The Effects of Cordyceps and Rhodiola Supplementation on Physiological Performance Indices During Cycling in Males

Abstract

1172 Cordyceps sinensis (Cs), an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a multitude of ailments, and Rhodiola rosea (Rr), an herb used in traditional Eastern European and Asian medicine to stimulate the nervous system, have both been reported to enhance performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a formula containing Cs and Rr (Cs-Rr) on the potential relationships between maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion (TE), muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), and blood lactate (BLa) in male participants during maximal exercise. METHODS: This study followed a double blind, randomized, treatment-control, pretest-posttest design. Cs-Rr or placebo capsules were administered randomly. The treatment group was given the supplement Cs-Rr taking 6 capsules (2000mg) every morning with water for 6 days followed by 3 capsules (1000mg) each morning with water for 7 days while the control group was given a placebo. Eight (8) subjects performed two graded exercise stress tests to volitional fatigue on a cycle lode ergometer. The workload began at 50 watts (w) of power and increased after two minutes by 25w. Thereafter, power was increased every four minutes by 25w until volitional fatigue. Dependent variables measured were VO2max (L*min.−1), TE (min), StO2 (%), and BLa (mM). Statistical procedures included a Repeated Measures ANOVA to determine within subject as well as between subject differences in physiological measures between tests. A Pearson Product R Correlation Coefficient was run to determine associations between physiological measures between tests. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Treatment participant characteristics were: age 33.0 (12.6) y, height 177.3 (9.5) cm, and weight 77.3 (5.1) kg. Control participant characteristics were: age 23.8 (2.9) y, height 179.5 (3.9) cm, and weight 76.4 (9.4) kg. The Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed no significant differences in performance between the treatment and control group. The Pearson Product R Correlation Coefficient revealed significant associations between variable thresholds (LaT, StO2T, HRT, and VT) prior to supplementation (pretest). CONCLUSION: Cs-Rr does not enhance VO2max, TE, StO2, or BLa clearance in males.