Ho, C.-T., Lin, C.-H., Su, C.-L., Chen, C.-C., Cheng, L.-L, & Chen, C.-Y. (2013). Effect of Rhodiola Crenulata plus Crodyceps Sinensis supplementation on muscle and brain oxygenation levels following short-term altitude training. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 2403.

This study determined the effects of Rhodiola crenulata plus Crodyceps sinensis (RC) supplementation and altitude training on muscle and brain oxygenations in young males (N = 14). Ss voluntarily participated in this two-week altitude (2,200 m) acclimatization study, and were evenly divided into two groups matched for maximal oxygen consumption. The placebo group (N = 7) orally ingested starch and the RC supplemented group (N = 7) ingested 2,000 mg of Rhodiola rosea 1,400 mg plus Cordyceps sinensis 600 mg. Treatments were given each day starting two weeks before the altitude training and continuing until the end of the study. At baseline (two weeks before altitude exposure) and one day after the completion of altitude training, brain and muscle oxygenations were measured by near infrared spectroscopy in a resting state.

Baseline total hemoglobin levels were increased in muscle but decreased in the brain after two weeks of altitude training. RC supplementation significantly reduced the drop in total hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin contents in the brain. The percentage of muscle oxygen saturation was significantly elevated by altitude training in both groups.

Implication. Altitude training increases muscle hemoglobin distribution, but decreases brain hemoglobin distribution and Rhodiola crenulata plus Crodyceps sinensis supplementation reduced the decrement in brain hemoglobin distribution after two weeks of altitude training. Whether or not this effect influences performance needs to be evaluated.

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