Nepalese pepper extract for thinking, mood, and gaming performance in young competitive gamers
Investigation of the Acute Effects of Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Competitive Gamers
This will see if taking a Nepalese pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum) extract at two different doses can quickly improve attention, memory, mood, or gaming performance in healthy competitive gamers aged 16–34 and how it compares with caffeine.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 34 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northumbria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newcastle upon Tyne) |
| Trial ID | NCT07047105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover experiment in which each participant receives four single-dose treatments (300 mg ZA, 150 mg ZA, 75 mg caffeine, and placebo) on separate visits 7–14 days apart. Healthy participants aged 16–34 who regularly play competitive multiplayer games complete a screening visit and then standardized cognitive tests and gaming-performance tasks after each treatment. The protocol includes pre-visit restrictions on alcohol, energy drinks, and caffeine and uses validated attention, memory, and fatigue measures to compare acute effects. Primary comparisons focus on dose response for ZA and its effects versus placebo and caffeine.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males and females aged 16 to 34 who regularly play competitive multiplayer games and are not taking prescription medications (with limited exceptions such as contraceptives or occasional asthma/hay fever treatments).
Not a fit: People outside the 16–34 age range, those with medical conditions or taking most prescription medications, or non-gamers are unlikely to gain benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ZA could offer a short-term, well-tolerated supplement to improve attention, reduce mental fatigue, and modestly boost competitive gaming performance.
How similar studies have performed: Prior double-blind work with Zanthoxylum armatum reported some acute improvements in speed of attention and sustained attention at lower single doses and modest benefits with 56-day dosing, but mechanisms are unclear and head-to-head comparisons with caffeine are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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
Where this trial is running
Newcastle upon Tyne
- Northumbria University - Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre — Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Philippa A Jackson, PhD
- Email: philippa.jackson@northumbria.ac.uk
- Phone: 01912274468
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.