compliance by preventing inadvertent anti-doping rule violations. In vitro studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial-enhancing effects, while in vivo models revealed improvements in endurance, fatigue recovery, and stress resilience. These findings provide a robust framework for the responsible integration of herbal medicines into athletic recovery and performance enhancement. Conclusions Herbal medicines offer a promising natural alternative to synthetic performance enhancers, aligning with clean and fair competition principles. While challenges such as variability in herbal composition and the need for regulatory standardization persist, this study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing herbal medicines' efficacy and compliance. Future research should focus on standardized formulations, pharmacokinetics and safety profiles, dose-response studies, and large-scale clinical trials to ensure the safe integration of herbal medicines into sports medicine, promoting ethical and effective practices in athletic performance.