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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Dec 6;15(24):5018.
doi: 10.3390/nu15245018.

Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion's Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance

Michael B La Monica  1 , Betsy Raub  1 , Ethan J Ziegenfuss  1 , Shelley Hartshorn  1 , Jodi Grdic  1 , Ashley Gustat  1 , Jennifer Sandrock  1 , Tim N Ziegenfuss  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion's Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance

Michael B La Monica et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of guayusa extract and Nordic Lion's Mane (LM) on cognition. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we examined the effects of a single dose of 650 mg guayusa extract (AMT: AmaTea® Max) vs. 1 g Nordic-grown Lion's Mane (LM) vs. placebo (PL). Participants attended three testing visits consisting of neuropsychological tests (Go/No-go, N-Back, and Serial 7 s tasks) assessing performance, subjective assessments of cognitive perception, and vital signs. Each assessment was measured at baseline (pre-ingestion) and 1 and 2 h post ingestion. AMT significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s, total score, number of correct responses, total number of responses, and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time, but it reduced the percentage of correct responses in the No-go stimulus response during Go/No-go. LM significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time in Go/No-go. AMT improved mental clarity, focus, concentration, mood, and productivity at 1 and 2 h (p < 0.05); the ability to tolerate stress at 1 h; and had greater ratings than LM and PL for mental clarity, focus, concentration, and productivity. PL improved focus and concentration at 1 h from baseline (p ≤ 0.05). AMT and LM improved subjective ratings of "happiness compared to peers" and "getting the most out of everything" (p < 0.05); however, this occurred earlier in LM (i.e., 1 h post ingestion). AMT uniquely elevated blood pressure from baseline. AMT significantly improved cognitive performance and self-perceived cognitive indices of affect over a 2 h period and perceptions of happiness 2 h post ingestion. In comparison, LM helped improve working memory, complex attention, and reaction time 2 h post ingestion and perceptions of happiness over a 2 h period.

Keywords: Hericium erinaceus; cognitive function; concentration; focus; mood; nootropics.

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Conflict of interest statement

T.N.Z. has no direct conflict in terms of financial or business interests related to the topic of this publication. He has received funding from dietary supplement companies for research, honoraria for speaking at conferences, and fees for writing articles and consulting. All other authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; or in the writing of the manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Go/No-go. * p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01. LM: Lion’s Mane. AMT: AmaTea. PL: placebo.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Serial Sevens. * p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001. LM: Lion’s Mane. AMT: AmaTea. PL: placebo.
Figure 4
Figure 4
N-Back. * p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001. LM: Lion’s Mane. AMT: AmaTea. PL: Placebo.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Visual analog scales. * p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001. LM: Lion’s Mane. AMT: AmaTea. PL: placebo.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Subjective happiness scale. * p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01. LM: Lion’s Mane. AMT: AmaTea. PL: placebo.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Hemodynamics and body weight. * p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001. LM: Lion’s Mane. AMT: AmaTea. PL: placebo.
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