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

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.

Conditions

• Athlete
• Elite Athlete
• Sport Performance
• Exercise Recovery

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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.

BEHAVIORAL

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Wuhan Sports University

  collaborator OTHER

• Beijing Sport University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-20

Primary Completion

2026-04-01

Completion

2026-04-12

Countries

• China

Study Locations