Caffeine-Containing, Adaptogenic-Rich Drink Modulates the Effects of Caffeine on Mental Performance and Cognitive Parameters: A Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.

Ali Boolani,Costel C Darie,Daniel T Fuller,Sumona Mondal,Eric Gumpricht,Tyler Wilkinson

doi:10.3390/nu12071922

Abstract

Using a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, within-participants, randomized, cross-over design, we examined the neurocognitive effects of a: (a) caffeine-containing, adaptogenic herbal-rich natural energy shot (e+ shot), (b) a matched caffeine-containing shot (caffeine), and, (c) a placebo. Participants (n = 30) were low consumers of caffeine without elevated feelings of energy. Before and three times after beverage consumption, a 27-min battery was used to assess motivation to perform cognitive tasks, mood, attention ((serial subtractions of 3 (SS3) and 7 (SS7), the continuous performance task (CPT), and the rapid visual input processing tasks)), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and motor coordination (nine-hole peg test) with a 10-min break between each post-consumption battery. The procedure was repeated for each beverage for each participant at least 48 h apart and within 30 min the same time of day using a random group assignment with blinding of researchers and subjects. To evaluate for changes in outcomes, a Treatment × Time analysis of covariance controlling for hours of prior night’s sleep was used. Analysis of all outcomes and all treatment comparisons indicated that compared to placebo, both e+ shot (= 2.60; η2 = 0.098) and caffeine (= 5.30, η2 = 0.098) increased systolic BP 30 min post consumption (still within normal healthy ranges). The caffeine beverage also led to an improvement in most cognitive measures and moods 30-min post-consumption with improvements tapering at 69 and 108 min, while e+ shot noted more steady improvements with no significant differences between beverages on most cognitive and mood measures at 69 and 108 min. However, compared to caffeine, e+shots noted a significant decrease in reaction time at 108 min, while caffeine noted a small change in the opposite direction. No side-effects were reported by any intervention. These results suggest that the specific blend of adaptogens in e+ shot may modulate the neurocognitive effects of caffeine on mood, and cognition.

Highlights

Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world [1] and a recent evaluation of 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data estimatedNutrients 2020, 12, 1922; doi:10.3390/nu12071922 www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrientsNutrients 2020, 12, 1922 its intake for the average American adult at 173 milligrams per day [2]
Our findings suggest that several of the stimulatory effects of caffeine may be modulated by the adaptogenic herbs present in the energy shot (e+ shot), whereas other observations suggested the adaptogenic herbs may directly antagonize some of caffeine’sphysiological effects
We noted minimal improvements in caffeine on cognitive task performance for both the Continuous Performance Task (CPT) and Rapid Visual Input Processing (RVIP), which is what we expected based on prior research [55]; when we examined the interaction between both treatments the decline in cognitive task performance with the placebo yielded statistically significant results

Summary

Introduction

Nutrients 2020, 12, 1922 its intake for the average American adult at 173 milligrams (mg) per day (equivalent to one strong espresso coffee) [2]. The intake of dietary caffeine is primarily derived through consumption of beverages including coffee, tea, and cola products. Acute caffeine consumption promotes psychostimulatory benefits including enhanced cognitive task performance and sustained attention [6], and improvements in working memory [7], visual reaction [8], logical reasoning [9], and manual dexterity [10]. Numerous side effects have been reported, including decreased calmness and increased anxiety [11], elevated blood pressure [11], withdrawal effects of headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue [12], sleep interference [13] and an increased risk for osteoporosis [14]. It has been suggested that the factors motivating regular caffeine consumption appear to be “withdrawal relief” [15]

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