Herbal supplement cistanche tested for explosive power and recovery in athletes

NCT ID NCT07546513

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Beijing Sport University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

tinea pedis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ATHLETE ELITE ATHLETE EXERCISE RECOVERY SPORT PERFORMANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Wuhan Sport University

Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China

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