A Randomized, Crossover Study of the Acute Cognitive and Cerebral Blood Flow Effects of Phenolic, Nitrate and Botanical Beverages in Young, Healthy Humans.

2020-07-28
Nutrients 12(8)
- Philippa A Jackson
- Emma L Wightman
- Rachel Veasey
- Joanne Forster
- Julie Khan
- Caroline Saunders
- Siobhan Mitchell
- Crystal F Haskell-Ramsay
- David O Kennedy

PubMed: 32731478
DOI: 10.3390/nu12082254

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 32 healthy adults aged 18-49 years
Methods: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design; three active beverages comprising extracts of beetroot, ginseng, and sage, each also containing a phenolic-rich extract from apple, blueberry, or coffee berry
Blinding: Double-blind

Rigorous Journal

Background

In whole foods, polyphenols exist alongside a wide array of other potentially bioactive phytochemicals. Yet, investigations of the effects of combinations of polyphenols with other phytochemicals are limited.

Objective

The current study investigated the effects of combining extracts of beetroot, ginseng and sage with phenolic-rich apple, blueberry and coffee berry extracts.

Design

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design investigated three active beverages in 32 healthy adults aged 18-49 years. Each investigational beverage comprised extracts of beetroot, ginseng and sage. Each also contained a phenolic-rich extract derived from apple (containing 234 mg flavanols), blueberry (300 mg anthocyanins) or coffee berry (440 mg chlorogenic acid). Cognition, mood and CBF parameters were assessed at baseline and then again at 60, 180 and 360 min post-drink.

Results

Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed. Fewer effects were seen with the blueberry extract beverage.

Conclusions

Either the combination of beetroot, ginseng and sage was enhanced by the synergistic addition of the apple and coffee berry extract (and to a lesser extent the blueberry extract) or the former two phenolic-rich extracts were capable of evincing the robust mood and CBF effects alone.

Research Insights

Ginseng→Increased Cerebral Blood Flow
Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Ginseng→Increased Energy Levels
Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Red Beet→Increased Cerebral Blood Flow
Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Red Beet→Increased Energy Levels
Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Sage→Increased Cerebral Blood Flow
Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Sage→Increased Energy Levels
Robust effects on mood and CBF were seen for the apple and coffee berry beverages, with increased subjective energetic arousal and hemodynamic responses being observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate