Plowman, S. A., Dustman, K., Walicek, H., Corless, C., & Ehlers, G. (1999). The effects of ENDUROX on the physiological responses to stair stepping exercise. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 70, 385-388.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate claims that ENDUROX (the herb ciwujia) spares carbohydrates, increases fat metabolism, delays lactic acid accumulation, decreases heart rate, and decreases felling of fatigue during exercise. Recreationally active people (M = 5; F = 5) ingested 800 mg of ciwujia for 10 days and then completed an exercise test. Days 11-15 were a "washout" period where no ciwujia was ingested. From day 16-26, each participant ingested a placebo. A second test was performed on day 26. Tests were performed on a StairMaster device.

There were no significant differences between ciwujia and placebo conditions.

Implication. Ciwujia does not modify exercise parameters in any of the features claimed for the product, ENDUROX.

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