What was tested
Twenty healthy adults aged 50–75 entered a double-blind placebo-controlled trial lasting 12 weeks. Researchers tested cycling performance before and after supplementation with the Cs-4 preparation. [1]
Metabolic and ventilatory thresholds increased within the active group, while similar changes were not reported for placebo. Neither group improved maximal oxygen consumption. The abstract does not provide a clear treatment-by-time comparison for each threshold. [1]
How far the result applies
A significant change in one group and no significant change in another does not alone establish a significant difference between groups. The small pilot therefore supports further investigation more strongly than a general stamina promise. Funding and conflicts were not established from the abstract. [1]
A hypothetical reading of the evidence
Imagine a cyclist reaches a threshold later but has the same maximum oxygen uptake. The two measurements need not tell the same story.
| Detail | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Study result | Limited to its measured outcomes |
| Other preparation | Equivalence not established |
| Broader claim | Needs separate evidence |
Sources for this article
- Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - PubMed
Source consulted: 2026-09-19. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product.