Abstract
In a preliminary report, six weeks of supplementation with a natural fermentation product of a specific strain of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4, CordyMax™) was associated with increases in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold in older humans (> 57 yr) (Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 1999; 31 (5): S174). We conducted a randomized, double-blind study, to further determine the effect of six wks of the daily intake (4.5 gm.day−1) of Cs-4 in highly-fit athletes on oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), ventilatory threshold (VT), and heart rate (HR) during maximal and submaximal treadmill exercise. Thirty male adventure racers and multi-sport endurance athletes (31.8 ± 4.3 yrs, VO2 peak of 62.6 ± 7.7 ml.kg−1.min−1) were assigned to either a Cs-4 or a placebo control (CON) group (n = 15 each). Before and after the supplementation period, each subject performed a maximal treadmill test using a running protocol, followed the next day by a submaximal running test (60 min at 70% VO2 peak). VO2, VCO2, and HR were measured throughout maximal exercise and during 15 min of recovery; they and blood lactate (LA) were also examined every 15th min during and 5-min after the submaximal test. Post-Rx. peak VO2 and VT were significantly higher for Cs-4 and CON compared to Pre-Rx. values, but the difference between the groups was non-significant. Post-Rx. submaximal exercise HR was 2.2% lower for Cs-4 compared to pre-exercise test values (p = 0.056), but the difference between the groups was non-significant (p range = 0.1–0.2). MANOVA on the submaximal exercise post-test and pre-test difference scores showed increases in oxygen pulse (+7.6%, p = 0.058), and decreases in respiratory exchange ratio at all time points (−1.9% to −3.3%, p = 0.02 to 0.05) and LA at the 30th min (−1.5%, p = 0.038) for Cs-4 after the supplementation compared to CON. Our findings suggest that Cs-4 supplementation may have positive circulatory and metabolic effects during submaximal exercise in endurance-conditioned athletes. Cs-4 may enhance fat mobilization and beta-oxidation, thereby sparing glycogen usage during prolonged exercise. Supported by Pharmanex, Inc., Brisbane, CA
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