Exploring the nootropic activity of spearmint extract

In this study, researchers from the US tested the hypothesis that chronic supplementation of proprietary spearmint extract (PSE) would improve cognitive performance in young, active individuals. Their results were published in the journal Nutrition Research.

• According to previous studies, chronic supplementation of PSE can improve cognitive performance in individuals 50-70 years of age with age-related memory issues.
• To test their hypothesis, the researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 142 healthy and recreationally active men and women. These participants received 900 milligrams (mg) of PSE or placebo (PLA) daily for 90 days.
• The researchers assessed their cognitive performance using cognitive test battery (CNS Vital Signs); this resulted in 10 cognitive domains.
• They also assessed sleep, mood and quality of life using validated questionnaires. Measurements were evaluated on days 0, 7, 30 and 90 of supplementation.
• The researchers reported that PSE supplementation improved sustained attention at day 30 and day 90.
• PSE also improved complex attention compared to PLA at day 7.
• The researchers observed significant improvements in two individual tests: the shifting attention test and the four-part continuous performance test.
• They found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of mood, sleep or quality of life.

Based on these results, the researchers concluded that chronic supplementation of PSE improves cognitive performance in a young, active population.

Read the full article at this link.

Journal Reference:

Falcone PH, Nieman KM, Tribby AC, Vogel RM, Joy JM, Moon JR, Slayton CA, Henigman MM, Lasrado JA, Lewis BJ, et al. THE ATTENTION-ENHANCING EFFECTS OF SPEARMINT EXTRACT SUPPLEMENTATION IN HEALTHY MEN AND WOMEN: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, PARALLEL TRIAL. Nutrition Research. April 2019;64:24–38. DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.11.012