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

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

Conditions

• Cognition
• Mood
• Gaming Performance
• Fatigue

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Nepalese Pepper (Zanthoxylum Armatum) extract 150mg

The intervention is a powdered form of Zanthoxylum Armatum (ZA) extract delivered in capsule form. The dosage is 150mg.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Nepalese Pepper (Zanthoxylum Armatum) extract 300mg

The intervention is a powdered form of Zanthoxylum Armatum (ZA) extract delivered in capsule form. The dosage is 300mg.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo

Microcristalline Cellulose MCC

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Caffeine 75mg

Caffeine anhydrous Pulver, 75mg

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mibelle Group Biochemistry

  collaborator INDUSTRY

• Northumbria University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

34 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-06-13

Primary Completion

2026-01-31

Completion

2026-05-31

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations