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

NCT07729943 · tracked via the Priya Life Science USA tracker

Sponsor

Applied Food Sciences Inc

Phase

Not applicable

Started

2026-03-15

Last updated

2026-07-28

Condition(s) studied

Healthy Subjects With Low Energy Levels

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Panax ginsengCordycep MilitarisPlacebo

Panax ginseng: Panax Ginseng extract standardized to 5% ginsenosides

Cordycep Militaris: Cordycep extract standardized to Cordycepin 0.25% Adenosine 0.15%

Placebo: 1 gram maltodextrin to mirror 1 gram capsule active

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Min age

40 Years

Max age

65 Years

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

Inclusion Criteria: * Provide voluntary signed and dated informed consent. * Be in good health and able to participate in cognitive performance testing as determined by assessment, medical history, and routine blood chemistries. * Between the of 40 and 65 years of age (inclusive). * Body Mass Index of 18.5-34.9 (inclusive). * Body weight of at least 110 pounds. * Normotensive (seated, resting systolic blood pressure \<140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure \< 90 mm Hg. If the first measurement is slightly elevated above these limits, the subject will be given a brief (5-minute) rest period, and two more measurements will be taken. The average of all three measurements will be used to determine eligibility. * Normal supine, resting heart rate (\<90 per minute). * Able to provide an adequate blood draw. * If a dietary supplement was initiated within the past month, the participant is willing to discontinue supplement use followed by a 2-week washout prior to participation in the study. * Willing to duplicate their previous 24-hour diet, refrain from caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours, refrain from exercise for 48 hours prior to each trial, and fast for 10 hours prior to each visit. * Recreationally active (≥3 exercise sessions/wk) Exclusion Criteria: -Smokers. * History of malignancy in the previous 5 years except for non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer of the skin). * Prior gastrointestinal bypass surgery (Lapband, etc.). * Other known gastrointestinal or metabolic diseases that might impact nutrient absorption or metabolism, e.g. electrolyte abnormalities, diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, hypogonadism, short bowel syndrome, diarrheal illnesses, history of colon resection, gastric ulcer, reflux disease, gastroparesis, Inborn-Errors-of-Metabolism (such as PKU). * Chronic medically diagnosed inflammatory condition or disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Lupus, HIV/AIDS, etc.). * Medical history of metabolic, cardiovascular, hepatorenal, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, or neurologic disease. * Use of performance enhancing drugs * Anti-inflammatory supplement/medication use started within 4 weeks * Ergogenic supplement use started within 4 weeks. (i.e. beta-alanine, creatine, beet root, citrulline, arginine, ) * Individuals with excessive caffeine intake (\>400mg/day). * Known sensitivity to any ingredient in the test formulations as listed in the Certificates- of-Analysis. * Women currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding a child. * Any other diseases or conditions that, in the opinion of the medical staff, could confound the primary endpoint or place the subject at increased risk of harm if they were to participate

Primary outcome measure(s)

Change in VO2 max from baseline to day 30 — Baseline and Day 30
Between and within-group changes in maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Oxygen consumption (VO2) for the maximal aerobic capacity test will be measured using an indirect calorimeter
Change in ventilatory threshold — Baseline Day 1 and then Day 30
ventilatory threshold (VT) is measured using the The Professional Method (CPET) using the Oxygen consumption data (VO2) measured using an indirect calorimeter
Change in Circulatory efficiency (oxygen pulse) over 30 days — Baseline Day 1, then Day 30
Between and within-group changes in maximal in circulatory efficiency (oxygen pulse). Circulatory efficiency (oxygen pulse) will be calculated as the ratio of oxygen uptake (VO2) to heart rate at two time points: @VO2max and @VT
Change in Time-to-Exhaustion (TTE) over 30 days — Day 1 and Day 30
Between and within-group changes in time-to-exhaustion (TTE). A cycle ergometer will be used for all cycling exercise sessions and contain a digital time reading.

Trial sites (1)

Facility	City	Region	Status
The Center for Applied Health Sciences	Canfield	Ohio	Recruiting

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Official registry record

This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.

View NCT07729943 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ← All trials in the USA