Small supplement trial reports changes in mood and cognitive tests
A plant-extract and mineral blend improved selected outcomes in stressed adults, with cognitive findings less consistent outside a stressful task.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In generally healthy adults who felt stressed, a blend of plant extracts, magnesium and chromium improved some mood, anxiety and cognitive test results in a placebo comparison. Cognitive findings were less consistent without a multitasking stressor. The abstract reports no sleep results, despite measuring sleep, and does not establish broader or lasting benefits.
The analysed sample was small. The abstract does not explain the missing participant data or report effect sizes for the main outcomes, limiting judgments about how large or useful the reported changes were.
What researchers found
Attention and working-memory task performance
After an acute dose, the supplement improved this task outcome versus placebo; the abstract gives no effect size.
What participants did
In the blinded crossover trial, participants received both the supplement and placebo. Researchers assessed psychological well-being and sleep during treatment, and tested cognition after an acute dose and again following continued use.
What changed
Some attention and working-memory findings favoured the supplement, especially during an observed multitasking challenge. Mood disturbance, anger and anxiety scores also improved. No serious adverse effects were reported, which provides only limited information about safety.
The original publication
Effects of a Scutellaria baicalensis/Crataegus laevigata, magnesium and chromium supplement on stressed individuals: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
Dodd F, Weishaupt R, Katumba PKM et al.
J Psychopharmacol · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41194549
- Record checked
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