A randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated-dose, double-blind pilot study demonstrated favorable safety and tolerance outcomes for a beverage powder containing Magnesium citrate (420 mg), Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; 3.8 g), Beta-caryophyllene (BCP; 25 mg), Cannabigerol (CBG; 50 mg), and Cannabidiol (CBD; 35 mg) in alleviating delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS, i.e. pain and stiffness felt in muscles after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise).

Researchers sought to examine the tolerability, safety, and preliminary impact on recovery associated with a formulation comprising CBD, CBG, BCP, BCAAs, and magnesium citrate. Individuals with exercise training backgrounds (n = 40) experienced an experimental induction of DOMS and attended follow-up visits at 24, 48, and 72 hours following DOMS.

These volunteers were randomly assigned to either an active or placebo formulation and took the formulation twice daily for 3.5 days. The active group experienced one adverse event – diarrhea, while the placebo group reported two adverse events – swollen eye/eye rash and dry mouth. Both groups demonstrated complete self-reported compliance with the consumption of the formulation.

Regarding the major endpoint, the estimated effect for ratings of average discomfort/soreness 72 hours following DOMS between both groups was -1.33, indicating moderate evidence of a treatment difference. The estimate of the effect on ratings of interference related to soreness, discomfort, or stiffness in daily activities at work or home 48 hours after experiencing DOMS yielded an estimated effect of -1.82.

It suggested a meaningful treatment distinction with potential clinical significance. No discernable differences were observed between the active and placebo groups in terms of objective measures of mood disturbance, sleep quality, or recovery. The tested formulation effectively diminished the interference of DOMS with daily activities, underscoring its positive impact on a functional aspect of the recovery process.