The effectiveness and efficacy of Ophiocordyceps sinensis supplementation: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials on healthy humans

Abstract

To critically assess the current evidence from randomized clinical trials performed on healthy human subjects for or against the effectiveness or efficacy of O. sinensis. Randomized studies testing the efficacy and effectiveness of O. sinensis against a placebo, conducted with healthy human subjects were included in this systematic review following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA). Searches of PubMed, Library of Congress, JISC Library, Clinical Trials.gov, mRCT, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane were conducted. Of the 4,308 potentially relevant articles, 29 full-text articles were reviewed, 7 of which were randomized trials conducted with healthx`y human subjects. All studies were classified as low risk with a total of 286 participants. Of the included studies, 5 noted significant pre/post intergroup differences. 5 results supported the utilization of O. sinensis as a powerful dietary supplement. The effect of supplementation with O. sinensis on aerobic performance could have implications in various athletic events. Insufficient reporting of the details of the O. sinensis preparation utilized is a common issue within included studies. Despite great efforts, there is a possibility not all relevant data was obtained.