OBJECTIVE To study the antifatigue function of total saponins in ground parts and roots of Panax japonicus, to develop its new botanical parts for medical use. METHODS Random groups were prepared by weight and were gavaged ultrapure water, letinan and total saponins in ground parts and roots of Panaxjaponicus. The weight, loading swimming time, the content of blood lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen and liver glycogen in mice were determined. RESULTS The middle and high dosage of total saponins in ground parts and the low and middle dosage of total saponins in roots of Panaxjaponicus could signi...