Effects of Cistanche Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Recovery in Men With Different Athletic Training Levels

Beijing Sport University56 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Athlete Elite Athlete

Interventions

Cistanche deserticolaDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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 pasteDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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 programBEHAVIORAL

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.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male, aged 18 to 25 years * Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m² * Able and willing to provide written informed consent * Willing to comply with study procedures, supplementation, training, and assessments * Belonging to one of the following athletic training strata: * High-level elite stratum: Chinese National Level-1 Athlete standard in sprint-related events, regular training in past 12 months and active during study * Amateur stratum: regular exercise-training background in past 12 months without National Level-1 status Exclusion Criteria: * Use of steroids or ergogenic supplements during study * Known cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, or other conditions making participation unsafe or affecting outcomes * Current use of medications affecting muscle growth, recovery, hormones, or high-intensity performance * Current injury or limitation preventing safe participation * Known allergy or intolerance to supplement/placebo ingredients * Participation in another clinical trial or structured intervention during study period * Inability or unwillingness to comply with protocol * Any other condition deemed unsuitable by investigators

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Peak power during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test

Peak power (W) measured during a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test performed on a Monark 894E cycle ergometer. The test is conducted under standardized conditions, and the primary analysis will evaluate the change from baseline to post-intervention and the between-group difference in change after 8 weeks of intervention.