Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigation on the Chronic Effects of Nepalese Pepper (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Action Video Gamers

Researchers want to find out if taking a natural extract from Nepalese Pepper (called Zanthoxylum Armatum, or ZA) daily can make young, healthy action video gamers think more clearly, improve their mood, and play games better. The study will involve gamers aged 16 to 39 taking either the ZA extract or a dummy pill (placebo) for 42 days, then switching to the other for another 42 days. Scientists will compare how the gamers perform on thinking tests, mood questionnaires, and gaming tasks. The main goal is to see if ZA helps with speed of thinking, reduces mental tiredness, and leads to better gaming scores.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

20 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Cognition Mood Gaming Performance Fatigue

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore whether a natural ingredient found in Nepalese Pepper, called Zanthoxylum Armatum (ZA), can boost brain power and gaming skills in young people who play action video games regularly. You might be familiar with Nepalese Pepper from cooking or traditional remedies, but scientists are now looking at its potential to help with how we think, feel, and perform tasks.

The main idea is to see if taking ZA daily for a longer period – about six weeks – can make a difference. Specifically, researchers are keen to find out if it can help you think faster and feel less mentally tired. They also want to know if these improvements spill over into how well you play your favourite action video games, making you better at aiming, controlling characters, or juggling different tasks at once.

Previous small studies have hinted that ZA might improve attention and speed of thinking. This larger study aims to confirm those findings and understand if these benefits last over time. It's an interesting area, especially as gaming becomes more popular and competitive, where mental sharpness can really make a difference.

Key takeaways

Study explores if Nepalese Pepper extract improves thinking, mood, and gaming.
Aimed at young, healthy action video gamers aged 16-39.
Involves taking daily capsules (extract or dummy pill) for two 42-day periods.
Requires attending research visits for brain and gaming tests.
Researchers won't know who gets which pill to keep results fair.
Your participation could help understand natural brain boosters.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are a healthy male or female between 16 and 39 years old. A key part of the study is that you must regularly play action video games (like shooting games or online battle games) for at least five hours a week.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain health conditions, are taking most prescription medications (birth control and some asthma/hay fever medications might be okay), or have very high or low blood pressure. You also can't be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. If you smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, or if you drink a lot of caffeine, you won't be able to take part.

Also, if you have learning difficulties like dyslexia or ADHD, or if you have visual problems that can't be corrected with glasses, you won't be eligible. The researchers want to make sure the study results are clear and not affected by other health factors or medicines.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 39 years old?
Do you play action video games for at least 5 hours a week?
Are you generally in good health?
Are you NOT currently taking most prescription medications (birth control and some asthma/hay fever medicines might be okay)?
Are you NOT pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?
Do you NOT smoke, vape, or use nicotine products?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a phone call to check if you're suitable, followed by a visit to learn about the tasks you'll do. You'll take a capsule every morning with food for 42 days. This capsule will either contain the Nepalese Pepper extract or a dummy pill. After a two-week break, you'll switch to the other type of capsule for another 42 days.

Throughout the study, you'll visit the research centre four times for testing. These visits will involve doing computer-based thinking and gaming tasks both before and one hour after taking your daily capsule. You'll also complete questionnaires about your mood and sleep, wear a heart rate monitor, and perform specific gaming-related exercises like aiming practice. At home, you'll continue to play your favourite action video game and fill out questionnaires about your performance. You'll need to avoid alcohol and energy drinks for 24 hours and caffeine from waking up before each testing visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in a study like this might offer a few potential benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your own cognitive and gaming performance. You'll also be helping scientists learn more about how natural extracts might affect brain function. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, but these are generally low. For example, some people might experience mild side effects from the capsule, or find the testing visits a bit tiring. All study procedures are carefully reviewed for safety. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Northumbria University - Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre
Verified postcode
Newcastle, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Nepalese Pepper extract?

It's a natural substance taken from the Nepalese Pepper plant, which scientists are studying for its potential effects on the brain.

Will I know if I'm taking the real extract or a dummy pill?

No, neither you nor the researchers will know who is taking which pill until the end of the study. This is called a 'double-blind' study and helps make the results fair.

What kind of gaming tasks will I do?

You'll do various tasks like aim training, controlling characters in online battle games, multitasking, and other exercises designed to test different gaming skills.

Do I have to play a specific video game?

No, you can play your action video game of choice at home throughout the study, but it needs to be an action video game.

What happens if I feel unwell during the study?

You should tell the research team immediately if you feel unwell. Your safety and well-being are their top priority.

How to find out more

Philippa A Jackson, PhD

philippa.jackson@northumbria.ac.uk 01912274468 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.