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
46 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
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxlum Armatum, ZA) supplement can improve cognitive performance and mental abilities in competitive gamers aged 16 to 34. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does ZA supplement improve cognitive abilities like attention, memory, and decision-making? 2. What is the most effective dose of ZA supplement (300mg vs 150mg)? 3. How do the effects of ZA supplement compare to caffeine? Researchers will compare four different treatments (high-dose ZA, low-dose ZA, caffeine, and placebo) to see if ZA supplement produces better cognitive performance than placebo and how it compares to caffeine\*\*. Participants will: * Complete a screening visit with health checks and training on computer tasks * Attend four testing visits (7-14 days apart) where they receive different treatments * Avoid alcohol and energy drinks for 24 hours before each visit, and caffeine from waking * Take assigned treatment at 11:30am and complete cognitive tests at -1, 1, 3, and 5 hours in relation to dose. * Complete mood questionnaires, sleep assessments, and gaming-specific tasks (aim training, character control) * Wear heart rate monitors during testing * Eat standardized meals provided during visits * Play competitive games at home in the evening and complete performance questionnaires
CONDITIONS
Official 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
- Male or female
- Self-reported good health
- Regular player of competitive multiplayer games at least once per week
You will not qualify if you...
- Any medical condition impacting study participation
- Current prescription medication use (except contraceptives, asthma, hay fever treatments)
- High blood pressure (systolic >139 mm Hg or diastolic >89 mm Hg)
- Low blood pressure (systolic <90 mm Hg or diastolic <60 mm Hg)
- Body Mass Index outside 18.5-35 kg/m2
- Pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- Learning or behavioral diagnoses such as dyslexia or ADHD
- Uncorrected visual impairment including color blindness
- Tobacco smoking, nicotine vaping, or nicotine replacement use
- Excessive caffeine intake (>500 mg/day)
- Relevant food intolerances or caffeine sensitivity
- Antibiotic use within past 4 weeks
- Dietary supplement use within past 4 weeks unless medically advised
- Any health condition preventing study participation
- Inability to complete all study assessments
- Participation in other clinical or nutrition 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 needing medication (≥1/month)
- Sleep disorders or taking sleep aid medication
- Known active infections
- Non-compliance with study treatment consumption
AI-Screening
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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
CONTACT
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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