Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined supplementation with Rhodiola rosea (RHO) and caffeine (CAF) on the explosive power and sustained output capacity of lead and rear straight punches in both untrained and trained volunteers, with a focus on potential synergistic effects. Methods: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was employed, enrolling 96 participants (48 untrained, 48 trained). Participants were stratified and randomly assigned to the control (CTR), CAF, RHO, or CAF+RHO group. All subjects completed an 8-week standardized boxing training program (twice per week). Punch performance was assessed using professional boxing equipment and a biomechanical testing system, evaluating lead and rear straight punches, ground reaction force (GRF), and a 30 s continuous punching test. Results: the CAF+RHO group showed significant improvements in both untrained and trained volunteers. Com-pared to the RHO group, this group demonstrated higher lead punch velocity, shorter bi-lateral peak force time during rear punches, and more punches in the 30 s test (p < 0.05). Compared to the CAF group, the CAF+RHO group exhibited greater rear punch force, higher bilateral peak force during lead punches, increased forefoot peak force in rear punches, and improved 30 s power output (p < 0.05). The CAF+RHO group also outperformed the CTR group across all parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined supple mentation with CAF and RHO significantly enhances both explosive power and sustained output in boxing performance. This may result from improved energy metabolism efficiency and neuromuscular coordination, providing a promising nutritional strategy for high-intensity intermittent exercise.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (CD) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery in individuals with and without resistance training experience. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 48 male participants, including 24 resistance-trained and 24 untrained individuals. Participants were stratified by training status and randomly assigned to either the CD or placebo (PLAC) group. All subjects completed a standardized resistance training program three times per week for eight weeks. The CD group received 5 g of CD extract twice daily, while the PLAC group consumed a matched placebo. Assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press and squat, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and repetitions to failure (RTF). Blood biomarkers including serum testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK) were also measured. Results: No significant differences in dietary energy intake or macro-nutrient composition were observed based on two 5-day dietary records collected before baseline testing and at the end of the intervention. Among untrained individuals, the CD group showed significantly greater improvements in 1RM bench press and squat compared with the PLAC group (p < 0.05), with MVIC and RTF also significantly increased (p < 0.01). Serum cortisol levels were reduced (p < 0.05), and significant improvements were observed in testosterone, CRP, and CK (p < 0.01). In trained individuals, CD supplementation led to significant increases in 1RM squat and MVIC (p < 0.05), along with improvements in testosterone and cortisol levels (p < 0.05) and marked reductions in CRP and CK (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Daily supplementation with 5 g of CD extract for eight consecutive weeks significantly enhanced muscle strength and endurance in males with different training backgrounds and facilitated post-exercise recovery by modulating hormonal responses and reducing stress levels and inflammation. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the application of CD in sports nutrition.

Background: Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction includes adipose inflammation, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and intestinal disturbances. Avenanthramides are oat-specific phenolic amides, and their contribution to metabolic responses to oat foods is difficult to attribute because beta-glucan and the wider oat matrix can affect the same endpoints. This narrative review examines their mechanisms, exposure biology, evidence attribution, and translational readiness. Methods: Cell, animal, pharmacokinetic, and human studies were organized by chemical definition and intervention format, including purified congeners, characterized foods, enriched matrices, and whole-oat products. Parent compounds, circulating metabolites, target tissues, and clinical outcomes were interpreted separately. Results: In cell and animal models, avenanthramides influence NF-κB-related inflammation, redox regulation, hepatic insulin signaling, glucose production, fatty-acid metabolism, and intestinal ecology. Human studies demonstrate dietary exposure to parent compounds and metabolites, while clinical evidence comes mainly from small enriched-food exercise studies. Among the studies identified and appraised in this narrative review, none established an avenanthramide-specific effect on adiposity, liver fat, insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, or other cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions: The current literature supports measurable exposure and candidate mechanisms; a validated anti-obesity effect requires targeted clinical trials. Next studies need stable, analytically defined preparations, metabolite-informed dose selection, matched food controls, and trials that link measured exposure with prespecified clinical outcomes.