RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of Lemongrass on Aerobic Performance

This research wants to find out if taking lemongrass extract can improve fitness and sexual well-being in healthy men. Over six weeks, participants will follow a special high-intensity exercise programme. Half will take lemongrass tablets, and the other half will take a dummy pill (placebo). Scientists will measure their fitness levels, including how well they can exercise and how quickly they recover. They will also look into any changes in sexual well-being. The study involves regular visits for fitness tests, some blood samples, and supervised training sessions, aiming to understand the potential effects of lemongrass.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

24 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Sexual Wellness Aerobic Capacity Exercise Efficiency

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore whether taking lemongrass extract can have a positive impact on men's fitness and sexual health. Researchers want to see if this natural extract helps men improve their exercise performance and overall well-being after completing a six-week high-intensity training programme. They're comparing the effects of lemongrass to a 'dummy' pill (called a placebo) to make sure any observed changes are genuinely due to the lemongrass and not just expectations.

Participants will follow a structured exercise routine and take their assigned tablet daily. Throughout the study, various measurements will be taken, such as fitness levels, how efficiently their bodies use oxygen during exercise, and markers related to sexual health. By carefully collecting and comparing this information between the lemongrass and placebo groups, the researchers hope to understand if lemongrass might offer benefits for physical performance and sexual wellness.

The findings from this study could be important if they show that lemongrass has a real effect. It could open doors for future research into natural ways to support men's health and fitness. However, it's an experimental study, meaning it's one of the first steps in understanding these potential links, and more research would likely be needed.

Key takeaways

The study explores if lemongrass can boost fitness and sexual well-being in men.
Participation includes a 6-week high-intensity exercise programme.
You'll take either lemongrass extract or a dummy pill daily.
Requires regular lab visits for fitness tests and blood samples.
You must be a healthy man, aged 40-60, active but not highly trained.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men aged between 40 and 60 years old who are generally in good health. Your body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of your weight compared to your height, should be between 19 and 35. You should also be getting at least the recommended amount of physical activity each week – this means at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Your blood pressure needs to be below 140/90 mmHg.

You cannot take part if you have certain health conditions, such as heart disease, or stomach or bowel problems that affect how your body absorbs nutrients (like Crohn's disease or coeliac disease). If you've had a recent injury (in the last 3 months) to your muscles or soft tissues, or if you take certain medications for blood pressure or diabetes, you won't be able to join. High alcohol intake (more than 21 units per week), significant recent weight changes (more than 3kg in the last month), or being on a weight loss/gain programme also mean you can't participate. Finally, if you have a known bleeding disorder or a bad reaction to having blood samples taken, this study isn't suitable for you.

Quick self-check

Are you a man between 40 and 60 years old?
Is your BMI (body weight to height ratio) between 19 and 35?
Do you get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, plus strength activities?
Do you have a blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, and no heart disease?
Do you avoid medications for blood pressure or diabetes, and don't have conditions like Crohn's disease?
Have you had no recent injuries (last 3 months) or significant weight changes (last month)?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening visit to make sure the study is right for you. This involves learning about the study, sharing your health information, and signing a consent form. After that, there will be a familiarisation visit where you'll get comfortable with the exercise equipment and undergo some initial fitness tests.

The main part of the study involves 23 visits to the lab over about six weeks. During this time, you'll: * Take either lemongrass extract or a dummy pill once a day. You won't know which one you're taking, nor will the researchers. * Participate in a supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme. * Have several fitness tests, some of which will involve exercising until you can't go on. * Provide blood samples, both small pricks from your finger (capillary) and from a vein in your arm (venous).

Before most visits, you'll need to avoid tough physical activity and alcohol for 24 hours, and caffeine for 12 hours. You'll also be asked to keep a food diary to help the researchers understand your diet.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as regular supervised exercise that could improve your fitness levels and health. You'll also learn more about your body's response to exercise. It's important to be aware of potential risks, though. Some fitness tests will involve exercising to your maximum effort, which can be tiring, and blood samples might cause slight discomfort or bruising. We don't expect serious side effects from lemongrass, but these will be monitored. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care, and your decision will be fully respected.

Locations (1)

Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is lemongrass, and is it safe?

Lemongrass is a plant often used in cooking and herbal remedies. Researchers in this study will be giving it as an extract. The study will carefully monitor participants for any effects, and safety is a top priority.

What is a 'placebo'?

A placebo is a 'dummy' pill that looks just like the real medication but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers fairly compare the active treatment (lemongrass) to see if it has a real effect.

What does 'exercising to exhaustion' mean?

This means you'll continue exercising until you feel you can't do any more. This is a common way to measure your maximum fitness and is done carefully under supervision.

Will I know if I'm getting lemongrass or the placebo?

No, you won't know, and neither will the study team. This is called 'double-blind' and helps ensure the results are fair and unbiased.

How long will I be in the study?

The intense part of the study involves about 23 visits over six weeks, plus initial screening and familiarisation visits.

How to find out more

Emma Squires, Dr

emma2.squires@northumbria.ac.uk 07585775838 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.