RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cereboost (American Ginseng Extract) and Brain Function

Researchers are investigating if a single dose of an American Ginseng extract, called Cereboost, can quickly improve brain functions like attention and memory in healthy young adults. Participants will take either the ginseng extract or a dummy pill and complete various brain tests and questionnaires over a six-hour period. Blood samples will also be collected. The aim is to see if this natural supplement can offer a short-term boost to how our brains work. This builds on previous research suggesting American Ginseng might have benefits for mental sharpness, and this larger study hopes to confirm those findings using standard testing methods. The study will look at how people feel and perform on different tasks after taking the supplement.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of East Anglia

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Attention Cognition

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into whether a single dose of a natural supplement, specifically an American Ginseng extract called Cereboost, can quickly improve how our brains work. We're talking about things like your attention, memory, and general thinking skills. The study particularly focuses on healthy young adults. You might be interested to know that ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for a very long time, with many people believing it can help both mental and physical health.

To understand if Cereboost has an effect, some participants will take the ginseng extract, and others will take a 'placebo' – this is an inactive dummy pill that looks just like the real thing. This helps researchers compare the results fairly. Over a six-hour period after taking the pill, participants will complete various quizzes and tasks designed to test their memory and how well they can concentrate. They'll also provide blood samples, which helps the researchers understand the body's response to the supplement.

The idea behind this study comes from earlier research suggestingsimilar American Ginseng extracts might improve mental performance, and even mood, in healthy individuals. By conducting a larger study using standard methods, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of whether Cereboost can indeed offer a swift, temporary boost to our brain power. It's all about exploring safe ways to potentially enhance our cognitive abilities, which means how well we think, learn, and remember.

Key takeaways

Investigating a natural supplement for brain function.
Compares American Ginseng to a dummy pill.
Focuses on immediate, short-term brain benefits in young adults.
Involves brain tests, questionnaires, and blood samples.
Aims to confirm earlier findings on mental sharpness.
Participation includes dietary adjustments and a 6-hour assessment period.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy young adult between the ages of 18 and 40. You'll need to be able to understand and sign a consent form, and you must speak and write English fluently.

There are also some lifestyle requirements: you shouldn't smoke or vape, and you'll need to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointments and caffeine on the morning of your appointments. You'll also need to be comfortable consuming gelatine.

Certain health conditions would mean you can't take part, such as if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe allergies, certain heart conditions, or a history of major mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Conditions like IBS/IBD, ADHD, or learning difficulties would also prevent participation, as would a very high or very low body weight.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Are you a non-smoker and non-vaper?
Can you avoid alcohol for 24 hours and caffeine on the morning of visits?
Do you have no history of major mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia?
Are you able to eat gelatin?
Are you generally healthy and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll visit the study centre on a few occasions. On the day of your main visit, you'll arrive having fasted overnight, meaning you won't have eaten since the night before, and you'll have followed a special low-polyphenol diet for the two days leading up to it. You will be asked to avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand and caffeine on the morning of your visit.

During your visit, you'll take either the American Ginseng extract or a dummy pill. Over the next six hours, you'll complete a series of questionnaires and brain tests designed to check your memory, attention, and thinking skills at different times. Blood samples will also be taken at various points throughout this period to see how your body reacts to the product. The total duration of your active participation will involve these visits and specific dietary preparations beforehand.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like this can help advance medical understanding, which might benefit others in the future. While this study doesn't offer a direct medical benefit to you personally, it could help show if American Ginseng has a positive effect on brain function. All studies carry some potential risks, though for this study, they are expected to be minimal, such as discomfort from blood tests or dietary changes. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Quadram Insitute Clinical Research Facility
Verified postcode
Norwich, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University of East Anglia
Verified postcode
Norwich, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is American Ginseng?

American Ginseng is a traditional herbal plant extract that has been used for hundreds of years, believed to help with mental and physical well-being.

What is a 'dummy pill' (placebo)?

A dummy pill looks exactly like the actual medicine but contains no active ingredients. It's used in studies to make sure any effects seen are due to the treatment being tested, not just the expectation of it.

Will I know if I'm getting the ginseng or the dummy pill?

No, during the study, neither you nor the researchers will know if you're taking the ginseng or the dummy pill. This helps keep the results unbiased.

What does 'cognition' mean in this study?

Cognition refers to your brain's ability to think, remember, pay attention, and process information. The study will test these aspects of your brain function.

How long will each study visit last?

Each main study visit will involve about a 6-hour period where you'll take the supplement and complete tests, in addition to any preparation like fasting.

How to find out more

David Vauzour, PhD

D.Vauzour@uea.ac.uk +441603591732 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.