Rhodiola crenulata- and Cordyceps sinensis-based supplement boosts aerobic exercise performance after short-term high altitude training

Effect of the Administration of Cordyceps militaris Mycelium Extract on Blood Markers for Anemia in Long-Distance Runners

In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of Cordyceps militaris (CM) mycelium was administered to long-distance runners for 16 weeks during the pre-season training period and blood test markers for anemia were investigated. The results indicated that the change rates of serum ferritin levels were moderately increased in the CM group (n = 11) but decreased in the placebo group (n = 11) during the study period, and the levels were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). Moreover, the change rates of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These observations suggest that the intake of test food containing Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract is expected to effectively maintain the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in long-distance runners, possibly via the suppression of the decrease in iron storage, which is reflected by serum ferritin, during pre-season training. Furthermore, the levels of creatine kinase were increased above the normal range in both the placebo and CM groups at registration. Interestingly, the creatine kinase levels were significantly decreased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 16 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits a protective action on the muscle damage observed in long-distance runners and may suppress muscle injury. Together, these observations suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits an improving effect on the markers for not only anemia, but also muscle injury in long-distance runners during pre-season training.

Exercise performance reduction and preventive measures in highland sports

The plateau is a special environment with low pressure, low oxygen, low temperature, and high ultraviolet radiation. The exercise performance of people on the plateau is generally reduced, which seriously affects the life and health of people living in the plateau and entering the plateau. In recent years, the prevention and treatment of injury caused by high altitude hypoxia has attracted wide attention. It has shown that the higher the altitude with the longer the duration of exercise, the faster the stationing, the greater the impact on people's sports performance. Rapid entry into the plateau and long-term stay in the plateau have an impact on people's explosive power, endurance and fine operation. Advances in medical technology enable various prevention methods to be used to acclimate to high altitude environments. However, in vitro intervention methods are costly, easy to rebound and possess limited effects. Therefore, drug prevention and treatment is obviously a more economical choice. Chemical drugs increase the efficiency of high altitude exercise by improving the ischemic and hypoxic symptoms of the heart and brain, increasing lung ventilation and arterial oxygenation capacity, and accelerating the elimination of adverse product accumulation after exercise. Single Chinese medicine, Chinese patent medicine, and compound preparations can improve exercise performance by promoting body metabolism, improving muscle endurance, enhancing immunity, and other mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantage and application prospect in improving plateau sports performance damage.

The relationship between hemoglobin and [Formula: see text]: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

There is widespread agreement about the key role of hemoglobin for oxygen transport. Both observational and interventional studies have examined the relationship between hemoglobin levels and maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) in humans. However, there exists considerable variability in the scientific literature regarding the potential relationship between hemoglobin and [Formula: see text]. Thus, we aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the diverse literature and examine the relationship between hemoglobin levels (hemoglobin concentration and mass) and [Formula: see text] (absolute and relative [Formula: see text]) among both observational and interventional studies.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on December 6th, 2021. The study procedures and reporting of findings followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Article selection and data abstraction were performed in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin levels and [Formula: see text] values (absolute and relative). For observational studies, meta-regression models were performed to examine the relationship between hemoglobin levels and [Formula: see text] values. For interventional studies, meta-analysis models were performed to determine the change in [Formula: see text] values (standard paired difference) associated with interventions designed to modify hemoglobin levels or [Formula: see text]. Meta-regression models were then performed to determine the relationship between a change in hemoglobin levels and the change in [Formula: see text] values.

RESULTS

Data from 384 studies (226 observational studies and 158 interventional studies) were examined. For observational data, there was a positive association between absolute [Formula: see text] and hemoglobin levels (hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin mass, and hematocrit (P<0.001 for all)). Prespecified subgroup analyses demonstrated no apparent sex-related differences among these relationships. For interventional data, there was a positive association between the change of absolute [Formula: see text] (standard paired difference) and the change in hemoglobin levels (hemoglobin concentration (P<0.0001) and hemoglobin mass (P = 0.006)).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that [Formula: see text] values are closely associated with hemoglobin levels among both observational and interventional studies. Although our findings suggest a lack of sex differences in these relationships, there were limited studies incorporating females or stratifying results by biological sex.

Occlusion preconditioned mice are resilient to hypobaric hypoxia-induced myocarditis and arrhythmias due to enhanced immunomodulation, metabolic homeostasis, and antioxidants defense

Background

Sea-level residents experience altitude sickness when they hike or visit altitudes above ~2,500 m due to the hypobaric hypoxia (HH) conditions at such places. HH has been shown to drive cardiac inflammation in both ventricles by inducing maladaptive metabolic reprogramming of macrophages, which evokes aggravated proinflammatory responses, promoting myocarditis, fibrotic remodeling, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden deaths. The use of salidroside or altitude preconditioning (AP) before visiting high altitudes has been extensively shown to exert cardioprotective effects. Even so, both therapeutic interventions have geographical limitations and/or are inaccessible/unavailable to the majority of the population as drawbacks. Meanwhile, occlusion preconditioning (OP) has been extensively demonstrated to prevent hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte damage by triggering endogenous cardioprotective cascades to mitigate myocardial damage. Herein, with the notion that OP can be conveniently applied anywhere, we sought to explore it as an alternative therapeutic intervention for preventing HH-induced myocarditis, remodeling, and arrhythmias.

Methods

OP intervention (6 cycles of 5 min occlusion with 200 mmHg for 5 min and 5 min reperfusion at 0 mmHg - applying to alternate hindlimb daily for 7 consecutive days) was performed, and its impact on cardiac electric activity, immunoregulation, myocardial remodeling, metabolic homeostasis, oxidative stress responses, and behavioral outcomes were assessed before and after exposure to HH in mice. In humans, before and after the application of OP intervention (6 cycles of 5 min occlusion with 130% of systolic pressure and 5 min reperfusion at 0 mmHg - applying to alternate upper limb daily for 6 consecutive days), all subjects were assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Results

Comparing the outcomes of OP to AP intervention, we observed that similar to the latter, OP preserved cardiac electric activity, mitigated maladaptive myocardial remodeling, induced adaptive immunomodulation and metabolic homeostasis in the heart, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and conferred resistance against HH-induce anxiety-related behavior. Additionally, OP enhanced respiratory and oxygen-carrying capacity, metabolic homeostasis, and endurance in humans.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings demonstrate that OP is a potent alternative therapeutic intervention for preventing hypoxia-induced myocarditis, cardiac remodeling, arrhythmias, and cardiometabolic disorders and could potentially ameliorate the progression of other inflammatory, metabolic, and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Training in Hypoxia at Alternating High Altitudes Is a Factor Favoring the Increase in Sports Performance

Training above 1800 m causes increases in hemoglobin, erythropoietin and VO2max values in the bodies of athletes. The purpose of this study is to prove that living at an altitude of 1850 m and training at 2200 m (LHTH+) is more effective than living and training at 2000 m (LHTH). Ten endurance athletes (age 21.2 ± 1.5 years, body mass 55.8 ± 4.3 kg, height 169 ± 6 cm, performance 3000 m 8:35 ± 0:30 min) performed three training sessions of 30 days, in three different situations: [1] living and training at 2000 m altitude (LHTH), [2] living at 1850 m and training at 2200 m (LHTH+), and [3] living and training at 300 m (LLTL). The differences in erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and VO2max values were compared before and at the end of each training session. Data analysis indicated that LHTH training caused an increase in EPO values (by 1.0 ± 0.8 mU/mL, p = 0.002 < 0.05.); Hb (by 1.1 ± 0.3 g/dL, p < 0.001); VO2max (by 0.9 ± 0.23 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001). LHTH+ training caused an increase in EPO values (by 1.9 ± 0.5 mU/ML, p < 0.001); Hb (by 1.4 ± 0.5 g/dL, p < 0.001); VO2max (by 1.7 ± 0.3 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001). At the LLTL training, EPO values do not have a significant increase (p = 0.678 > 0.050; 1 ± 0.1 mU/mL, 0.1 ± 0.9%.), Hb (0.1 ± 0.0 g/dL, 0.3 ± 0.3%), VO2max (0.1 ± 0.1, 0.2 ± 0.2%, p = 0.013 < 0.05). Living and training at altitudes of 2000 m (LHTH) and living at 1850 m training at 2200 m (LHTH+) resulted in significant improvements in EPO, Hb, and VO2max that exceeded the changes in these parameters, following traditional training at 300 m (LLTL). LHTH+ training has significantly greater changes than LHTH training, favorable to increasing sports performance. The results of this study can serve as guidelines for athletic trainers in their future work, in the complete structure of multi-year planning and programming, and thus improve the process of development and performance training.

Pharmaceutical Potential of High-Altitude Plants for Fatigue-Related Disorders: A Review

Natural plants from plateaus have been the richest source of secondary metabolites extensively used in traditional and modern health care systems. They were submitted to years of natural selection, co-evolved within that habitat, and show significant anti-fatigue-related pharmacological effects. However, currently, no review on high-altitude plants with anti-fatigue related properties has been published yet. This study summarized several Chinese traditional high-altitude plants, including Rhodiola rosea L., Crocus sativus L., Lepidium meyenii W., Hippophaerhamnoides L., which are widely used in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and surrounding mountains, as well as herbal markets in the plains. Based on phytopharmacology studies, deeper questions can be further revealed regarding how these plants regulate fatigue and related mental or physical disease conditions. Many active derivatives in high-altitude medical plants show therapeutic potential for the management of fatigue and related disorders. Therefore, high-altitude plants significantly relieve central or peripheral fatigue by acting as neuroprotective agents, energy supplements, metabolism regulators, antioxidant, and inflammatory response inhibitors. Their applications on the highland or flatland and prospects in natural medicine are further forecast, which may open treatments to reduce or prevent fatigue-related disorders in populations with sub-optimal health.

Neuroprotective Effects of Rhodiola Sacra on Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia Through Activating AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway in Rats

Aims: Rhodiola sacra is a widely used pharmaceutical component with multiple functions, including anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. However, the exact mechanisms involved in neuroprotection against transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) remain to be elucidated. Herein, we aim at closing the gap in understanding on whether rhodiola sacra reduces neuronal death in hippocampal CA1 and at demonstrating how rhodiola sacra offers neuroprotection after tGCI. Results: The results show that rhodiola sacra (2.4 g/kg/d by feeding) pretreatment or/and postreatment significantly alleviated neuronal injury, inhibited glial activation, and improved cognitive function in male rats subjected to tGCI. The neuroprotection of prophylaxis with rhodiola sacra is equivalent to that of therapeutics. The binding mode of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2-subunit with rhodiola sacra was predicted by molecular docking. Further, rhodiola sacra upregulates phosphorylated AMPK and promotes nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). In addition, rhodiola sacra increases heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and activity and reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) content in CA1 after tGCI. However, the neuroprotection of rhodiola sacra is abolished by Nrf2 knockdown with small interfering RNA (siRNA) after tGCI. Similarly, the inhibition of AMPK with Compound C or siRNA against AMPK α2 aggravates neuronal death after tGCI through decreasing nuclear Nrf2 and the expression and activity of HO-1, and by increasing the release of MDA. Innovation and Conclusion: For the first time, this study demonstrates that as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent rhodiola sacra prevents oxidant stress, protects neurons, and improves cognitive function through activating the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in tGCI rats. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 567-591.

Discovery of the signal pathways and major bioactive compounds responsible for the anti-hypoxia effect of Chinese cordyceps

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hypoxia will cause an increase in the rate of fatigue and aging. Chinese cordyceps, a parasitic Thitarodes insect-Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus complex in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has long been used to ameliorate human conditions associated with aging and senescence, it is principally applied to treat fatigue, night sweating and other symptoms related to aging, and it may play the anti-aging and anti-fatigue effect by improving the body's hypoxia tolerance.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated the anti-hypoxia activity of Chinese cordyceps and explore the main corresponding signal pathways and bioactive compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, cell and whole pharmacodynamic experiments were hired to study the major signal pathways and the bioactive compounds of Chinese cordyceps for anti-hypoxia activity.

RESULTS

17 pathways which Chinese cordyceps acted on seemed to be related to the anti-hypoxia effect, and "VEGF signal pathway" was one of the most important pathway. Chinese cordyceps improved the survival rate and regulated the targets related VEGF signal pathway of H9C2 cells under hypoxia, and also had significant anti-hypoxia effects to mice. Chorioallantoic membrane model experiment showed that Chinese cordyceps and the main constituents of (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid and cerevisterol had significant angiogenic activity in hypoxia condition.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, cell and whole pharmacodynamic experiments, promoting angiogenesis by regulating VEGF signal pathway might be one of the mechanisms of anti-hypoxia effect of Chinese cordyceps, (9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid and cerevisterol were considered as the major anti-hypoxia bioactive compounds in Chinese cordyceps.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extracts of Cordyceps sinensis: Chromatography-based Metabolite Profiling and Protective Efficacy Against Hypobaric Hypoxia

The toxicity and disposal concerns of organic solvents used in conventional extraction purposes has entailed the need for greener alternatives. Among such techniques, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has gained popularity by yielding extracts of high purity in a much faster manner. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is generally preferred as a supercritical solvent because of its lower temperature requirements, better diffusivity and easy removal. The present study describes the characterization of supercritical CO₂ extracts of Indian variety of Cordyceps sinensis (CS)- a high-altitude medicinal mushroom widely revered in traditional medicine for its extensive anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and energy-enhancing properties. Experimental parameters viz. 300 and 350 bar of extraction pressure, 60°C of temperature, 0.4°L/h CO₂ of flow rate and use of 1% (v/v) of ethanol as entrainer were optimized to prepare three different extracts namely, CSF1, CSF2 and CSF3. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used for assessing the quality of all the extracts in terms of cordycepin, the pivot biomarker compound in CS. Characterization by HPTLC and GC-MS confirmed the presence of flavonoids and nucleobases and, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), respectively. The chromatographic data acquired from metabolite profiling were subjected to chemometric analysis in an open source R studio which illustrated interrelatedness between CSF1 and CSF2 in terms of two major principal components. i.e. Dim 1 and Dim 2 whose values were 40.33 and 30.52% in variables factor map plotted using the HPTLC-generated retardation factor values. The factor maps based on retention times of the VOCs exhibited a variance of Dim 1 = 43.95% and Dim 2 = 24.85%. Furthermore, the extracts demonstrated appreciable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein leakage and efflux pump inhibition within bacterial pathogens. CSFs were elucidated to be significantly cytoprotective (p < 0.05) in a simulated hypobaric hypoxia milieu (0.5% oxygen). CSF2 showed the best results by effectively improving the viability of human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells to 82.36 ± 1.76% at an optimum dose of 100 µg/ml. Levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) were modulated four-fold upon supplementation with CSF2. The results collectively evinced that the CSF extracts are substantially bioactive and could be effectively utilized as mycotherapeutics for multiple bioeffects.

The Modifications of Haemoglobin, Erythropoietin Values and Running Performance While Training at Mountain vs. Hilltop vs. Seaside

Altitude training increases haemoglobin, erythropoietin values among athletes, but may have negative physiological consequences. An alternative, although less explored, that has the potential to positively influence performance while avoiding some of the negative physiological consequences of hypoxia is sand training. Ten endurance-trained athletes (age: 20.8 ± 1.4, body mass: 57.7 ± 8.2 kg, stature: 176 ± 6 cm; 5000 m 14:55.00 ± 0:30 min) performed three 21-day training camps at different locations: at a high altitude (HIGH), at the sea-level (CTRL), at the sea-level on the sand (SAND). Differences in erythropoietin (EPO) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, body weight, VO_2max and maximal aerobic velocity (VMA) before and after each training cycle were compared. Data analysis has indicated that training during HIGH elicited a greater increase in VO_2max (2.4 ± 0.2%; p = 0.005 and 1.0 ± 0.2%; p < 0.001) and VMA (2.4 ± 0.2%, p < 0.001 and 1.2 ± 0.2%; p = 0.001) compared with CTRL and SAND. While increases in VO_2max and VMA following SAND were greater (1.3 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001 and 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) than those observed after CTRL. Moreover, EPO increased to a greater extent following HIGH (25.3 ± 2.7%) compared with SAND (11.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.008) and CTRL (0.1 ± 0.3%, p < 0.001) with a greater increase (p < 0.01) following SAND compared with CTRL. Furthermore, HIGH and SAND elicited a greater increase (4.9 ± 0.9%; p = 0.001 and 3.3 ± 1.1%; p = 0.035) in Hb compared with CTRL. There was no difference in Hb changes observed between HIGH and SAND (p = 1.0). Finally, athletes lost 2.1 ± 0.4% (p = 0.001) more weight following HIGH vs. CTRL, while there were no differences in weight changes between HIGH vs. SAND (p = 0.742) and SAND vs. CTRL (p = 0.719). High-altitude training and sea-level training on sand resulted in significant improvements in EPO, Hb, VMA, and VO_2max that exceeded changes in such parameters following traditional sea-level training. While high-altitude training elicited greater relative increases in EPO, VMA, and VO_2max, sand training resulted in comparable increases in Hb and may prevent hypoxia-induced weight loss.

Effects of Concurrent Training and a Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplement Containing Rhodiola rosea and Cordyceps sinensis on Body Composition, Performance, and Health in Active Men

INTRODUCTION

Supplementation with Rhodiola Rosea (RR) and Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) has been shown to improve aerobic performance, but their influence on concurrent training (resistance training plus high intensity interval training) outcomes has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with a multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) containing RR and CS during a 14-week training and testing program on body composition, weekly exercise training outcomes, overall training and performance outcomes, and hormone profiles.

METHODS

Active college-aged men (N = 21) were stratified into either a MIPS or a placebo (PLA) group. Both groups completed 14 weeks of training and testing. Body composition, overall training outcomes, and blood sample collection occurred at weeks 0, 7, and 14, while training performance was evaluated weekly.

RESULTS

Both groups improved (p < 0.05) percent body fat (-1.3%), bench press (+4%) and squat strength (+8%), with no difference between groups. Serum cortisol concentrations significantly decreased (-11%) but there were no differences between groups. No other changes in blood hormone profiles occurred. Weekly exercise performance data suggests that MIPS improved sprint performance, bench press lifting volume, and total workload, but this did not lead to improved overall training performance compared to PLA over the14-week study.

CONCLUSION

Despite MIPS improving certain aspects of weekly training performance, supplementation with MIPS for 14 weeks did not improve body composition, overall training and performance outcomes, or blood biomarkers of health in response to concurrent training in young men compared to PLA. This study was registered with clinicaltrials. gov (NCT02383017).

Anti-Hypoxic Molecular Mechanisms of Rhodiola crenulata Extract in Zebrafish as Revealed by Metabonomics

The health supplement of Rhodiola crenulata (RC) is well known for its effective properties against hypoxia. However, the mechanisms of its anti-hypoxic action were still unclear. The objective of this work was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of RC extract against hypoxia in a hypoxic zebrafish model through metabonomics and network pharmacology analysis. The hypoxic zebrafish model in the environment with low concentration (3%) of oxygen was constructed and used to explore the anti-hypoxic effects of RC extract, followed by detecting the changes of the metabolome in the brain through liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry. An in silico network for metabolite-protein interactions was further established to examine the potential mechanisms of RC extract, and the mRNA expression levels of the key nodes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. As results, RC extract could keep zebrafish survive after 72-h hypoxia via improving lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and hypoxia-induced factor-1α in brains. One hundred and forty-two differential metabolites were screened in the metabonomics, and sphingolipid metabolism pathway was significantly regulated after RC treatment. The constructed protein-metabolites network indicated that the HIF-related signals were recovered, and the mRNA level of AMPK was elevated. In conclusion, RC extract had markedly anti-hypoxic effects in zebrafish via changing sphingolipid metabolism, HIF-related and AMPK signaling pathways.

Metabonomics window into plateau hypoxia

Oxygen deficiency in the plateau environment weakens aerobic metabolism and reduces the energy supply, leading to high-altitude diseases including decreased circulatory function, decreased nutrient and energy supply to tissues and organs, and decreased waste discharge. The involvement of many metabolic pathways is reflected in dramatic changes in levels of endogenous small molecule metabolites. Metabolomics represents a promising technique for mechanistic studies and drug screening, and metabonomics, or quantitative metabolomics, has been increasingly applied to the study of hypoxic diseases and their pathogenesis, as well as to pharmacodynamics at high altitudes. In this article, we review the recent literature on the pathogenesis of altitude hypoxia and the clinical and preclinical metabonomics of drug interventions. Endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways change significantly under high-altitude hypoxia. Some drug interventions have also been shown to regulate pathway metabolism, and the problems of applying metabonomics to hypoxic diseases at high altitude and the prospects for its future application are summarized.

Rhodiola/Cordyceps-Based Herbal Supplement Promotes Endurance Training-Improved Body Composition But Not Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Biomarkers: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study

Rhodiola crenulata (R) and Cordyceps sinensis (C) are commonly used herbs that promote health in traditional Chinese medicine. These two herbs have also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammation and antioxidant functions. Regular endurance training reveals potent endurance capacity, body composition improvement, and metabolic-related biomarker benefits. However, it is not known whether the combination of Rhodiola crenulata and Cordyceps sinensis (RC) supplementation during endurance training provides additive health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week endurance training plus RC supplementation on body composition, oxidative stress, and metabolic biomarkers in young sedentary adults. Methods: Fourteen young sedentary adults (8M/6F) participated in this double-blind randomized controlled study. Participants were assigned to exercise training with placebo groups (PLA, n = 7, 4M/3F; age: 21.4 ± 0.4 years) and exercise training with the RC group (RC, 20 mg/kg/day; n = 7, 4M/3F; age: 21.7 ± 0.4 years). Both groups received identical exercise training for eight weeks. The body composition, circulating oxidative stress, and blood metabolic biomarkers were measured before and after the 8-week intervention. Results: Improvement in body composition profiles were significantly greater in the RC group (body weight: p = 0.044, BMI: p = 0.003, upper extremity fat mass: p = 0.032, lower extremity muscle mass: p = 0.029, trunk fat mass: p = 0.011) compared to the PLA group after training. The blood lipid profile and systemic oxidative stress makers (thiobarbituric reactive substanceand total antioxidant capacity) did not differ between groups. Although endurance training markedly improved endurance capacity and glycemic control ability (i.e., fast blood glucose, insulin, and HOMA index), there were no differences in these variables between treatments. Conclusions: In this preliminary investigation, we demonstrated that an 8-week RC supplementation (20 mg/kg/day) faintly enhanced endurance training-induced positive adaptations in body composition in young sedentary individuals, whereas the blood lipid profile and systemic oxidative stress states were not altered after such intervention.

The Effects of Altitude Training on Erythropoietic Response and Hematological Variables in Adult Athletes: A Narrative Review

Background: One of the goals of altitude training is to increase blood oxygen-carrying capacity in order to improve sea-level endurance performance in athletes. The elevated erythropoietin (EPO) production in hypoxia is a key factor in the achievement of enhanced hematological variables. The level of the EPO increase and acceleration of erythropoiesis depend on the duration of exposure and degree of hypoxia. Furthermore, many other factors may affect the hematological response to altitude training.

Aim: The purpose of this narrative review was to: (1) analyze the kinetics of EPO and hematological variables during and after altitude training; (2) summarize the current state of knowledge about the possible causes of individual or cohort differences in EPO and hematological response to altitude training; (3) formulate practical guidelines for athletes to improve the efficiency of altitude training.

Methods: A narrative review was performed following an electronic search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO for all English-language articles published between 1997 and 2017.

Results: Complete unification of results from studies on EPO kinetics was difficult due to different time and frequency of blood sampling by different researchers during and after altitude training, but the data presented in the reviewed literature allowed us to detect certain trends. The results of the reviewed studies were divergent and indicated either increase or no change of hematological variables following altitude training. Factors that may affect the hematological response to altitude training include hypoxic dose, training content, training background of athletes, and/or individual variability of EPO production.

Conclusions: Despite the potential benefits arising from altitude training, its effectiveness in improving hematological variables is still debatable. Further research and better understanding of factors influencing the response to altitude, as well as factors affecting the suitable measurement and interpretation of study results, are needed.

Herbal medicine for sports: a review

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased during last decades. At present, some herbs are used to enhance muscle strength and body mass. Emergent evidence suggests that the health benefits from plants are attributed to their bioactive compounds such as Polyphenols, Terpenoids, and Alkaloids which have several physiological effects on the human body. At times, manufacturers launch numerous products with banned ingredient inside with inappropriate amounts or fake supplement inducing harmful side effect. Unfortunately up to date, there is no guarantee that herbal supplements are safe for anyone to use and it has not helped to clear the confusion surrounding the herbal use in sport field especially. Hence, the purpose of this review is to provide guidance on the efficacy and side effect of most used plants in sport. We have identified plants according to the following categories: Ginseng, alkaloids, and other purported herbal ergogenics such as Tribulus Terrestris, Cordyceps Sinensis. We found that most herbal supplement effects are likely due to activation of the central nervous system via stimulation of catecholamines. Ginseng was used as an endurance performance enhancer, while alkaloids supplementation resulted in improvements in sprint and cycling intense exercises. Despite it is prohibited, small amount of ephedrine was usually used in combination with caffeine to enhance muscle strength in trained individuals. Some other alkaloids such as green tea extracts have been used to improve body mass and composition in athletes. Other herb (i.e. Rhodiola, Astragalus) help relieve muscle and joint pain, but results about their effects on exercise performance are missing.

Influence of Rhodiola rosea on the heat acclimation process in young healthy men

The adaptogen Rhodiola rosea (RR) may mitigate stress responses and have beneficial effects on endurance capacity (EC) and mental performance. Heat acclimation (HA) improves EC in the heat, but the potential impact of RR on the HA process is unknown. Therefore, our intent was to determine if RR has a positive impact on HA. Twenty male subjects (age, 22.5 ± 3.0 years) completed 2 EC tests involving walking (6 km·h^-1) until volitional exhaustion in a climate chamber (air temperature, 42 °C; relative humidity, 18%) before (H1) and after (H2) an 8-day HA period. One group (SHR; n = 10) ingested standardised extract SHR-5 of RR (a single daily dose of 432 mg), while a second group (PLC; n = 10) administered a placebo prior to each HA session. Efficacy of HA was evaluated on the basis of changes that occurred from H1 to H2 in the time to exhaustion (TTE), exercise heart rate (HR), core and skin temperatures (T_c, T_sk), stress hormones, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and fatigue (RPF), and thermal sensation (TS). HA significantly increased TTE (133.1 ± 44.1 min in H1; 233.4 ± 59.8 min in H2; p < 0.0001) and decreased (p < 0.0001) HR, T_c, T_sk, stress hormones as well as RPE, RPF, and TS. However, the magnitude of all these changes was similar (p > 0.05) in the SHR and PLC groups. These results suggest that the use of RR during HA has no beneficial performance, physiological, or perceptual effects in young healthy males.

Mitochondrial protective and anti-apoptotic effects of Rhodiola crenulata extract on hippocampal neurons in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

In our previous study, we found that the edible alcohol extract of the root of the medicinal plant Rhodiola crenulata (RCE) improved spatial cognition in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Another study from our laboratory showed that RCE enhanced neural cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and prevented damage to hippocampal neurons in a rat model of chronic stress-induced depression. However, the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of RCE are unclear. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of RCE and its neuroprotective mechanism of action in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease established by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin. The rats were pre-administered RCE at doses of 1.5, 3.0 or 6.0 g/kg for 21 days before model establishment. ATP and cytochrome c oxidase levels were significantly decreased in rats with Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, neuronal injury was obvious in the hippocampus, with the presence of a large number of apoptotic neurons. In comparison, in rats given RCE pretreatment, ATP and cytochrome c oxidase levels were markedly increased, the number of apoptotic neurons was reduced, and mitochondrial injury was mitigated. The 3.0 g/kg dose of RCE had the optimal effect. These findings suggest that pretreatment with RCE prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and protects hippocampal neurons from apoptosis in rats with Alzheimer's disease.

The Mechanisms of Pharmacological Activities of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Fungi

The entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly known as Cordyceps sinensis, has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of many illnesses. In recent years its usage has increased dramatically because of the improvement of people's living standard and the emphasis on health. Such demands have resulted in over-harvesting of this fungus in the wild. Fortunately, scientists have demonstrated that artificially cultured and fermented mycelial products of O. sinensis have similar pharmacological activities to wild O. sinensis. The availability of laboratory cultures will likely to further expand its usage for the treatment of various illnesses. In this review, we summarize recent results on the pharmacological activities of the components of O. sinensis and their putative mechanisms of actions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.