Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess cognitive performance and heart rate variability (HRV) following the ingestion of either a multi-vitamin-mineral preparation supplemented with 300 mg guarana (Ac); a caffeine supplement (C) or a placebo supplement (Pl). Fifty-six subjects took part in a randomized, double-blind crossover design, consisting of three experimental sessions ran on a different day. Cognitive performance was assessed using a go/no-go task and a simple reaction time (SRT) task. HRV was assessed in the time domain (RMSSD) and in the frequency domain (HF) and cognitive tasks were performed before ingestion, 15 min after ingestion and then every 15 min over the course of 3 h. Responses were faster (without change in accuracy) when the go/no-go task was performed between 30 and 90 min after ingestion of Ac (4.6% ± 0.8%, p < 0.05). No effect was observed on SRT task. A significant decrease in HRV was observed during the first hour under C and Pl, whereas HRV remained stable under Ac. The results suggest that the ingestion of a multi-vitamin-mineral with added guarana improves decision-making performance and is accompanied by a stable autonomic nervous system regulation during the first hour.
Highlights
Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) is a climbing plant of the maple family
The psychoactive properties of guarana have often been attributed to the high concentration of caffeine contained in its seeds. The results of these latest studies [5,6] show that psychoactive effects can be observed using a 75 mg dose of guarana, which contains a level of caffeine considered too low (9 mg) to produce positive effects. These findings suggest that cognitive performance changes induced by guarana cannot be solely attributable to guarana’s caffeine content
The first aim of this study was to compare the effects of a multi-vitamin-mineral preparation supplemented with 300 mg guarana on cognitive function with an equivalent pure caffeine dose over the course of 3 h
Summary
Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) is a climbing plant of the maple family. It is a rain forest vine that was domesticated in the Amazon for its fruits, which are rich in caffeine. Despite its increasing usage as a dietary constituents by athletes to support training or improve performance, guarana’s specific behavioral effects have received little attention until recently. There has been a growing interest in the beneficial effects of guarana, which is supported by a number of experimental studies in humans and rodents. Guarana has been reported to delay physical and mental cancer-related fatigue [1,2], improve cognitive performance [3,4,5,6,7], have positive effects on mood [6,7] and facilitate weight loss [8]. Guarana administration in rats reduced total food intake, carcass fat content and decreased plasma lactate concentrations in trained rats [9]. Guarana’s may be used as an antibacterial agent and has antioxidant properties [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
