Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) Supplementation Does Not Improve Endurance Exercise Performance

Authors: Allen C. Parcell, Jason M. Smith, Shane S. Schulthies, J. William Myrer, and Gilbert Fellingham

Journal: International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Participants: 22 endurance-trained male cyclists

Intervention: The participants were divided into two groups and received the following interventions for 5 weeks:

• Treatment group (CS): 3 g/day of CordyMax Cs-4 tablets
• Placebo group (PLA): 3 g/day of maltodextrin capsules

Outcome Measures:

• VO2peak (maximal oxygen consumption)
• Ventilatory threshold (VT)
• Endurance performance (time to complete a work-based time trial)

Summary: The study investigated the effects of 5 weeks of CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation on aerobic capacity and endurance performance in endurance-trained male cyclists. The results showed that CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation did not lead to any significant improvements in VO2peak, VT, or time trial performance compared to the placebo group. The study concluded that 5 weeks of CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation has no effect on aerobic capacity or endurance exercise performance in endurance-trained male cyclists.