Blood Pressure, Cognition
Conditions
Keywords
Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, cardiovascular reactivity, cognition
Brief summary
There is some evidence to suggest that ginseng and Ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive performance, however, very little is known about the mechanisms associated with such improvement. Here, we tested whether cardiovascular reactivity to a task is associated with cognitive improvement.
Interventions
DRUGPlacebo
Study subjects received, in a double blind fashion, placebo pills identical to the drug (drug 1-ginseng, group 1; drug 2-ginkgo biloba-group 2)
DRUGGinseng
The ginseng group received two capsules containing either 1000 mg or 500 mg of Panax Ginseng extract standardized to 3% of ginsenosides (GNC, USA) or similarly looking placebo capsules over a period of three days of testing.
DRUGGinkgo Biloba
The ginkgo group received two capsules containing either 240 mg or 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones (GBE24/6) or similarly looking placebo capsules over a period of three testing days.
Sponsors
Sunway University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy volunteers ranging in age between 18 and 30.
Exclusion criteria
* Ginseng group: exclude those that regularly consume caffeine or Panax Ginseng, or those that are diabetic, have hormone sensitive conditions, autoimmune diseases, bleeding conditions, heart conditions or take medications that are known to interact with Panax Ginseng. These include anticoagulants, Warfarin, Ibuprofen, MAOIs, medications that are changed by the liver, and stimulant drugs (e.g. pseudoephedrine, epinephrine). * Ginkgo Biloba group: exclude those that regularly consume caffeine or Ginkgo Biloba, or those that are diabetic, have experienced seizures in the past, have bleeding disorders, or take medications that are known to interact with Ginkgo Biloba. These include Ibuprofen, anticoagulants, Warfarin, Buspirone, Fluoxetine, Trazodone
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive performance as modulated by either ginseng or ginkgo biloba | Acute effects (3 days of testing) | Cognitive effects on tests of vigilance/attention, behavioural flexibility and executive functioning |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular reactivity as a result of ginseng or ginkgo biloba intake | Acute effects (3 days of testing) | Changes in systolic, diastolic and heart rate reading as a result of ginseng or ginkgo biloba intake and dependent upon the type of cognitive domain assessed (i.e. vigilance, behavioural flexibility or executive functioning. |
Countries
Malaysia
Outcome results
None listed