Spearmint extract may enhance reaction time, focus and agility: Human data

Ninety days of supplementation with 900 mg per day of Neumentix was associated with significant improvements in results obtained with the Makoto Arena, a unique tool that measures reaction time to stimuli, mental focus and hand-eye, foot-eye coordination.

Data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study with 142 recreationally-active men and women indicated that those supplemented with Neumentix showed improved reaction time after seven days, and improved focus and agility after 30 days, compared to placebo.

“These data confirm previous work, and show that Neumentix cognitive benefits are accompanied by improved physical performance thus providing further support for Neumentix as a safe and natural nootropic,”​ wrote researchers from the MusclePharm Sports Science Institute and Kemin in their abstract, presented at the International Society of Sports Nutrition annual conference recently.

Clonal lines of spearmint​

Neumentix is a polyphenol-rich ingredient derived from clonal lines of spearmint have been developed by Kemin for their content of rosmarinic acid (the key polyphenol bioactive). The natural spearmint extract contains 14.5% rosmarinic acid and 24% total phenolic content. The ingredient is positioned for cognitive health and its efficacy is supported by data published in peer-review journals.

Commenting on the data presented at ISSN, Kim Colletti, Global Product Manager for Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, said: “Neumentix stands out in the nootropic market because of its demonstrated efficacy and safety. It’s been studied in three clinical trials and has also recently earned GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. Data from this Makoto study gives supplement manufacturers the flexibility to formulate with Neumentix in a variety of growing categories, for both cognitive and athletic performance.”​

The present study was funded by Kemin Foods.

Study details​

Led by Paul Falcone from the MusclePharm Sports Science Institute, the researchers randomly assigned 142 young, healthy men and women (average age of 27) to receive either 900 mg per day of Neumentix or placebo for 90 days.

Six stationary, lateral, and multi-directional tests were performed at the Makoto Arena II near Chicago at the start of the study, and again after 7, 30, and 90 days.

Results showed that participants in the Neumentix group showed improved reaction time in a stationary test of choice reaction performance as early as 7 days, while improvements in hit rate in both stationary and multi-directional choice reaction performance testing were observed at 30 days. The improvements were still present at 90 days, said the researchers.

Source: International Society of Sports Nutrition annual conference
“Effects of Natural Nootropic Spearmint Extract on Physical Performance in Young, Healthy Individuals”​
Authors: P. Falcone et al.