RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07047105

Investigation of the Acute Effects of Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Competitive Gamers

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jun 13, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Fatigue Cognition Mood Gaming Performance

Summary

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

Eligibility

Min Age: 16 YearsMax Age: 34 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

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, (prospective participants will be asked to contact the researchers to discuss their gaming habits if uncertain that they meet the criteria).

Exclusion Criteria21

Have any pre-existing medical condition/illness which will impact taking part in the study (i.e. participants may be allowed to progress to screening if they have a condition/illness which would not interact with the active treatments or impede performance).
Are currently taking prescription medications NOTE: the explicit exceptions to this are contraceptive treatments for female participants, and those taken 'as needed' in the treatment of asthma and hay fever. There may be other instances of medication use which, where no interaction with the active treatments is likely, and which would not be expected to have any impact on brain function, participants may be able to progress to screening.
Have high blood pressure (systolic over 139 mm Hg or diastolic over 89 mm Hg); or have low blood pressure (systolic below 90 mm Hg or diastolic below 60 mm Hg)
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) outside of the range 18.5-35 kg/m2
Are pregnant, seeking to become pregnant or lactating
Have learning and/or behavioural diagnoses such as dyslexia or ADHD
Have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses (including colour-blindness)
Smoke tobacco or vape nicotine or use nicotine replacement products
Excessive caffeine intake (> 500 mg per day). If participants consume energy drinks they will be asked to refrain from this for 24 hour prior to attending testing.
Have relevant food intolerances/sensitivities, including caffeine sensitivity.
Have taken antibiotics within the past 4 weeks
Have taken dietary supplements e.g. Vitamins, omega 3 fish oils etc. in the last 4 weeks (Note: participation is possible following a 4-week supplement washout prior to participating and for the duration of the study on the proviso that the supplements they are taken are out of choice and not medically prescribed or advised)
Have any health condition that would prevent fulfilment of the study requirements (this includes non-diagnosed conditions for which no medication may be taken)
Are unable to complete all of the study assessments
Are currently participating in other clinical or nutrition intervention studies, or have done so in the past 4 weeks
Has been diagnosed with/ undergoing treatment for alcohol or drug abuse in the last 12 months
Have been diagnosed with/ undergoing treatment for a psychiatric disorder in the last 12 months
Suffers from frequent migraines that require medication (more than or equal to 1 per month)
Sleep disorders or are taking sleep aid medication
Any known active infections
Are non-compliant with regards treatment consumption