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Effects of Cistanche Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Recovery in Men With Different Athletic Training Levels
Sponsor: Beijing Sport University
Summary
This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine whether 8 weeks of Cistanche deserticola supplementation, when combined with a standardized anaerobic training program, can improve anaerobic exercise performance, recovery, and selected body composition outcomes in young adult men with different athletic training levels. Participants will be assigned to receive either Cistanche deserticola extract or a matched placebo while completing the same supervised anaerobic training program. The study will assess changes in anaerobic performance, including Wingate test outcomes and jump performance, as well as recovery-related indicators such as blood lactate, creatine kinase, malondialdehyde, testosterone, cortisol, and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. Body composition outcomes, including body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass, will also be evaluated. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Cistanche deserticola supplementation provides additional benefits beyond training alone, and whether these effects differ between highly trained and recreationally trained participants.
Official title: Effects of Cistanche Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Recovery in Men With Different Athletic Training Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
18 Years - 25 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
56
Start Date
2025-11-20
Completion Date
2026-04-12
Last Updated
2026-04-22
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Cistanche deserticola
Participants receive Cistanche deserticola extract paste at a dose of 5 g/day for 8 weeks. The supplement is administered in two sachets per day, one after breakfast and one after lunch. The product is derived from Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma cultivated in Inner Mongolia and consists primarily of phenylethanoid glycosides. Batch-specific quality-control documentation is provided by the supplier to ensure consistency.
Matched placebo paste
Participants receive a matched placebo for 8 weeks. The placebo is administered in two sachets per day, one after breakfast and one after lunch, following the same schedule as the experimental supplement. It contains maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, caramel coloring, and a food-grade bittering agent, and is matched to the active supplement in appearance, weight, texture, and taste.
Standardized anaerobic training program
All participants complete the same supervised standardized anaerobic training program 3 times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Each session lasts approximately 50 to 65 minutes and includes a dynamic warm-up, repeated sprint training, explosive/strength-support exercises, short-bout high-intensity interval training, and a cool-down. Training load is progressively increased across the intervention period, and attendance as well as session rating of perceived exertion are recorded throughout the study.
Locations (1)
Wuhan Sport University
Wuhan, Hubei, China