Cordyceps sinensis- and Rhodiola rosea-based Supplementation in Male Cyclists and Its Effect on Muscle Tissue Oxygen Saturation

Authors: Sheree N. Colson, Frank B. Wyatt, Deborah L. Johnston, Lance D. Autrey, Youlonda L. FitzGerald, and Conrad P. Earnest

Journal: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Study Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-treatment, pre-post test design

Participants: 8 healthy, trained male subjects aged 18 to 50 years

Intervention: The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• Treatment group (n = 4): Received a Cordyceps sinensis CS-4 (Cs) and Rhodiola rosea (Rr) based supplement (Cs-Rr). The loading dose was 6 capsules (2,000 mg) every morning with water for 6 days, followed by a maintenance dosage of 3 capsules (1,000 mg) each morning with water for 7 days.
• Placebo group (n = 4): Received a placebo following the same dosage regimen as the treatment group.

Outcome Measures:

• Muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) slope
• StO2 threshold (StO2T)
• Peak oxygen uptake (VO2max)
• Ventilatory threshold (VT)
• Time to exhaustion (TE)
• Systolic blood pressure (SBP)

Summary: The study aimed to examine the effects of a Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) and Rhodiola rosea (Rr) based supplement (Cs-Rr) on muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during maximal exercise in trained male cyclists. The results showed no significant differences in StO2 slope, StO2T, VO2max, VT, or TE between the treatment and placebo groups. The study concluded that Cs-Rr supplementation did not significantly enhance StO2 or exercise performance in this population.