Kuo, J., Chen, C. Y., & Lee, N.-Y. (2006). Effects of Eleutherococcus Senticosus (CIWUJIA) on fat metabolism and endurance performance in long distance runners. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 2232.

This study assessed the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus (CIWUJIA) supplementation on fat metabolism and endurance performance in long distance runners. Men (N = 10) were assigned to either of two groups and tested before and after 28 days of CIWUJIA (800 mg/d) and placebo (starch) supplementation. The energy and nutrient intake of the Ss did not change during the study. Endurance performance was running time to exhaustion and maximum heart rate.

CIWUJIA supplementation significantly increased running time to exhaustion, maximum heart rate, and free-fatty acid concentration when compared to placebo. There were no significant differences in blood parameters.

Implication. CIWUJIA supplementation for 28 days increases the availability of fat for oxidation in working muscle during high intensity endurance exercise, and does improve endurance performance capacity. At this dosage there are no side-effects.

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