Does supplementing with cordyceps sinensis extract improve exercise performance?

The evidence suggests that supplementing with cordyceps sinensis extract may improve exercise performance in certain populations, such as older adults and trained...

Supplementing with cordyceps sinensis extract has been a topic of interest in the fitness and sports industry. Cordyceps sinensis is a type of fungus that grows on caterpillar larvae in the high-altitude regions of China, Nepal, and Tibet. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve energy, stamina, and overall health. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a natural supplement for improving exercise performance. But does it really work?

Several studies have investigated the benefits of cordyceps sinensis extract on exercise performance. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that supplementation with cordyceps sinensis extract improved exercise performance in healthy older adults. The participants who took cordyceps sinensis extract had better endurance and oxygen uptake during exercise compared to those who took a placebo.

Another study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that supplementation with cordyceps sinensis extract improved cycling performance in trained cyclists. The participants who took cordyceps sinensis extract had a higher lactate threshold and were able to cycle for longer periods of time before experiencing fatigue.

However, not all studies have found positive results. A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that supplementation with cordyceps sinensis extract did not improve exercise performance in healthy young adults. The participants who took cordyceps sinensis extract did not have any significant improvements in endurance or oxygen uptake compared to those who took a placebo.

Overall, the cordyceps sinensis extract suppliers suggest that supplementing with cordyceps sinensis extract may improve exercise performance in certain populations, such as older adults and trained athletes. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other populations and to understand the mechanisms behind its effects on exercise performance.

It is also important to note that cordyceps sinensis extract is not a magic pill for improving exercise performance. It should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine for optimal results.