Clinical Trials Management Team

Dr Adrian Lopresti

Managing Director

Dr. Adrian Lopresti is an experienced researcher in the field of mental and cognitive health and well-being. He has extensive knowledge in natural treatments to enhance mental and physical well-being and has published extensively in the field. Dr Lopresti is a registered and experienced clinical psychologist who continues to treat clients with mental health disorders. Dr Lopresti has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master in Applied Psychology, and PhD. Dr Lopresti has a strong desire to promote and research lifestyle, psychological, dietary, and nutraceutical options to enhance mental and physical well-being. He regularly conducts workshops and lectures throughout Australia and internationally.

Click here to see a selection of Dr Lopresti's published works

  • Smith SJ, et al. The effects of alcohol on testosterone synthesis in men: a review. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Mar;18(2):155-166. 
  • Lopresti AL., et al. Effects of a polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract (Memophenol™) on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front Psychol. 2023 Mar 29;14:1144231. 
  • Smith SJ, et al. Examining the effects of calorie restriction on testosterone concentrations in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2021 Oct 6:nuab072.
  • Smith SJ, et al. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr. 2021 Jun 1;12(3):744-765.
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. Front Nutr. 2022, 9:965130.
  • Lopresti, AL, and Smith, SJ. An examination into the mental and physical effects of a saffron extract (affron®) in recreationally-active adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2022 Jun 7;19(1):219-238.
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. The Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-Reported Mild Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Nutr. 2022 Feb 17;9:843512. 
  • Lopresti, AL. Potential Role of Curcumin for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. CNS Drugs . 2022 Feb;36(2):123-141. 
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. An Investigation into the Effects of a Curcumin Extract (Curcugen®) on Osteoarthritis Pain of the Knee: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2021, 14(1):41
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. Effects of an Oroxylum indicum Extract (Sabroxy®) on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Front in Aging Neuroscience, 2021, 13.
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. Effects of a Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacognize®) on stress, fatigue, quality of life and sleep in adults with self-reported poor sleep: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Functional Foods, 2021, 85(4): 104671.
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract (affron®) on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study. 2021. Sleep Medicine, 86.
  • Lopresti AL & Smith SJ. An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2021, 293, 229-237.
  • Lopresti AL & Smith SJ. The Effects of a Saffron Extract (affron®) on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Menopausal Med. 2021;27:e8.
  • Lopresti AL & Smith SJ. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials. Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2021, 28, 100434.
  • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials. Nutr Neurosci. 2021 Mar 2:1-27.
  • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Rea A, Michel S. Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Jan 21;21(1):40.
  • Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Teo SYM, Fairchild TJ. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr. 2020 Nov 5:nmaa134.
  • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Foster T, Drummond PD. The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Brief Integrative Treatment for Adults With Depression and/or Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020 Jan-Dec;25:2515690X20937997.
  • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Herbal treatments for migraine: A systematic review of randomised-controlled studies. Phytother Res. 2020 Oct;34(10):2493-2517.
  • Lopresti, AL, et al. Effects of Saffron on Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults With Self-Reported Poor Sleep: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 2020. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
  • Lopresti, A.L., et al. Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of unremitted depression in adults – a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 2019. Journal of Psychopharmacology.
  • Lopresti, A.L., Smith SJ. et al. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (withania somnifera) extract: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186.
  • Lopresti, A.L. The Effects of Psychological and Environmental Stress on Micronutrient Concentrations in the Body: A Review of the Evidence. Adv Nutr. 2019 Aug 27. pii: nmz082.
  • Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019 Mar-Apr;13(2):1
  • Lopresti, A.L. It is time to investigate integrative approaches to enhance treatment outcomes for depression? Med Hypotheses. 2019 May;126:82-94.
  • Lopresti, A.L. et al. (2018) affron®, a standardised extract from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of youth anxiety and depressive symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 232, 349-357.
  • Lopresti AL, Gupta H, Smith SJ. A poly-herbal blend (Herbagut®) on adults presenting with gastrointestinal complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Mar 20;18(1):98.
  • Lopresti, A.L. (2018) The Problem of Curcumin and Its Bioavailability: Could Its Gastrointestinal Influence Contribute to Its Overall Health-Enhancing Effects? Advances in Nutrition, Volume 9, Issue 1, 41–50
  • Lopresti, AL. (2017) Curcumin for neuropsychiatric disorders: a review of in vitro, animal and human studies. J Psychopharmacol. 31(3):287-302.
  • Lopresti, A.L. (2017) Cognitive behaviour therapy and inflammation: A systematic review of its relationship and the potential implications for the treatment of depression. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 51(6):565-582
  • Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. (2017) Efficacy of curcumin, and a saffron/curcumin combination for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Affect Disord.; 207:188-196.
  • Lopresti AL. (2017) Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects. Drugs R D.
  • Lopresti AL, Jacka FN. (2015) Diet and Bipolar Disorder: A Review of Its Relationship and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action. J Altern Complement Med.; 21(12):733-9.
  • Lopresti AL. (2015) A review of nutrient treatments for paediatric depression. J Affect Disord.; 181:24-32.
  • Lopresti AL. (2015) Oxidative and nitrosative stress in ADHD: possible causes and the potential of antioxidant-targeted therapies. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord; 7(4):237-47.
  • Lopresti AL, Maes M, Maker GL, Hood SD, Drummond PD. (2014) Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. J Affect Disord, 167:368-75.
  • Lopresti, A.L. & Drummond, P.D. (2014) Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 29(6):517-27.
  • Lopresti AL, Maker GL, Hood SD, Drummond PD (2014) A review of peripheral biomarkers in major depression: the potential of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 48:102-11
  • Lopresti AL, Hood SD, Drummond PD. (2013) A review of lifestyle factors that contribute to important pathways associated with major depression: diet, sleep and exercise. J Affect Disord. 148(1):12-27.
  • Lopresti AL, Drummond PD (2013) Obesity and psychiatric disorders: commonalities in dysregulated biological pathways and their implications for treatment. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 45:92-9.
  • Lopresti AL, Hood SD, Drummond PD. (2012) Multiple antidepressant potential modes of action of curcumin: a review of its anti-inflammatory, monoaminergic, antioxidant, immune-modulating and neuroprotective effects. J Psychopharmacol. 26(12):1512-24
  • Lopresti AL (2015) Chapter 9: Contribution of Diet and Exercise in the Pathogenesis of Major Depression. From Diet and Exercise in Cognitive Function and Neurological Diseases. Edited by Akhlaq A. Farooqui, Tahira Farooqui. Wiley-Blackwell

    • Dr Stephen Smith

    Clinical Trials Manager

    Dr Stephen Smith has been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 25 years. He has published several books on the topics of type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and bodybuilding as well as having articles published in a variety of health-related magazines. Dr Smith has completed a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Advanced Health Practice, and a PhD examining the impact of lifestyle and nutritional factors on endogenous testosterone production in ageing males.

    Click here to see a selection of Dr Smith's published works

    • Smith SJ, et al. The effects of alcohol on testosterone synthesis in men: a review. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Mar;18(2):155-166. 
    • Lopresti AL., et al. Effects of a polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract (Memophenol™) on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front Psychol. 2023 Mar 29;14:1144231. 
    • Smith SJ, et al. Examining the effects of calorie restriction on testosterone concentrations in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2021 Oct 6:nuab072.
    • Smith SJ, et al. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr. 2021 Jun 1;12(3):744-765.
    • Lopresti, AL, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. Front Nutr. 2022, 9:965130.
    • Lopresti, AL, and Smith, SJ. An examination into the mental and physical effects of a saffron extract (affron®) in recreationally-active adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2022 Jun 7;19(1):219-238.
    • Lopresti AL & Smith SJ. An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2021, 293, 229-237.
    • Lopresti AL & Smith SJ. The Effects of a Saffron Extract (affron®) on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Menopausal Med. 2021;27:e8.
    • Lopresti AL & Smith SJ. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials. Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2021, 28, 100434.
    • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials. Nutr Neurosci. 2021 Mar 2:1-27.
    • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Rea A, Michel S. Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Jan 21;21(1):40.
    • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Foster T, Drummond PD. The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Brief Integrative Treatment for Adults With Depression and/or Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020 Jan-Dec;25:2515690X20937997.
    • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Herbal treatments for migraine: A systematic review of randomised-controlled studies. Phytother Res. 2020 Oct;34(10):2493-2517.
    • Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., et al. Effects of Saffron on Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults With Self-Reported Poor Sleep: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 2020. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
    • Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., et al. Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of unremitted depression in adults – a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 2019 Journal of Psychopharmacology.
    • Lopresti, A.L., Smith SJ. et al. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (withania somnifera) extract: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186.
    • Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019 Mar-Apr;13(2):1
    • Lopresti AL, Gupta H, Smith SJ. A poly-herbal blend (Herbagut®) on adults presenting with gastrointestinal complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Mar 20;18(1):98.