A randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled, parallel group, efficacy study of alpha BRAIN® administered orally. (15th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Solomon, Todd M.; Leech, Jarrett; deBros, Guy B.; Murphy, Cynthia A.; Budson, Andrew E.; Vassey, Elizabeth A.; Solomon, Paul R.
• Is Part Of: Human psychopharmacology. Volume 31:Number 2(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2016-02-15
• Subjects: randomized controlled trial -- nootropic -- nutraceutical -- cognitive enhancement; Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychotropic drugs -- Periodicals; Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychotropic Drugs -- pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1002/hup.2520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6222

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Alpha BRAIN® is a nootropic supplement that purports to enhance cognitive functioning in healthy adults. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of this self‐described cognitive enhancing nootropic on cognitive functioning in a group of healthy adults by utilizing a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled design. Methods: A total of 63‐treatment naïve individuals between 18 and 35 years of age completed the randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial. All participants completed a 2‐week placebo run in before receiving active product, Alpha BRAIN® or new placebo, for 6 weeks. Participants undertook a battery of neuropsychological tests at randomization and at study completion. Primary outcome measures included a battery of neuropsychological tests and measures of sleep. Results: Compared with placebo, Alpha BRAIN® significantly improved on tasks of delayed verbal recall and executive functioning. Results also indicated significant time‐by‐group interaction in delayed verbal recall for the Alpha BRAIN® group. Conclusions: The use of Alpha BRAIN® for 6 weeks significantly improved recent verbal memory when compared with controls, in a group of healthy adults. While the outcome of the study is encouraging, this is the first randomized controlled trial of Alpha BRAIN®, and the results merit further study.