None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Dietary compounds may regulate neurotransmitter concentrations via several mechanisms, including the prevention of neurotransmitter breakdown. Several clinical studies have reported on the effect of consuming a single serve of blackcurrant juice in inhibiting MAO-B enzyme activity, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters, and supporting cognitive performance and mood. With blackcurrants, it appears that the method or degree of processing to different food formats (i.e., extracts, freeze-dried, juice) affects its efficacy in inhibiting circulating MAO-B activity. These findings indicate removal (or degradation) of key bioactive constituents in blackcurrants responsible for MAO-B inhibition during the preparation of the extract format and highlights that of format and processing conditions are important considerations in the formulation of blackcurrant-based nootropic functional foods/nutraceuticals. Subsequent in vitro experiments on blackcurrant fractions have identified sarmentosin-rich fractions significantly inhibited MAO-B enzyme activity. In this study, we will compare the effect of different doses of sarmentosin-rich blackcurrant extract in inhibiting platelet MAO-B enzyme activity.
Interventions
This study will investigate the effect of a proprietary sarmentosin-enriched blackcurrant extract and its effect on MAO-B inhibition and circulating neurotransmitters. The extract is a concentrated syrup that will be reconstituted in 250 mL water and served in opaque drink bottles.
We will implement a randomised, placebo-controlled, repeated measures study design. Prospective participants who have passed the study’s inclusion/exclusion criteria will be asked to attend a familiarisation sessi
This study will investigate the effect of a proprietary sarmentosin-enriched blackcurrant extract and its effect on MAO-B inhibition and circulating neurotransmitters. The extract is a concentrated syrup that will be reconstituted in 250 mL water and served in opaque drink bottles. We will implement a randomised, placebo-controlled, repeated measures study design. Prospective participants who have passed the study’s inclusion/exclusion criteria will be asked to attend a familiarisation session where they will meet with the study’s principal investigator. During this session the study’s trial coordinator (Research Associate, approx. 6 years experience in human studies) or the principal investigator (Research Scientist, PhD) will explain the logistics of the trial to them and answer any questions they may have. Enrolled participants (n = 4) will attend a total of three trial days. Participants will be given a list of foods (e.g. blackcurrant and blackcurrant-containing supplements) to abstain from consuming 24 hours prior each trial day. Participants will be also be asked to refrain from eating any food or drink (other than water) 10 h before the start of their scheduled trial day except for their supplied breakfast (one Almond One Square Meal bar [Cookie Time Ltd.]) that will be provided for them to consume approximately 2 h before their scheduled arrival at the research facility for their trial day. Upon arriving at the research facility, a venous blood sample (approximately 9 mL) will be collected from them. They will then be given a single serve of their allocated intervention (blackcurrant extract (42 mg and 84 mg sarmentosin) or placebo) to consume as quickly as they can. After this, they will be directed to the seating area of the facility to wait. Two hours and 4 h after consuming their allocated intervention, 9 mL of venous blood will be collected from them. After the 4 h blood sample collection is finished, they will be offered a small snack to eat before you leave the facility. Participants will be scheduled to complete the next trial day at least three days after completing their trial day. The logistics of subsequent trial days will be the same as the first, except they will be given the intervention that they did not receive on the previous trial day/s.
Sponsors
Dr Jocelyn Eason
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Healthy individual (male or female) 18 – 50 years who are able to provide written consent to participate when selected for this study, are non-smokers and vapers and are not prescribed psychotropic medication or MAO inhibitors.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they are unwilling to unable to provide written consent or comply with the study procedures. Participants will be excluded if they are pregnant, planning to get pregnant in the immediate future or have any of the following conditions: (i) blood borne diseases (e.g. hepatitis), (ii) recent bacterial or viral illness, (iii) are taking medication that affects the properties of blood (e.g. blood clotting) or immune function, (iv) are taking medication for mental health and mood disorders, (v) have a strong fear or dislike of needles and/or the sight of blood, have an aversion to blood sampling, or difficult veins to access. Participants will be excluded if they have known hypersensitivity or intolerance to blackcurrants or blackcurrant derived foods.
Outcome results
None listed