Effects of Cistanche Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Recovery in Men With Different Athletic Training Levels

Effects of Cistanche Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Recovery in Men With Different Athletic Training Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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
• Belonging to one of the following athletic training strata:
• High-level elite stratum: Chinese National Level-1 Athlete standard in sprint-related events, regular training in past 12 months and active during study
• Amateur stratum: regular exercise-training background in past 12 months without National Level-1 status

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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
• Known allergy or intolerance to supplement/placebo ingredients
• Participation in another clinical trial or structured intervention during study period
• Inability or unwillingness to comply with protocol
• Any other condition deemed unsuitable by investigators