Ginseng and Cordyceps for Better Aerobic Capacity in Healthy Adults
Official title: Comparative Effects of Ginseng, Cordyceps, and Placebo on Aerobic Capacity, Lactate Kinetics, and Nitric Oxide Status: A 30-Day Randomized Trial
Run by Applied Food Sciences Inc. · NCT07729943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether taking Panax ginseng or Cordyceps militaris for four weeks can improve aerobic capacity and related measures in healthy adults with low energy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Applied Food Sciences Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Canfield, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07729943 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 40–65 with BMI 18.5–34.9, normotensive, able to complete performance testing, and not recent users of similar supplements.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with normal energy levels or intolerance to ginseng or cordyceps, or who do not show responsiveness to supplements, may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compares three groups over 30 days: 300 mg Panax ginseng, 1 g Cordyceps militaris, or placebo, in 75 healthy men and women at a single center in Canfield, Ohio. Participants undergo screening and baseline testing, then two follow-up visits with VO2 max tests, time-to-exhaustion, strength assessments, and questionnaires on recovery, mood, energy, fatigue, and quality of life. The study aims to see if these supplements can enhance circulatory efficiency and related physiological and perceptual outcomes. The design is parallel-group with three arms to isolate the effects of each supplement versus placebo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience improvements in endurance-related performance measures and perceived energy levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in botanicals suggests potential benefits for performance and circulation, but results are mixed and this exact three-arm trial is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
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The Center for Applied Health Sciences
Canfield, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael Michael La Monica, Ph.D., CSCS
- Email: ml@appliedhealthsciences.org
- Phone: 330.926.6927
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.