Alpinia galanga extract supports mental alertness according to recent study

A recently published study found that supplementation with Alpinia galanga extract (AGE) may support mental alertness. In the study, 62 adults were randomized to receive either 300 mg of a branded AGE product called enXtra (from OmniActive Health Technologies; Bridgewater, NJ) or placebo, 30 minutes after lunch on the first day. This was followed by a crossover treatment on day seven. Researchers evaluated the treatments’ effect on mental alertness and accuracy (the primary outcome) using the 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. They also measured fatigue and energy levels as a secondary outcome with the Visual Analogue Scale and daytime sleepiness by Epworth Sleepiness Scale as secondary outcomes.

Results showed that subjects taking the extract experienced significant improvements in alertness, reaction time, correct responses, and a reduction in errors compared to placebo. They also experienced significant increases in subjective feelings of energy and a decrease in fatigue compared to placebo. The researchers conclude that the extract may therefore be a reasonable alternative to caffeine.

"We are pleased that this study validates our previous clinical findings of enXtra. The data supports its relevance as an effective and safe alternative to caffeine for companies looking to provide natural nootropics to support mental alertness, focus, and attention without impacting energy level," said Deshanie Rai, PhD, FACN, vice president, global scientific, and regulatory affairs at OmniActive, in a press release.

"Health-conscious consumers are looking for ways to manage their mental energy for optimal performance through caffeine-free products with little to no side effects," added Adam Adelmann, chief commercial officer at OmniActive. "This study supports that our enXtra ingredient can do this, and we are excited to share it with our partners. As the energy ingredients market grows, enXtra can be a game-changer for those looking to bring more natural energy solutions to market."

Reference

1. Eriah M.M.; Kundapur, M.; Joshua, L.; Thomas, J.V. Acute Effects of Alpinia galanga Extract on Mental Alertness, Accuracy and Fatigue in Human Subjects: A Randomized, DoubleBlind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study. ACAM. 2023. 7 (4). DOI: 10.31031/ACAM.2023.07.000669