This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine whether 8 weeks of Cistanche deserticola supplementation, when combined with a standardized anaerobic training program, can improve anaerobic exercise performance, recovery, and selected body composition outcomes in young adult men with different athletic training levels.
Participants will be assigned to receive either Cistanche deserticola extract or a matched placebo while completing the same supervised anaerobic training program. The study will assess changes in anaerobic performance, including Wingate test outcomes and jump performance, as well as recovery-related indicators such as blood lactate, creatine kinase, malondialdehyde, testosterone, cortisol, and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. Body composition outcomes, including body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass, will also be evaluated.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether Cistanche deserticola supplementation provides additional benefits beyond training alone, and whether these effects differ between highly trained and recreationally trained participants.
Male, aged 18 to 25 years
Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m²
Able and willing to provide written informed consent
Willing to comply with study procedures, supplementation, training, and assessments
Use of steroids or ergogenic supplements during study
Known cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, or other conditions making participation unsafe or affecting outcomes
Current use of medications affecting muscle growth, recovery, hormones, or high-intensity performance
Current injury or limitation preventing safe participation
Parallel
Cistanche deserticola
Dietary supplementParticipants receive Cistanche deserticola extract paste at a dose of 5 g/day for 8 weeks. The supplement is administered in two sachets per day, one after breakfast and one after lunch. The product is derived from Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma cultivated in Inner Mongolia and consists primarily of phenylethanoid glycosides. Batch-specific quality-control documentation is provided by the supplier to ensure consistency.
Matched placebo paste
Dietary supplementParticipants receive a matched placebo for 8 weeks. The placebo is administered in two sachets per day, one after breakfast and one after lunch, following the same schedule as the experimental supplement. It contains maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, caramel coloring, and a food-grade bittering agent, and is matched to the active supplement in appearance, weight, texture, and taste.
Standardized anaerobic training program
BehavioralAll participants complete the same supervised standardized anaerobic training program 3 times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Each session lasts approximately 50 to 65 minutes and includes a dynamic warm-up, repeated sprint training, explosive/strength-support exercises, short-bout high-intensity interval training, and a cool-down. Training load is progressively increased across the intervention period, and attendance as well as session rating of perceived exertion are recorded throughout the study.
Peak power during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test
Peak power (W) measured during a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test performed on a Monark 894E cycle ergometer. The test is conducted under standardized conditions, and the primary analysis will evaluate the change from baseline to post-intervention and the between-group difference in change after 8 weeks of intervention.
Squat jump height
Squat jump (SJ) height in centimeters, assessed under standardized testing conditions as a measure of lower-limb explosive performance. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
Countermovement jump
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height in centimeters, assessed under standardized testing conditions as a measure of lower-limb explosive performance. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
Average power during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test
Average power (W) measured during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
Minimum power during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test
Power drop during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test
Power drop (%) calculated from the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test as an index of fatigue during maximal anaerobic effort. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
Post-exercise blood lactate response
Capillary blood lactate concentration (mmol/L) measured immediately after the Wingate Anaerobic Test and at 3 minutes of recovery as indices of acute metabolic stress and recovery. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
Body mass index
Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) calculated from measured height and body weight.
Body weight
Body weight (kg) measured under standardized fasting conditions. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
Resting blood lactate concentration
Capillary blood lactate concentration (mmol/L) measured before the Wingate Anaerobic Test under resting conditions. Analyses will assess change from baseline to post-intervention and between-group differences in change.
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Beijing Sport University
Lead sponsor
Wuhan Sports University
Collaborator
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