Acute Effects of Organic Guayusa Extract

Guayusa extract is a caffeinated Amazonian 'super-leaf' belonging to the holly species that contains a unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants and caffeine (~20% caffeine, 30% chlorogenic acids, 5% catechins). It is also remarkably low in tannins which are responsible for the bitter taste found in most teas - giving it a sweet flavor profile. As such, it is marketed as an ingredient that can help support energy and performance (e.g., via caffeine content) with potential health-related benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Indeed, ingredients such as these are often consumed by individuals prior to exercise in order to help improve neurocognitive performance, mood, or otherwise to support health-related goals such as metabolism. Whereas several studies have suggested that caffeine and chlorogenic acid consumption may improve performance, mood, and concentration, and some evidence in animals have linked catechin consumption to improved health outcomes, no studies have previous studied whether guayusa extract supplementation helps to support these, nor has the dose-effectiveness been tested, in humans.

In this study, the effects of acute dietary supplementation with two different doses of botanical organic guayusa extract on neurocognitive/motor-cognitive performance, mood, focus, and jitteriness, resting metabolism, and resting heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram characteristics will be examined.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-45 years, inclusive
• Physically active (>=150 min/wk or >=75 min/wk Moderate or Vigorous PA) for >=3 months
• BMI <= 30 kg/m2
• Otherwise healthy
• Habitual caffeine consumption >=200 mg/day OR 1-week washout of current caffeine usage prior to participation

Exclusion criteria

• Current injury or illness that precludes exercise participation
• Current nicotine or cannabis use
• Use of prescription ADD/ADHD, anti-depressant, or other central acting medication, or previously diagnosed ADD/ADHD, clinically depressed, or generalized anxiety disorder
• Current taking prescription stimulants (i.e., Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.)
• Participants with a history of metabolic, hepatorenal, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, or neurologic disease; or currently taking thyroid, hormonal, hyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, or anti-coagulant medications.
• Treated for Metabolic Syndrome or having been clinically diagnosed with, or taking medication for a cardiometabolic-disorder (e.g., Pre-diabetes, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, etc.)
• Currently pregnant or lactating
• Diagnosed allergy to any ingredient present within the study treatments
• Current competitive NCAA athlete
• Inability or unwillingness to comply with the controls and conditions of the study