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Study design

The double-blind trial assigned healthy working professionals to placebo, 250 mg MA2-24 aqueous black cardamom extract, 200 mg caffeine, or both. Cognitive tests were repeated on days 1, 7 and 14 at 1, 3, 5 and 8 hours after dosing. Of 96 randomized participants, 85 were analyzed after 11 discontinued.

Findings

The authors reported improvements in attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility and executive-function tests compared with placebo. Patterns varied by task, day and assessment time; the combination retained effects at some later measurements. These laboratory comparisons do not demonstrate broad, sustained improvements in everyday functioning or superiority over caffeine on every outcome.

Limitations and disclosures

The short trial tested a proprietary extract and many repeated outcomes, with attrition before analysis. Akay Natural Ingredients funded the study, and several authors were its employees; the paper says the funder had no role in study conduct or reporting. Independent, longer trials are needed. Results do not establish dementia prevention, long-term safety or benefits from ordinary culinary cardamom.

This sourced news summary and translation were prepared with AI assistance. Source links, the news date and research limitations are disclosed; this is not a claim of independent medical expert review. News production method.

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Research news is not medical advice or a recommendation to use a substance. Read findings in the context of the study design, participants and limitations. Editorial standards.

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