Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy elderly subjects.


METHODS
Twenty (20) healthy elderly (age 50-75 years) subjects were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial. The subjects were taking either Cs-4 333 mg or placebo capsules 3 times a day for 12 weeks.


METHODS
Subjects received baseline screening including physical examination and laboratory tests. Maximal incremental exercise testing was performed on a stationary cycle ergometer using breath-by-breath analysis at baseline and at the completion of the study.


RESULTS
After receiving Cs-4 for 12 weeks, the metabolic threshold (above which lactate accumulates) increased by 10.5% from 0.83 +/- 0.06 to 0.93 +/- 0.08 L/min (p < 0.02) and the ventilatory threshold (above which unbuffered H(+) stimulates ventilation) increased by 8.5% from 1.25 +/- 0.11 to 1.36 +/- 0.15 L/min. Significant changes in metabolic or ventilatory threshold were not seen for the subjects in the placebo group after 12 weeks, and there were no changes in Vo(2) max in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that supplementation with Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) improves exercise performance and might contribute to wellness in healthy older subjects.
Chen
Steve
S
Center for Human Nutrition, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Li
Zhaoping
Z
Krochmal
Robert
R
Abrazado
Marlon
M
Kim
Woosong
W
Cooper
Christopher B
CB
D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000494:pharmacology*; D032661:Cordyceps; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values
D001688:Biological Products; D019344:Lactic Acid
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