Effect of Cs-4 ® ( Cordyceps sinensis ) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects: A Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Cs-4^® (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy elderly subjects.

Design:

Twenty (20) healthy elderly (age 50–75 years) subjects were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial. The subjects were taking either Cs-4 333 mg or placebo capsules 3 times a day for 12 weeks.

Measurement:

Subjects received baseline screening including physical examination and laboratory tests. Maximal incremental exercise testing was performed on a stationary cycle ergometer using breath-by-breath analysis at baseline and at the completion of the study.

Results:

After receiving Cs-4 for 12 weeks, the metabolic threshold (above which lactate accumulates) increased by 10.5% from 0.83 ± 0.06 to 0.93 ± 0.08 L/min (p < 0.02) and the ventilatory threshold (above which unbuffered H⁺ stimulates ventilation) increased by 8.5% from 1.25 ± 0.11 to 1.36 ± 0.15 L/min. Significant changes in metabolic or ventilatory threshold were not seen for the subjects in the placebo group after 12 weeks, and there were no changes in V̇o ₂ max in either group.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that supplementation with Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) improves exercise performance and might contribute to wellness in healthy older subjects.