Effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (CD) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery in individuals with and without resistance training experience. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 48 male participants, including 24 resistance-trained and 24 untrained individuals. Participants were stratified by training status and randomly assigned to either the CD or placebo (PLAC) group. All subjects completed a standardized resistance training program three times per week for eight weeks. The CD group received 5 g of CD extract twice daily, while the PLAC group consumed a matched placebo. Assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press and squat, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and repetitions to failure (RTF). Blood biomarkers including serum testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK) were also measured. Results: No significant differences in dietary energy intake or macro-nutrient composition were observed based on two 5-day dietary records collected before baseline testing and at the end of the intervention. Among untrained individuals, the CD group showed significantly greater improvements in 1RM bench press and squat compared with the PLAC group (p &lt: 0.05), with MVIC and RTF also significantly increased (p &lt: 0.01). Serum cortisol levels were reduced (p &lt: 0.05), and significant improvements were observed in testosterone, CRP, and CK (p &lt: 0.01). In trained individuals, CD supplementation led to significant increases in 1RM squat and MVIC (p &lt: 0.05), along with improvements in testosterone and cortisol levels (p &lt: 0.05) and marked reductions in CRP and CK (p &lt: 0.01). Conclusions: Daily supplementation with 5 g of CD extract for eight consecutive weeks significantly enhanced muscle strength and endurance in males with different training backgrounds and facilitated post-exercise recovery by modulating hormonal responses and reducing stress levels and inflammation. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the application of CD in sports nutrition.