Supplementary file 1_Influence of a full-spectrum aqueous extract of black cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) fruits on focus/alertness and executive function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-and active- controlled, 14-day comparative study in healthy working professionals.docx

Cognitive performance was assessed on the 1st, 7th and 14th day at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-h post-intervention time points using validated CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) tasks.</p>Results<p>Linear mixed-effects analyses revealed significant effects of treatment, study day, and post-dose assessment time on cognitive performance, with significant interaction effects across outcomes. Supplementation with MA2-24 improved cognitive performance, particularly in measures of attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and executive function, as reflected by increased correct responses, faster reaction times, and fewer errors in the Shifting Attention, Symbol Digit Coding, and Stroop tests.

Significant improvements with MA2-24 were observed during the early post-dose period (1–3 h) across multiple cognitive outcomes compared with placebo (p < 0.05). Co-administration of MA2-24 with caffeine produced greater improvements at the later post-dose assessments (5–8 h), particularly on Day 14 (p < 0.05).</p>Conclusion<p>CNSVS tests demonstrated that MA2-24 possesses significant nootropic potential in domains of attention, cognitive flexibility, executive function and processing speed, as evidenced by increased correct responses, faster reaction times, and fewer errors when consumed both as a standalone intervention and in combination with caffeine.</p>Clinical trial registration<p>ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MTE0NzIx&Enc=&userName=, identifier CTRI/2024/09/074472.</p>