This is a randomised, controlled, crossover study; we examined the rapid effects of a nutritional beverage on mood and general well-being in healthy young adults. Forty healthy adults aged 18 to 39 years consumed either water or a beverage that contained a nutritional ingredient, and its effects on mood self-rating, heart rate, and heart rate variability were examined.

We have completed this trial and the results are currently being evaluated.  

This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study where we investigated the effects of the nutrients Lutein and Zeaxanthin on eye health, dry eyes, sleep, and attention in adults who regularly use electronic screens. In this 6-month study comprising a total of 70 participants, we assessed changes in eye health (through several objective eye assessments), attention, sleep, and mood (through several self-report questionnaires). It was hypothesised that, compared to the placebo, lutein/ zeaxanthin would be associated with greater improvements in eye health.

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. We plan to publish the results of this study in late-2024. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12623000427673.aspx

This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study where we investigated the effects of the plant Fenugreek on fatigue, recovery, and cognitive performance in adults aged 18 to 50 who engage in regular exercise. In this 8-week study comprising a total of 120 participants, we assessed changes in cognitive performance, and self-reported fatigue after participants completed 40 minutes on an exercise bike. It was hypothesised that, compared to the placebo, fenugreek would be associated with greater recovery from exercise and better cognitive performance.

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. We plan to publish the results of this study in mid-2024. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001511729.aspx

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 adults with depression were randomly assigned to receive capsules containing either probiotics(Memophenol) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Several validated self-report measures were administered to assess changes in mood and sleep. Changes blood concentrations of markers associated with mood, brain, and gut function will also be examined.

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. We plan to publish the results of this study in late 2023. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001078741p.aspx

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 80 adults with high anxiety symptoms were randomly assigned to receive tablets containing either an Echinacea extract (Anxiofit-1/ EP107) or a placebo for 14 days. Several validated self-report measures were administered to assess changes in anxiety and general wellbeing over time.

We have completed this trial and have submitted the results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000798763p.aspx

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 80 adults experiencing stress-induced exhaustion will be randomly assigned to receive capsules containing either a curcumin extract (Curcugen) or a placebo for 8 weeks. We will assess changes in cognitive performance, stress, fatigue, and sleep using self-report questionnaires. Changes in blood markers associated with inflammation, free radical damage, and brain plasticity will be assessed over time. Using hair samples collected at the beginning and end of the study, we will also measure changes in the stress hormone cortisol

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. We plan to publish the results of this study in early 2023. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000528752p.aspx

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 80 working adults experiencing high stress and fatigue will be randomly assigned to receive tablets containing either a saffron extract (affron) or a placebo for 8 weeks. We will assess changes in stress, anxiety, sleep, and energy using self-report questionnaires. Changes in blood and salivary markers associated with inflammation, stress and sleep will be assessed over time. Changes in heart rate variability, which provides a measure of overall health, will also be assessed over time.

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. We plan to publish the results of this study in mid 2023. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000527763p.aspx

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 120 overweight/ mildly obese adults experiencing high stress and low energy were randomly assigned into one of two groups comprising either a twice-daily intake of capsules containing a Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extract or a placebo for 12 weeks.

We examined changes in stress, fatigue, quality of life, and interest in sexual activity using several self-report questionnaires. Changes in blood concentrations of sex hormone (e.g., testosterone and oestrogen), and other markers of inflammation and free radical production were also assessed over time. 

We have finished recruiting for this study and plan to have all data collected by late 2022.

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621001551886p.aspx

Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years to help relieve stress, increase energy, and improve overall mental and physical wellbeing. In this 8-week study, we investigated its effects on stress and anxiety in adults experiencing high stress or anxiety. 

We have are continuing to collect data for this trial. This is a multi-national study and we plan to publish the results of this study in late 2022. 

This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study where we investigated the effects of the herb ashwagandha on cognition, sleep, and energy in children with parent-reported concerns in attention, memory, and concentration. In this 8-week, multi-national study comprising a total of 80 participants (40 participants recruited in Australia and 40 in India) we assessed changes in cognitive performance through the completion of a computer-based test that assessed various cognitive skills (e.g., attention, working memory, and episodic memory), and parent-report questionnaires that assessed children’s mood, cognitive/executive function, fatigue, and sleep. It was hypothesised that, compared to the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation would be associated with greater improvements in cognitive function, sleep and energy levels.

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. This is a multi-national study and we plan to publish the results of this study in late 2022. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000656831.aspx  

This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national study where we investigated the effects of the herb ashwagandha on cognition, energy, and mood in adults presenting with self-reported cognitive complaints and low energy. In this 8-week, study comprising a total of 80 participants (40 participants recruited in Australia and 40 in India) we assessed changes in cognitive performance through the completion of a computer-based test that assessed various cognitive skills (e.g., attention, working memory, and episodic memory), and self-report questionnaires that assessed, mood, cognitive/executive function, and fatigue. It was hypothesised that, compared to the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation would be associated with greater improvements in cognitive function, mood, and energy levels.

We have completed recruiting for the trial and are continuing to collect data for this trial. This is a multi-national study and we plan to publish the results of this study in late 2022. 

More details about this study can be found on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000655842.aspx