Cordyceps Sinensis: Lacking Research As An Ergogenic Aid?

[cakedonkey]

The most recent stuff isn't looking at all in its favor.


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J Strength Cond Res. 2005 May;19(2):358-63.
Cordyceps sinensis- and Rhodiola rosea-based supplementation in male cyclists and its effect on muscle tissue oxygen saturation.
Colson SN, Wyatt FB, Johnston DL, Autrey LD, FitzGerald YL, Earnest CP.

Department of Health Sciences, McLennan Community College, Waco, Texas 76708, USA. scolson@mclennan.edu

Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) and Rhodiola rosea (Rr) are herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a multitude of ailments as well as to enhance performance. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a formula containing Cs and Rr (Cs-Rr) on circulatory dynamics, specifically muscle tissue oxygen saturation (Sto(2)), in male subjects during maximal exercise. This study followed a double blind, randomized, placebo-treatment, pre-post test design. Capsules were administered to 8 subjects who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The treatment group received Cs-Rr, and the control group received a placebo. All subjects performed 2 exercise stress tests to volitional fatigue on a cycle load ergometer. There were no significant (p </= 0.05) differences in Sto(2) slope, Sto(2) threshold (Sto(2T)), Vo(2)max, ventilatory threshold (V(T)), or time to exhaustion (T(E)) between or within the treatment or control group. In conclusion, Cs-Rr did not significantly enhance Sto(2).

PMID: 15903375 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Apr;14(2):236-42.
Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) supplementation does not improve endurance exercise performance.
Parcell AC, Smith JM, Schulthies SS, Myrer JW, Fellingham G.

Human Performance Research Center at Brigham Young Uninversity, Provo, UT 84602, USA.

It is purported that supplementation with Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) will improve oxidative capacity and endurance performance. The intent of this investigation was to examine the effects of CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation on VO<(2peak,) ventilatory threshold, and endurance performance in endurance-trained cyclists. Twenty-two male cyclists participated in 5 weeks of supplementation with CordyMax Cs-4 tablets (3 g/d). Training intensity was maintained by weekly documentation and reporting throughout the 5-week period. Subjects completed a VO(2peak) test and work-based time trial prior to and following the supplementation period. VO(2peak) was similar within and between placebo (PLA) and treatment (CS) groups prior to (59.9 +/- 5.9 vs. 59.1 +/- 5.4 ml/kg/min, respectively) and following (60.1 +/- 5.5 vs. 57.1 +/- 5.8 ml/kg/min, respectively) the supplementation period. Ventilatory threshold (VT) was measured at 72 +/- 10% of VO(2peak) in P and T prior to supplementation and did not change in either group following the supplementation. PLA completed the time trial in 61.4+/- 2.4 min compared to 62.1+/- 4.0 min in T. Time trial measurements did not differ between groups, nor did they change in response to supplementation. It is concluded that 5 weeks of CordyMax Cs-4 supplementation has no effect on aerobic capacity or endurance exercise performance in endurance-trained male cyclists.

PMID: 15118196 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Mar;36(3):504-9.
Effects of a commercial herbal-based formula on exercise performance in cyclists.
Earnest CP, Morss GM, Wyatt F, Jordan AN, Colson S, Church TS, Fitzgerald Y, Autrey L, Jurca R, Lucia A.

Center for Human Performance and Nutrition Research, The Cooper Institute Center for Human Performance and Nutrition Research, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. cearnest@cooperinst.org

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: We examined the effects of a commercially marketed herbal-based formula purported to increase endurance on oxygen consumption (VO2) in 17 competitive category III/IV amateur cyclists [mean (SEM) age: 31.1 (1.8) yr; height: 178.5 (1.8) cm; weight: 77.1 (1.6) kg]. METHODS: Each cyclist participated in two (pre/post) cycling tests progressing 25 W.4 min(-1) starting at 100 W administered in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind fashion. The second trial was performed 14 d after the ingestion of a manufacturer recommended loading phase (4 d x 6 caps.d(-1)) and a maintenance phase (11 d x 3 caps.d(-1)). Three treatment capsules contained 1000 mg of Cordyceps sinensis (CS-4) and 300 mg Rhodiola rosea root extract as the primary ingredients; 800 mg of other ingredients included calcium pyruvate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, ribose, and adenosine and 200 mcg of chromium. RESULTS: Using a 2 x 2 ANOVA, we observed no significant treatment effect for any between or within group variables including peak VO2 [treatment 4.14 (0.2) L.min(-1); placebo 4.10 (0.2) L.min(-1)], time to exhaustion [treatment 38.47 (1.7) min; placebo 36.95 (1.8) min], peak power output (PO) [treatment 300.00 (12.1) W; placebo 290.63 (12.9) W], or peak heart rate. We also observed no differences for any subpeak exercise variable including the PO eliciting 2 mmol.L(-1) blood lactate (BLa) [treatment 201.00 (18.1) W; placebo 167.50 (19.2) W] and 4 mmol.L(-1) BLa [treatment 235.88 (15.8) W; placebo 244.78 (14.9) W], ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point, or Vo2 L.min(-1) gross efficiency at each stage. CONCLUSION: A 2-wk ingestion schema of a commercial herbal-based formula is insufficient to elicit positive changes in cycling performance.

PMID: 15076794 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[ncangey0513]

Interesting. Do you have access to or have any other studies on any other types of Cordyceps?

[ncangey0513]

J Altern Complement Med. 2001 Jun;7(3):231-40.
CordyMax Cs-4 improves steady-state bioenergy status in mouse liver.
Dai G, Bao T, Xu C, Cooper R, Zhu JS.
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical
University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of CordyMax Cs-4, a mycelial fermentation product of
Cordyceps sinensis, on energy metabolism. DESIGN: An in vivo pharmacology study using
31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. SUBJECTS AND STUDY
INTERVENTIONS: Adult male C57-BL/6 mice were given an aqueous extract of
CordyMax, 200 or 400 mg/kg per day or placebo for 7 days. OUTCOME
MEASUREMENTS: Using 31P-NMR spectroscopy to measure cellular triphosphates and
inorganic phosphate, expressed as a ratio to a reference peak, and calculate tissue pH.
RESULTS: Steady-state beta adenosine triphosphate (ATP) increased in the liver of mice
that received CordyMax (200 or 400 mg/kg per day) for 7 days, by 12.3% +/- 0.8% and
18.4% +/- 0.9%, respectively, compared to placebo controls (both p < 0.001), suggesting a
higher hepatic bioenergy status in CordyMax-treated animals. Hepatic inorganic phosphate
(Pi) decreased by 24.5% +/- 0.9% and 17.6% +/- 1.7% in the two treatment groups,
respectively, compared to placebo controls (p < 0.001). The ratio of beta-ATP:Pi increased
by 47.7% +/- 1.6% and 41.4% +/- 2.4%, respectively, in the treatment groups (both p <
0.001 compared to placebo). After discontinuation of CordyMax for 7 days, beta-ATP and
Pi returned towards baseline. CONCLUSION: CordyMax is effective in improving
bioenergy status in the murine liver, suggesting a mechanism underlying the known clinical
effectiveness of CordyMax in alleviating fatigue and improving physical endurance, especially
in elderly subjects.

[DinoT1985]

Interesting. Do you have access to or have any other studies on any other types of Cordyceps?

Theres quite a few on PubMed. Most of them aren't in favour regarding cordyceps when it comes to oxygen enhancement, though it's reported to be good for improving glucose metabolism and increasing insulin sensitivity.

But from using the supplement myself, I find it greatly helps me catch my breath and rarely need to use my inhaler.

[ncangey0513]

I really can't find any conclusive studies on Cordyceps Senensis that shows its benefits as an ergogenic aid. Good post. I'll look at this a little more in depth later.

[NO HYPE]

I really can't find any conclusive studies on Cordyceps Senensis that shows its benefits as an ergogenic aid. Good post. I'll look at this a little more in depth later.

If you do end up finding anything.... I doubt you will find any in vivo, human evidence that is conclusive.

For anyone looking to find studies evaluating the efficacy of various nutrients for use as an ergogenic aid, look for studies measuring the fraction of oxygen unloading from hemoglobin to tissue and/or studies comparing O2 pulse measurements, as an increase in oxygen pulse is definitive proof that an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness has been achieved.

[in10city]

I really can't find any conclusive studies on Cordyceps Senensis that shows its benefits as an ergogenic aid. Good post. I'll look at this a little more in depth later.

These are the only human research abstracts I know of indicating benefits ... strong they are not ...

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise abstract published in 2001;33:S164. Cordyceps CS-4: Poster presented at The ACSM annual meeting, Baltimore, MD, June 2001. Poster presented at The Experimental Biology 2001 (FASEB meeting), Orlando, FL, April 3, 2001.
Effects of Cordyceps CS-4 on endurance performance in humans: A study presented at The ACSM annual meeting, Baltimore, MD, June 2001, on elite athletes looked at the effects of Cordyceps CS-4 on endurance performance parameters. The study (which took place in Encinitas, California) concluded that supplementation with Cordyceps CS-4 extract promotes fat metabolism during prolonged exercise. Cordyceps CS-4 supplementation resulted in improved circulatory and metabolic effects during submaximal exercise in endurance-conditioned athletes. The abstract of the study which was published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Journal, 2001, concluded that CS-4 supports normal fat mobilization and beta-oxidation, thereby preserving glycogen usage during prolonged exercise. (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2001)

Medicine &. Science in Sports & Exercise abstract published in 1999;31(5):S174. Cordyceps CS-4 Poster presented at The Experimental Biology 2001 (FASEB meeting), Orlando, FL, April 1, 2001. Paper published in Chinese J Gerontology 2001;20(4):297-298.
Effects of Cordyceps CS-4 on VO2max in humans: A study presented at The Experimental Biology 2001 (FASEB meeting) in Orlando, FL. (April 1, 2001) examined the effects of Cordyceps CS-4 on aerobic capacity of healthy humans. Christopher B. Cooper M.D. professor of medicine and physiology from the University of California, Los Angeles devised the study. The study was published in The Chinese Journal of Gerontology, 2001 edition. Exercise performance was tested before and after six weeks of a treatment using a symptom-limited, incremental work rate protocol on a cycle ergometer. The study, which took place in Beijing, China, concluded that after taking Cordyceps CS-4 for 6 weeks, VO2max significantly increased while the placebo group remained unchanged. The Cordyceps administered group experienced a 6% increase in maximum oxygen uptake from 1.88 to 2.00 liters per minute. These findings support the belief that Cordyceps Sinensis CS-4 has potential for promoting aerobic capacity and resistance to fatigue. (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 1999)

Burke, Edmund R. Herbs Enhance Lactate Metabolism. Nutrition Science News, V.3; N.9 P. 458 (1998)
Effects of adaptogens (Cordyceps Sinensis) on lactic acid in humans: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study led by S. Morrissey of Beijing Medical University Sports Research Institute, researchers evaluated the effects of an adaptogen-based formula on lactic acid clearance following maximal exercise. The formulation, which included Cordycep Sinensis, was administered to 30 male subjects who were then assigned to one of three groups. The control group received a placebo, a second group received 500mg of the formula and a third group received 1000mg of the formula. Researchers took the subjects blood lactate measurements before exercise, at VO2max and 15 minutes after exercise. At the end of the two weeks the group which received 1000mg/day of the formula experienced significantly improved lactate clearance (p<. 001). This trend continued through week four. Researchers concluded that lactate clearance improved due to improved lactate energy metabolism within the cell. The author concluded that using this herbal formulation would enhance lactate clearance and allow athletes greater anaerobic performance. (Burke, Edmund, 1998).

[ncangey0513]

These are the only human research abstracts I know of indicating benefits ... strong they are not ...

Yeah, I can't find much, either. Quite a few positive studies about several different things (although not many of them being anti-fatigue/endurance related) on rats.

[davidl351]

is anyone aware of any recent clinical studies done on cordyceps? i can't find anything that hasn't been covered in this thread already, and the couple of studies i did find didn't show much support for the supplement.

[Robboe]

is anyone aware of any recent clinical studies done on cordyceps? i can't find anything that hasn't been covered in this thread already, and the couple of studies i did find didn't show much support for the supplement.

Recent? Yes, fairly (2004).

Positive? No. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15118196

[davidl351]

Recent? Yes, fairly (2004).

Positive? No. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15118196

thanks, that was one of the abstracts that i did read. i guess the the unfavorable studies outweigh the favorable ones.

placebo is strong.

[Robboe]

The best thing about cordyceps, IMO, is when you punch "cordyceps AND ants" into youtube. First hit = mind = blown.

[davidl351]

The best thing about cordyceps, IMO, is when you punch "cordyceps AND ants" into youtube. First hit = mind = blown.

yeah, i read about cordyceps in my parasite book. really crazy how "intelligent" some of these primitive organisms can be.

[DinoT1985]

thanks, that was one of the abstracts that i did read. i guess the the unfavorable studies outweigh the favorable ones.

placebo is strong.

It depends on the extract used. You cant just lump them all together as placebo. Do you even know how many types of cordyceps there even are? it isnt a single ingredient.

[davidl351]

It depends on the extract used. You cant just lump them all together as placebo. Do you even know how many types of cordyceps there even are? it isnt a single ingredient.

then my question is: what if you used several extracts, like MST's Cordygen5?

[Rogues]

The best thing about cordyceps, IMO, is when you punch "cordyceps AND ants" into youtube. First hit = mind = blown.

my mind is blown sir.

[Robboe]

my mind is blown sir.

And i'm all like, i told you.

[Madevilz]

then my question is: what if you used several extracts, like MST's Cordygen5?

I personally used 2 bottles of Cordygen5 and havent noticed any improvement during cardio/boxing.

[Runner710]

Thanks for replying, everyone. It appears we have a decent cross-section of people here and a lot of well thought-out discussion.