Investigation of the Acute Effects of Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Competitive Gamers

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxlum Armatum, ZA) supplement can improve cognitive performance and mental abilities in competitive gamers aged 16 to 34. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does ZA supplement improve cognitive abilities like attention, memory, and decision-making? 2. What is the most effective dose of ZA supplement (300mg vs 150mg)? 3. How do the effects of ZA supplement compare to caffeine? Researchers will compare four different treatments (high-dose ZA, low-dose ZA, caffeine, and placebo) to see if ZA supplement produces better cognitive performance than placebo and how it compares to caffeine\*\*. Participants will: * Complete a screening visit with health checks and training on computer tasks * Attend four testing visits (7-14 days apart) where they receive different treatments * Avoid alcohol and energy drinks for 24 hours before each visit, and caffeine from waking * Take assigned treatment at 11:30am and complete cognitive tests at -1, 1, 3, and 5 hours in relation to dose. * Complete mood questionnaires, sleep assessments, and gaming-specific tasks (aim training, character control) * Wear heart rate monitors during testing * Eat standardized meals provided during visits * Play competitive games at home in the evening and complete performance questionnaires

NCT Number	NCT07047105
Lead Sponsor	Northumbria University Collaborators: Mibelle Group Biochemistry
Conditions	Cognition, Mood, Gaming Performance, Fatigue
Enrollment	57 participants
Start Date	2025-06-13
Primary Completion	2026-02-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-02-06 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-15