Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial and Assessment of Fermentation Product of Cordyceps Sinensis (Cs-4) in Enhancing Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Function of The Healthy Elderly Volunteers

Authors: Xiao Yi, Huang Xizhen, Zhu Jiashi

Journal: Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine

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

Participants: 37 healthy, elderly Chinese subjects

Intervention: The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups:

• Cs-4 group: Received Cs-4 (3g/day) for 6 weeks
• Placebo group: Received identical placebo capsules for 6 weeks

Outcome Measures:

• Exercise performance (VO2max, VO2 at anaerobic threshold)
• Ventilation

Summary: The study aimed to assess the effect of Cs-4, a fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis, on the exercise capacity of healthy elderly people. The results showed that after 6 weeks of Cs-4 treatment, there was a significant increase in VO2max (from 1.88±0.13 to 2.00±0.14 L/min, P<0.050) and VO2 at anaerobic threshold (from 1.15±0.07 to 1.30±0.09 L/min, P=0.012). The placebo group did not show any significant changes. The study concluded that Cs-4 could improve oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity and ventilation function, and resistance to fatigue of elderly people in exercise.