A Trial to Study the Effects of Ginseng and Cordyceps on Aerobic Capacity, Lactate Kinetics, and Nitric Oxide

Conditions

• Healthy Subjects With Low Energy Levels

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

40 Years - 65 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Panax ginseng — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
  Panax Ginseng extract standardized to 5% ginsenosides
• Cordycep Militaris — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
  Cordycep extract standardized to Cordycepin 0.25% Adenosine 0.15%
• Placebo — OTHER
  1 gram maltodextrin to mirror 1 gram capsule active

Study Details

This study is a double-blind, randomized, parallel group, three-arm, placebo-controlled trial of seventy-five (75) apparently healthy male and female participants to be recruited at a single investigational center in Northeast Ohio (i.e., The Center for Applied Health Sciences). The study will assess the potential benefits of four weeks of supplementation with 300 mg Ginseng or 1 gram Cordyceps Militaris (vs. placebo). Participants will attend 3 study visits. During Visit 1, participants will be screened for participation (i.e., medical history, routine blood work, background baseline diet and familiarization protocol will be completed). During Visit 2 (Day 0) and Visit 3 (Day 30) participants will complete subjective baseline testing including questionnaires that assess recovery, mood, energy, fatigue, and quality of life. They will complete a VO2 max test, a TTE test, isometric mid-thigh pull, and have their handgrip strength assessed. They will also be tested for changes in circulating nitrates/nitrites (NOx), circulatory efficiency (oxygen pulse), and lactate kinetics (production and clearance). Comprehensive side effect profile/ adverse event monitoring will take place throughout thevstudy duration. The study will be conducted following ICH-GCP guidelines to ensure subject safety and scientific integrity of the data.

Key Dates

First listed

Jul 28, 2026

Start date

Mar 15, 2026

Status verified

Jul 2026

Primary completion

Dec 25, 2026

Completion

Feb 1, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment

75 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

• Experimental: Ginseng
  250 mg Panax Ginseng extract
• Active Comparator: Cordyceps
  1 gram cordyceps militaris fruiting body mushroom extract
• Placebo Comparator: Placebo
  Maltodextrin

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in VO2 max from baseline to day 30 [ Time Frame: Baseline and Day 30 ]

Central Contacts

• Michael Michael La Monica, Ph.D., CSCS
  330.926.6927
  [email protected]
• Tim N Ziegenfuss, PhD, CSCS, FISSN
  330.926.6927
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

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