Overview   

Ginseng, a popular herbal root extract obtained from plants of the Panax family, is widely regarded as a remedy in traditional medicine and has been used for centuries to treat mental and physical ailments and promote longevity. Among multiple species of ginseng, Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) provides a particularly rich source of bioactives (chemicals found in small amounts in plants and certain foods) when compared to other ginseng varieties, and emerging research suggests that supplementation with American ginseng may elicit cognitive enhancement effects. Further evidence is needed to support these findings. The REACT study is designed to assess the immediate, short-term benefits of a single dose of a supplement containing 200mg of American Ginseng on brain function in healthy young adults. If you're interested in finding out more, take a look at the Participant Information Sheet and contact us at REACT.study@uea.ac.uk

Everyone who completes the study will receive £50 to say thank you.

Methods

The study is happening at the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in the Quadram Institute on Norwich Research Park. 

Taking part involves 2 visits to the CRF, the first lasting about 3 hours and the second about 8 hours. There’s a participant lounge/dining room in the CRF where you’ll be able to study or relax in between the testing sessions and you’re welcome to bring a tablet/laptop with you. 

At your first visit a nurse will take a blood sample to check you are healthy, we will measure your height, weight and blood pressure, and you will practise some online tests of cognition, such as memory and attention.

Before the second visit, you will complete an online questionnaire about what you usually eat.

At the second visit you will take a gelatine capsule containing either American ginseng or a harmless placebo and you’ll do a series of online cognitive test throughout the day. A nurse will take a further blood sample at the end of the day. 

There is visitor parking at the Quadram Institute and we will pay your travel expenses. Everyone who completes the study will receive £50.

Recruitment and Eligibility

To take part you need to be 18 to 40 years old, with a BMI between 18.5 and 30. You can calculate your BMI here: NHS BMI calculator

Unfortunately, you cannot take part if you:

• smoke or vape
• are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
• are taking any dietary supplements, unless you are willing to temporarily stop taking them from 2 weeks before and during the study
• have high blood pressure
• have health conditions that might put you at increased risk (e.g., cognitive disorders in the past 12 months, current or past major neuropsychiatric disorder, current or past history of a major neurological condition, gastrointestinal disorders, ADHD, current or history of HIV, kidney disease, liver or biliary disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, or pulmonary disease)
• are taking certain medications (e.g., anti-psychotics, anti-coagulants, anti-platelets, sedatives, monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• have a current or history of alcohol or drug abuse
• have planned surgery within 2 weeks of participating in the study
• participated in any other cognitive studies within the last month

Contact us

If you have any questions about the study or would like further information, please don't hesitate to email the REACT study team at REACT.study@uea.ac.uk