Daily lemongrass tablets with HIIT to try to improve aerobic fitness in middle-aged men
The Effect of Lemongrass on Aerobic Performance and Sexual Wellbeing Following High-Intensity Interval Training Training in Males
This trial will test whether taking a daily lemongrass tablet while doing a 6-week supervised high-intensity interval training program can improve aerobic fitness and sexual wellness in men aged 40–60.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Northumbria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newcastle upon Tyne) |
| Trial ID | NCT07195240 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in men aged 40–60 comparing daily lemongrass extract tablets to placebo over a 6-week supervised HIIT program. Participants attend about 23 laboratory visits for familiarisation, baseline and post-intervention fitness testing (including graded cycle tests to near exhaustion with gas analysis and lactate sampling), repeated blood draws, and sexual wellness measures. The protocol includes daily supplement dosing during the training period and monitoring of heart rate, exercise performance, and blood biomarkers. Outcomes will compare changes in aerobic capacity, exercise efficiency, and self-reported sexual wellness between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Men aged 40–60 years, BMI 19–35 kg/m2, who are sedentary to moderately active, in good health with blood pressure under 140/90 mmHg, and able to attend frequent lab visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with a history of heart disease, conditions that affect nutrient absorption, recent musculoskeletal injuries, those outside the male sex inclusion, or those who cannot commit to the supervised training schedule are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could gain improved aerobic capacity and possibly better sexual wellness compared with placebo when combined with supervised HIIT.
How similar studies have performed: While HIIT is well established to improve aerobic fitness, the use of lemongrass extract specifically for exercise performance and sexual wellness is largely untested in rigorous randomized controlled trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 40 and ≤ 60 years. * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 19 and ≤ 35 kg/m2. * Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol in the opinion of the Investigator. * Judged by the Investigator to be in good health as assessed by a health screening questionnaire. * Currently identifies as the same biological sex as at birth. * Currently deemed to be between a physical activity status of sedentaryy to moderately trained (Meet World Health Organization minimum activity guidelines: Adults aged 18-64 years old completing at least 150 to 300 min moderate-intensity activity or 75-150 min of vigorous-intensity activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days a week). * Have a blood pressure \< 140/90 mmHg. Exclusion Criteria: * A history of heart disease. * Any disease that might interfere with the absorption of nutrients (e.g. Chron's disease, celiac disease). * Recent musculoskeletal or soft tissue injury (within the last 3 months). * The habitual use of medication that is antihypertensive or antidiabetic medication or might inhibit the ability to complete the study participation. * Alcohol Intake of greater than 21 units per week. * A change in bodyweight of more than 3kg within the month preceding the study. * Currently following a weight-loss or weight-gain programme. * Any known bleeding disorder or reaction to withdrawal of blood samples
Where this trial is running
Newcastle upon Tyne
- Northumbria University — Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Glyn Howatson — Northumbria Univeristy
- Study coordinator: Emma Squires, Dr
- Email: emma2.squires@northumbria.ac.uk
- Phone: 07585775838
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.