Herbal supplement cistanche tested for explosive power and recovery in athletes
NCT ID NCT07546513
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking a cistanche supplement for 8 weeks, along with a supervised training program, improves anaerobic exercise performance and recovery in young men. 56 men aged 18-25, either elite or amateur athletes, were randomly assigned to receive cistanche extract or a placebo. Researchers measured jump height, cycling power, and recovery markers like blood lactate and muscle damage indicators.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Cistanche deserticola extract (a dietary supplement)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a natural supplement that helps athletes improve explosive power and recover faster after intense exercise.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with only 56 men, so results may not apply to women or other groups. The supplement may show no benefit over training alone.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Wuhan Sport University
Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China