Abstract

Background: Nootropics are products that improve cognitive function and offer consumers solutions to optimise performance at work and play. Alpinia galanga Extract (AGE) has been shown to increase mental alertness in clinical settings.
Aim: We evaluated the acute effect of AGE on mental alertness, accuracy, and fatigue through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical study in healthy human subjects.
Methods: Sixty-two adults were randomized to receive either 300mg of AGE or placebo 30 minutes after lunch on Day 1 followed by cross-over treatments on Day 7. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of AGE on mental alertness and accuracy, as assessed by Symbol Digit Coding test, Shifting Attention test, Stroop Test and Alertness Rating Scale of CNS Vital Signs at baseline, 0.5, 1-, 2- and 5-hours post dose. Further, fatigue and energy levels were measured by Visual Analogue Scale and daytime sleepiness by Epworth Sleepiness Scale as secondary outcomes. Adverse events were monitored for safety assessment.
Results: AGE supplementation showed significant improvements in alertness, reaction time, correct responses, and reduction in errors at several time points over placebo. Further, AGE consumption demonstrated significant increase in subjective feelings of energy and decreased fatigue levels over placebo.
Conclusion: AGE supplementation improves alertness, accuracy, reaction time, and reduces errors in individuals, and may be a reasonable alternative to caffeine for those seeking same-day effects to increase alertness and energy levels.

Keywords:Alpinia galanga; Cognitive impairment; Energy; Mental alertness; Mental fatigue; Nootropics