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. 2025 Apr 10;15(4):262.
doi: 10.3390/metabo15040262.

Combined Effects of Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation on Straight Punch Explosive Power in Untrained and Trained Boxing Volunteers: A Synergistic Approach

Biaoxu Tao  1 , Hao Sun  1 , Huixin Li  2 , Zhiqin Xu  2 , Yuan Xu  3 , Liqi Chen  2 , Chengzhe Ma  2 , Xiaoyu Zhang  1 , Longqi Yu  3 , Shanjun Bao  1 , Chang Liu  2
Affiliations

Combined Effects of Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation on Straight Punch Explosive Power in Untrained and Trained Boxing Volunteers: A Synergistic Approach

Biaoxu Tao et al. Metabolites. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Rhodiola rosea; caffeine; muscle endurance; muscle explosiveness; straight punch.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 2
Figure 2
Experimental flowchart.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Preparation of placebo.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The lead and rear straight punch test.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Frames captured in Kinovea: (A) Lead straight punch of untrained volunteers. (B) Lead straight punch of trained volunteers. (C) Rear straight punch of untrained volunteers. (D) Rear straight punch of trained volunteers.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Exercise performance results of trained volunteers. (A) The 30 s continuous punching test (number of punches). (B) The 30 s continuous punching test (kW). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 1
Figure 1
Pharmacological effects of Rhodiola rosea and caffeine, and their roles in promoting muscle explosive power, muscle endurance, and enhancing athletic performance.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Dietary nutrient intakes and compositions: (A) Untrained volunteers. (B) Trained volunteers.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Exercise performance results of untrained volunteers. (A) Lead straight punch (lbs). (B) Rear straight punch (lbs). (C) Lead straight punch (mph). (D) Rear straight punch (mph). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 8
Figure 8
The ground reaction forces of the lead straight punches from untrained volunteers. (A) Relative peak force of the forefoot (peak force/body mass). (B) Forefoot peak fore time. (C) Relative peak force of the backfoot (peak force/body mass). (D) Backfoot peak force time. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 9
Figure 9
The ground reaction forces of the rear jab punches from untrained volunteers. (A) Relative peak force of the forefoot (peak force/body mass). (B) Forefoot peak force time. (C) Relative peak force of the backfoot (peak force/body mass). (D) Backfoot peak force time. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 10
Figure 10
Exercise performance results of untrained volunteers. (A) The 30 s continuous punching test (number of punches). (B) The 30 s continuous punching test (kW). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 11
Figure 11
Exercise performance results of trained volunteers. (A) Lead straight punch (lbs). (B) Rear straight punch (lbs). (C) Lead straight punch (mph). (D) Rear straight punch (mph). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 12
Figure 12
The ground reaction forces of the lead straight punches from trained volunteers. (A) Relative peak force of the forefoot (peak force/body mass (B) Forefoot peak force time. (C) Relative peak force of the backfoot (peak force/body mass). (D) Backfoot peak force time. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
Figure 13
Figure 13
The ground reaction forces of the rear straight punches from trained volunteers. (A) Relative peak force of the forefoot (peak force/body mass (B) Forefoot peak force time. (C) Relative peak force of the backfoot (peak force/body mass). (D) Backfoot peak force time. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant (p ≥ 0.05).
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