Background <p>Natural components in plants can be used as a therapeutic adjuvant for different pathologies, improve physiological and biochemical changes which can enhance individuals who practice physical activities. Implementing and designing appropriate dietary interventions is integral to the function of sports nutrition professionals.</p> Objective <p>This article aims to provide deep of knowledge of the influence of application of medicinal plants and herbs, as well as plant-based diets on athletes. It also seeks to provide valuable information and insights to simplify the nutritional strategies as well as principles with understanding the importance of natural products in an organic life, and focus on the appropriate way to use the natural advantages of plant-based nutrition.</p> Design <p>Review. Online databases were used to retrieve data from 2003 to the present day.</p> Data sources <p>Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases were used during the literature analysis.</p> Review methods <p>Relevant identified studies were screened for final inclusion, and studies were included if they focused on athletes, sportsmen, medicinal plants, natural products, physical performance, and physical activity.</p> Results and discussion <p>The supplementation of ginseng can increase lactate, cardio respiratory function, aerobic capacity, frequent redundancy (e.g., increase endurance capacity, endurance running time, and endurance performance), and muscle strength with positive effects on immune function, brain function and stabilizes blood pressure. Green tea and <i>Coffea arabica</i> supplementation can enhance endurance capacity, anaerobic performances, blood catecholamine, immune responses in cyclist and runner, serum catecholamine levels, muscle strength and improve endurance running performance. Ephedrine can increase alertness and reaction time and aerobic capacity and reduce fatigue. Ginger can increase fatigue resistance in athletes, and reduce inflammation biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Application of <i>Tribulus terrestris</i> can increase production of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone production in healthy male, muscle growth, and reduce inflammation, oxidative damage in muscle and cardiovascular activity. <i>Rhodiola Rosea</i> can improve performance, muscle fatigue resistance and memory as well as concentration. <i>Cordyceps sinensis</i> may increase lactic acid production, heart rate variability and blood, muscle fatigue resistance, aerobic capacity and cardiovascular responses in health runners. Application of <i>Ginkgo biloba</i> can increase the endurance performance and time to exhaustion in athletes and improve muscle tissue blood and exercise performance. Increase in muscle strength in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, reduce pain and improve immune system can be increased after supplementation of Arnica. Application of Astragalus can increase aerobic performance in runner, immune system and reduce pain. High treatment of musculoskeletal and joint-related conditions, treatment of pain and aches can be used after application of <i>Salix alba</i>. Application of saffron can reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha, levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and improve catalase, superoxide dismutase and blood flow in retina and choroid. Supplementation of fenugreek can increase endurance capacity and fatty acids, free testosterone levels and reduce serum creatinine. <i>Myrtus communis</i> can increase anaerobic performances, serum proteins and decrease triglycerides.</p> Conclusion <p>Supplementation of medicinal plants in athletes^, diets can increase athletic performance, and provide synergistic health benefits.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>