A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of Cistanche deserticola (CD) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery. The eight-week trial involved 48 male participants, who were divided into resistance-trained and untrained groups. Participants in the intervention group received 5 g of CD extract twice daily, for a total of 10 g per day, while following a standardized resistance training program three times per week.

Among untrained individuals, the CD group showed significantly greater improvements in 1RM bench press, 1RM squat, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and repetitions to failure (RTF) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the CD group exhibited significantly improved recovery markers, including increased serum testosterone and decreased levels of cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK). In the trained group, CD supplementation led to significant increases in 1RM squat strength and MVIC. While upper body strength and endurance gains were not statistically different from the placebo group, the trained CD group still showed significantly better recovery markers, including improved testosterone and cortisol levels and marked reductions in CRP and CK. The authors concluded that eight weeks of CD supplementation effectively enhanced muscle strength and facilitated post-exercise recovery.

Disclaimers:

• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

• "The study discussed was conducted on healthy male participants (both resistance-trained and untrained). Further research may be needed to confirm these findings in other populations."

• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

• "This channel does not provide medical advice."

#CistancheDeserticola #MuscleStrength #ResistanceTraining #MuscleRecovery #SportsNutrition

Tao B, Lian W, Min R, Zhang X, Chen L, Hao S, Li Z, Ma C, Zhang H, Liu C. Effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(18):2965. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182965

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