Increasing of cognitive functions such as attention and concentration by cassis-derived polyphenol intake: A pilot study

Abstract

【Background】

“Concentration” is said to be "applying attention to one matter" and highly related to headwork productivities or exercise performances. On the other hand, cassis-derived polyphenol has been reported to improve the cerebral blood flow caused by the endothelium-dependent relaxation of the vessels in human cerebral arteries (ex vivo). In this study, it was intended to examine the improvement of cognitive functions such as attention and concentration by cassis-derived polyphenol intake.

【Methods】

The influences of 8-day-consecutive cassis-derived polyphenol (including 50mg of anthocyanins) intake on cognitive functions (attention and concentration) were studied in seven healthy adult women, by the comparison between equivalence subjects in the single group intervention examination. Brain waves and electrocardiography during hearing Odo ball were measured as the objective index while the mind aspects by feeling profile (POMS) and the physical conditions by visual evaluation scales (VAS) were also examined as subjective index. The average values were used for the comparison by paired-t test.

【Results】

By consecutive intake of cassis-derived polyphenol, the effective data from the subjective sides such as the improvement of "awakening (intensive degree) " in VAS or “Tension-Anxiety”in POMS were provided at the same time the objective effectiveness such as the shortening of “P300 latency”,the increase of “the mean PSD ratio of Fz θ wave”,and the decrease of “LF/HF” were detected.

【Conclusion】

This study showed the possibilities of that the intake of cassis-derived polyphenol might increase the cognitive functions such as attention and concentration.