Actively Recruiting
Investigation of the Acute Effects of Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood, and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Competitive Gamers
Led by Northumbria University · Updated on 2025-07-02
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
Northumbria University
Lead Sponsor
M
Mibelle Group Biochemistry
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether a Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum, ZA) supplement can improve cognitive skills, mood, fatigue, and gaming performance in healthy competitive gamers aged 16 to 34 years. The study compares the effects of two doses of ZA (150mg and 300mg), caffeine (75mg), and a placebo to understand which is most effective for enhancing attention, memory, decision-making, and mental fatigue during gaming activities. Participants will take part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving five visits: one screening and training visit plus four testing visits spaced about 7 to 14 days apart. During each testing visit, participants will receive one of the four treatments in capsule form. They will complete cognitive and mood tests before and after taking the assigned treatment at 11:30 am, followed by gaming-related tasks and assessments at multiple time points throughout the day. Standardized meals and heart rate monitoring will be part of the visits. Participants will undergo assessments including computerized cognitive tests, mood questionnaires, sleep disturbance evaluations, and gaming-specific tasks like aiming and game control simulations. Heart rate variability will be recorded during testing. Participants will also play competitive games at home on the evenings following visits and complete performance questionnaires. The main outcomes measured are speed of attention and subjective fatigue, with additional assessments on various cognitive functions and gameplay performance. The study is expected to continue until May 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Investigation of the Acute Effects of Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Competitive Gamers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 16 to 34 years inclusive
- Males and females
- Self-report of good health
- Usually a regular (at least once per week) player of competitive multiplayer games
You will not qualify if you...
- Have any pre-existing medical condition or illness impacting study participation
- Currently taking prescription medications except contraceptives or as-needed asthma and hay fever treatments
- Have high blood pressure (systolic >139 mm Hg or diastolic >89 mm Hg) or low blood pressure (systolic <90 mm Hg or diastolic <60 mm Hg)
- Body Mass Index (BMI) outside 18.5-35 kg/m2
- Are pregnant, seeking to become pregnant, or lactating
- Have learning or behavioral diagnoses such as dyslexia or ADHD
- Have uncorrected visual impairments including color blindness
- Smoke tobacco, vape nicotine, or use nicotine replacement products
- Consume excessive caffeine (>500 mg per day) or energy drinks within 24 hours before testing
- Have relevant food intolerances or caffeine sensitivity
- Taken antibiotics or dietary supplements in the past 4 weeks
- Have any health condition preventing study requirements
- Unable to complete all study assessments
- Participating in other clinical or nutrition intervention studies within past 4 weeks
- Diagnosed or treated for alcohol or drug abuse in past 12 months
- Diagnosed or treated for psychiatric disorder in past 12 months
- Frequent migraines requiring medication (≥1 per month)
- Have sleep disorders or use sleep aid medication
- Have any known active infections
- Non-compliant with treatment consumption requirements
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants receive training on computerized cognitive tasks and gaming tasks to reduce learning effects during testing visits.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Four visits spaced about 7 days apart
Participants attend four separate testing visits to receive one of the treatments in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design and complete cognitive and gaming tasks throughout the day.
4 visits (in-person), each lasting from morning until late afternoon
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Northumbria University - Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Philippa A Jackson, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
4
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