Effects of Tiger Milk Mushroom Supplementation on Physical Performance in Physically Active Adults

Physical performance is an important determinant of overall health, functional capacity, and quality of life. Optimal physical performance depends on multiple physiological factors, including muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, recovery capacity, and the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. During physical exertion, increased metabolic activity leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators, which may contribute to muscle fatigue, impaired recovery, reduced exercise capacity, and decreased physical performance. Therefore, interventions capable of reducing oxidative stress and inflammation may offer benefits in enhancing physical performance and exercise recovery.

Lignosus rhinocerus, commonly known as Tiger Milk Mushroom (TMM), is a medicinal mushroom belonging to the Polyporaceae family and has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia and China for promoting general health and treating various ailments. The sclerotium of TMM contains numerous bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, phenolic compounds, and triterpenoids, which have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. Previous in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that TMM can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and protect cells against oxidative damage. These biological activities suggest a potential role for TMM in improving exercise performance and recovery.

Oxidative stress and exercise-induced inflammation are recognised contributors to muscle fatigue, reduced endurance, and impaired physical performance. Studies have shown that dietary interventions with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may enhance muscle function, improve aerobic capacity, and accelerate post-exercise recovery. Given the documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of TMM, supplementation with TMM may help attenuate exercise-induced physiological stress, preserve muscle function, and enhance overall physical performance.

Although several studies have investigated the pharmacological properties of TMM and its effects on respiratory health, immunity, and antioxidant status, clinical evidence regarding its efficacy in improving physical performance remains limited. A previous randomized controlled trial reported beneficial effects of TMM supplementation combined with resistance training on muscular strength, aerobic fitness, anaerobic performance, and immune parameters in young adults. However, further studies are required to better understand the effects of TMM supplementation on physical performance, cardiovascular endurance, exercise recovery, inflammatory responses, and perceived wellbeing in healthy individuals.

Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of Tiger Milk Mushroom supplementation on physical performance among healthy adults by assessing muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, exercise-related inflammatory markers, stress levels, and overall wellbeing.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female adults aged 18 years and above
• Physically active individuals who regularly participate in physical exercise or fitness-related activities
• Generally healthy based on self-reported medical history
• Willing and able to comply with all study procedures and scheduled visits
• Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Current cigarette smokers
• Users of psychoactive substances
• Individuals consuming more than 600 mL of caffeinated beverages per day
• Diagnosis of chronic metabolic diseases, including but not limited to type 2 diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease
• Diagnosis of autoimmune disease
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to mushroom-derived products
• Current use of supplements or medications that may influence physical performance, inflammatory status, or immune function, as determined by the investigator
• Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to enrollment
• Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with study participation or interpretation of the study results