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

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Healthy Subjects With Low Energy Levels

In brief

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 facts

Study ID: NCT07729943
Run by: Applied Food Sciences Inc.
People needed: 75
Starts: 2026-03-15
Expected to finish: 2027-02-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-07-28

Who can join

Age: 40 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

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)

You may not qualify if…

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

Where it is running

The Center for Applied Health Sciences — Canfield, Ohio, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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