title: Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) supplementation does not improve endurance exercise performance.
abstract: It is purported that supplementation with Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) will improve oxidative capacity and endurance performance. The intent of this investigation was to examine the effects of CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation on VO<(2peak,) ventilatory threshold, and endurance performance in endurance-trained cyclists. Twenty-two male cyclists participated in 5 weeks of supplementation with CordyMax Cs-4 tablets (3 g/d). Training intensity was maintained by weekly documentation and reporting throughout the 5-week period. Subjects completed a VO(2peak) test and work-based time trial prior to and following the supplementation period. VO(2peak) was similar within and between placebo (PLA) and treatment (CS) groups prior to (59.9 +/- 5.9 vs. 59.1 +/- 5.4 ml/kg/min, respectively) and following (60.1 +/- 5.5 vs. 57.1 +/- 5.8 ml/kg/min, respectively) the supplementation period. Ventilatory threshold (VT) was measured at 72 +/- 10% of VO(2peak) in P and T prior to supplementation and did not change in either group following the supplementation. PLA completed the time trial in 61.4+/- 2.4 min compared to 62.1+/- 4.0 min in T. Time trial measurements did not differ between groups, nor did they change in response to supplementation. It is concluded that 5 weeks of CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation has no effect on aerobic capacity or endurance exercise performance in endurance-trained male cyclists.
authors.affiliation: Human Performance Research Center at Brigham Young Uninversity, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
authors.forename: Allen C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Parcell
authors.forename: Jason M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Shane S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Schulthies
authors.forename: J William
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Myrer
authors.forename: Gilbert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fellingham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D032661:Cordyceps / Q000737:chemistry*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis