About this trial

The goal of this experimental study is to examine the influence of Lemongrass extract on aerobic training parameters following a 6-week training programme in males. A secondary aim will be to explore the influence on sexual wellness. Participants will attend 23 visits to the laboratory involving:

* fitness testing (some to exhaustion). * blood sampling (capillary and venous samples). * a supervised 6 week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme. * consuming either the lemongrass extract or placebo in the form of tablets, once a day during the 6 week training.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age ≥ 40 and ≤ 60 years.

Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 19 and ≤ 35 kg/m2.

Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol in the opinion of the Investigator.

Judged by the Investigator to be in good health as assessed by a health screening questionnaire.

Disqualifiers

A history of heart disease.

Any disease that might interfere with the absorption of nutrients (e.g. Chron's disease, celiac disease).

Recent musculoskeletal or soft tissue injury (within the last 3 months).

The habitual use of medication that is antihypertensive or antidiabetic medication or might inhibit the ability to complete the study participation.

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

Active: Lemongrass
Dietary supplement
200mg of lemongrass extract
Control: Placebo
Dietary supplement
microcrystalline cellulose

Treatment groups

40 Participants

are divided into 2 treatment groups

Group A: Active: Lemongrass ExtractExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Control: PlaceboExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Aerobic Capacity

To determine the effect of the intervention vs placebo on marker of aerobic capacity (VO2peak). It will be assessed using breath-by-breath gas analysis during a graded exercise protocol on a static bike. The test will start at the intensity immediately below the second inflection point identified on the lactate profile (conducted in visit 2). The intensity will increase by 30 w each minute until VO2peak which will be confirmed when at least one of the following criteria (according to CASES) are met: (1) a plateau in VO2 despite an increase in workload; (2) a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) higher than 1.15; (3) peak heart rate at least equal to 90% of the age-predicted maximum and/or (4) RPE of \>18; (5) a blood lactate concentration of \> 8mMol/L. Maximum aerobic power will be defined as the final completed work rate. This will be used for subsequent training prescription (125% of maximal aerobic power \[Pmax\]).

Time frame

This measure will assessed and measured twice: Baseline assessment: Visit 3 (Week 1, prior to the intervention). Post-intervention assessment: Visit 23 (Week 8, within 48 hours after the final training session).

2

Aerobic Performance (blood lactate)

To determine the effect of intervention vs placebo on secondary markers of maximal aerobic performance (blood lactate). A total of 14 (more if the submaximal exercise test progresses beyond 4 stages) capillary samples will be collected for each participant during the submaximal and graded exercise tests. This will be pre-exercise, then in the final minute of each ramped stage during the submaximal test. A final lactate sample will be collected upon completion of the VO2peak test. These samples will be analysed for lactate concentration immediately using a Biosen C-line analyser before being disposed of.

Time frame

This measure will be assessed three times. Familiarisation and lactate profiling: Visit 2 (Week 0). Baseline assessment: Visit 3 (Week 1, prior to the intervention), Post-intervention assessment: Visit 23 (Week 8, within 48 hrs after the final training).

3

Aerobic Performance (heart rate)

To determine the effect, if any, of intervention vs placebo on secondary markers of maximal aerobic performance (heart rate). Heart rate will be continuously monitored using a chest strap (Polar monitor) throughout the various exercise protocols (lactate profiling in visit 2 and 3, and the graded exercise task in visit 3 and 23).

Time frame

This measure will be assessed three times. Familiarisation and lactate profiling: Visit 2 (Week 0). Baseline assessment: Visit 3 (Week 1, prior to the intervention), Post-intervention assessment: Visit 23 (Week 8, within 48 hrs after the final training).

Secondary outcomes

1

Sexual Wellness

To determine, if any, changes in sexual wellbeing resulting from the intervention. Sexual wellbeing will be defined using a sexual function questionnaire (DISF-SR). Derogatis interview for sexual functioning-self report, set of 21 questions, split into four domains: sexual cognition/ fantasy, sexual arousal, sexual behaviour/ experiences and orgasm.

Time frame

This measure will assessed and measured twice: Baseline assessment: Visit 3 (Week 1, prior to the intervention). Post-intervention assessment: Visit 23 (Week 8, within 48 hours after the final training session).

2

Serum

A total of 2 venous blood samples will be taken during visit 3 and visit 23, and serum will later be analysed for biomarkers associated with exercise metabolism to assess what effect, if any, the intervention has had on metabolites.

Time frame

This measure will assessed and measured twice: Baseline assessment: Visit 3 (Week 1, prior to the intervention). Post-intervention assessment: Visit 23 (Week 8, within 48 hours after the final training session).

The Effect of Lemongrass on Aerobic Performance

About this trial

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Disqualifiers

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

Treatment groups

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts