McCormick-backed study probes effects of black pepper and rosemary on mental energy and fatigue

By Elaine Watson

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Antioxidant Nutrition science

McCormick-backed study probes effects of black pepper and rosemary on mental energy and fatigue
Researchers at the University of Georgia are exploring whether rosemary or black pepper could tackle mental fatigue as part of a series of studies financed by the McCormick Science Institute.

A trial currently underway at the university is being led by Dr Patrick O’Connor, a professor in the department of kinesiology and co-director of its exercise psychology laboratory.

Mental vigilance

Results will be due next year, he told NutraIngredients USA: “The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether mental energy is altered, compared to capsule placebo, after consuming 2 grams (in capsule form) of either black pepper or rosemary.

“We are measuring self-reported energy symptoms and vigilance performance - a measure of sustained attention through identifying numbers changing on a computer screen -before, during and after the treatments or placebo.

“This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled experiment conducted with 20 volunteers ​[students of both sexes that are “fasted and well-rested​”] in each treatment group who report average or lower than average symptoms of energy during the week prior to participation.”

Alternative and traditional medicine

The spices have been provided by the McCormick Science Institute (MSI), he said. “It is the raw spices, ground up and placed into capsules. Other investigators could get these same spices from MSI.”

He added: “I have funding to do the experiment once. Participants are tested multiple times - before and three-to four times after - and that information can demonstrate reliability.”

The ability of spices to combat fatigue has been “frequently claimed by practitioners of alternative and traditional medicine”,​ said O’Connor.

“[But] to date, the acute effect of consuming single spices on mental energy appears to have not been studied scientifically.”

Rosemary and speed of memory

A randomized controlled trial funded by the MSI and recently published ​in the Journal of Medicinal Food​, looked at the effects of culinary doses of dried rosemary leaf powder on cognition and memory in 28 elderly people (average age 75).

This found a dose-dependent effect in measures of speed of memory, with the lowest​ dose (750 mg) having a statistically significant beneficial effect compared with placebo, whereas the highest dose (6,000 mg) had a detrimental effect.

The McCormick Science Institute

The McCormick Science Institute was set up five years ago by herbs and spices giant to McCormick & Co to disseminate information on the health benefits of culinary herbs and spices.

Led by nutrition scientists and guided by a scientific advisory council, the institute sponsors research at several universities and research institutions covering everything from the antioxidant properties of herbs and spices to their impact on inflammation and weight management.

All researchers funded by the MSI are required to submit their findings to reputable scientific journals for publication. MSI does not support research on spice blends proprietary to McCormick & Co.

Over the past five years, MSI has supported 17 studies investigating the health benefits of spices and herbs, including those looking at red pepper’s positive impact on weight management; ginger’s reduction of muscle pain after exercise; high antioxidant spices and heart health measures including improved arterial function and lower blood triglycerides; and antioxidant-rich spices and total antioxidant capacity of the blood.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Replacement Isn't the Future. Variety Is.

Replacement Isn't the Future. Variety Is.

Content provided by ADM | 22-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Successfully navigating the intersection of food and technology can help your business meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Content provided by Ayana Bio | 12-Jan-2024 | White Paper

Ayana Bio conducted the Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Pulse survey, offering insight into consumers’ willingness to consume UPFs, as well as the variables...

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Content provided by Rethink Events Ltd | 11-Jan-2024 | Event Programme

Future Food-Tech is the go-to meeting place for the food-tech industry to collaborate towards a healthier food system for people and planet.

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Content provided by T. Hasegawa USA | 08-Jan-2024 | Application Note

As consumers seek increased value and experience from food and beverages, the industry relies on research to predict category trends. Studying trends that...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars