None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This research project is aiming to determine the effects of Bacopa on cognitive function, cardiovascular function and stress. Bacopa is a herb found in wetlands and muddy shore lines that has been used in traditional Indian medicine as a treatment for epilepsy and asthma. Russo & Borrelli (2005) claim that it has been used for over 3000 years as a memory and intellect enhancer. There is also evidence to suggest that Bacopa is an antioxidant, playing an important role in reducing the oxidation of fats in the bloodstream. This study will investigate the cognitive, cardiovascular and stress effects of two doses of bacopa compared to placebo. Participants will be required to attend three testing sessions (and one practice session). Each session will see participants taking one of three interventions (administered in capsules); (1) Bacopa Monniera – 300mg (2 x 150mg capsules, 2 x placebo capsules) (2) Bacopa Monneria – 600mg (4 x 150mg capsules) (3) Placebo (4 x capsules) On the testing days participants will complete baseline testing (consisting of the cognitive battery, cardiovascular measures and stress testing) after which they will be administered their randomly assigned treatment. Two hours post dose participant will complete the testing again (cognitive battery, cardiovascular measures and stress testing). There will be a seven day washout period and the process will be repeated again. Over the course of the investigation, participants will complete all three treatments with treatment order being randomised and counterbalanced across participants. Russo, A. and F. Borrelli (2005). "Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview." Phytomedicine 12(4): 305-317
Interventions
This study will employ a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, three way cross-over design. Participants will be required to attend three testing sessions (and one practice session). Each session will see participants taking one of three interventions (administered in capsules); (1) Bacopa Monniera – 300mg (2 x 150mg capsules, 2 x placebo capsules) (2) Bacopa Monneria – 600mg (4 x 150mg capsules) (3) Placebo (4 x capsules) On the testing days participants will complete baseline testing (consisting of the cognitive battery, cardiovascular measures and stress testing) after which they will be administered their randomly assigned treatment. Two hours post dose participant will complete the testing again (cognitive battery, cardiovascular measures and stress testing). There will be a seven day washout period between each testing session. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either treatment (1) or (2) or (3) on their first testing day. This will be done by a randomised computer number sequence generator. Over the course of the investigation, they will complete all three treatments with treatment order counterbalanced across participants. A disinterested third party will be responsible for the blinding procedure.
Sponsors
Swinburne University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1.) Healthy non-smoking males and females aged 65 and over 2.) Free from and no history of psychiatric disorders 3.) No neurological diseases or history of neurological diseases 4.) Not suffering from endocrine, gastrointestinal or bleeding disorders 5.) No history of chronic illness/infection 6.) Not currently pregnant or lactating 7.) Must not be taking any medications or herbal extracts 8.) Must have corrected to normal vision
Exclusion criteria
1.) smoker 2.) history of psychiatric disorders 3.) neurological diseases or history of neurological diseases 4.) endocrine, gastrointestinal or bleeding disorders 5.) history of chronic illness/infection 6.) pregnant or lactating 7.) taking any medications or herbal extracts 8.) vision impairment not corrected
Outcome results
None listed