It wouldn’t hurt to try this out.
Many individuals turn to supplements for potential health benefits, although conclusive evidence of their effectiveness in humans is often lacking despite positive results in animal studies. Guayusa, derived from the Ilex guayusa tree native to South America, has been consumed as a tea for centuries in the western Amazon. Rich in polyphenols and alkaloids, including caffeine, guayusa is associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective effects.
Lion’s mane, a white spherical mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), is utilized in Asia for culinary and medicinal purposes, increasingly available as a supplement. Studies have hinted at its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, immune support, anxiety and depression relief, cholesterol reduction, potential in cancer prevention or treatment, blood sugar control, and cognitive benefits.
While previous research primarily relied on animal studies to support these benefits, a recent study published in the journal Nutrients proposes that both guayusa and lion’s mane supplements may enhance mood and cognition in humans.
The study involved 40 participants, aged 18 to 50, in good health, habitual consumers of up to 240 milligrams of caffeine per day, and with a body mass index between 18.5 and 39.9. Participants underwent three test visits, during which they were randomly assigned to receive a placebo, 650 mg of guayusa extract (AMT: AmaTea® Max), or 1 gram of Nordic-grown lion’s mane.
The findings revealed improved reaction time for both supplements, with lion’s mane demonstrating a greater effect at 120 minutes, suggesting a delayed response post-ingestion. Guayusa notably enhanced mental clarity, focus, concentration, mood, and productivity at 60 and 120 minutes, along with stress tolerance at 60 minutes. Lion’s mane positively influenced subjective ratings of happiness at 60 and 120 minutes, with a more lasting impact than guayusa.
Despite these positive effects, guayusa raised diastolic and systolic blood pressure by an average of 5mmHg, remaining within the normal range for healthy blood pressure. However, the researchers highlighted the study’s limitations, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the duration and safety of these effects with long-term use.
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