A United States study conducted by scientists at the Center for Applied Health Sciences explored the cognitive effects of supplements derived from Guayusa tea extract and the Hericium erinaceus mushroom. The findings, published in a nutrition-focused journal, suggest measurable improvements in certain cognitive functions after supplementation. This research adds to a growing body of evidence about how natural compounds may influence brain performance in adults.
Guayusa tea leaves are recognized for their stimulant and antioxidant properties. Their caffeine content can help support cognitive performance and mood by interacting with adenosine pathways in brain regions rich in dopamine. In addition, chlorogenic acids found in Guayusa tea are associated with enhancements in executive function, which includes the ability to plan ongoing actions toward a shared goal and to adjust behavior based on changing circumstances. These properties are supported by nutritional and neuropsychological literature that highlights how caffeine and polyphenols can influence attention, processing speed, and cognitive control in healthy adults, according to the cited nutrition study and related reviews.
Hericium erinaceus mushroom is noted for neuroprotective potential. Its profile includes phenols and sterols that may help shield brain cells from oxidative stress and other stressors. This mushroom has been studied for its possible effects on nerve growth factors and neuronal maintenance, with research pointing to modest improvements in certain cognitive domains in healthy adults or in early stages of cognitive decline. The recent study referenced here aligns with those observations, presenting evidence that such bioactive compounds can contribute to cognitive resilience when included as part of a balanced regimen.
In the trial, a cohort of 40 adults aged 18 to 50 participated. Baseline blood samples and initial cognitive assessments were gathered, after which participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Across the day of testing, cognitive performance was evaluated at multiple intervals, including a critical 60 minute mark and again at 120 minutes after supplementation. The three groups received Hericium erinaceus, Guayusa tea leaves, or a placebo, with 60 participants assessed after the second stage of testing. Neuropsychological measures included mental processing speed, reaction time, cognitive control, alertness, and vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. The study design emphasized repeated measures to track how cognitive performance evolved over the day in relation to the specific supplements or placebo. The results indicate a time-dependent effect, with distinct improvements emerging in the group receiving Guayusa or Hericium compared to placebo as the day progressed, though the exact timing of peak effects varied among individuals and across cognitive domains. Scientists note that the supplements appear to require time to produce noticeable effects, a pattern consistent with other nutrition-based cognitive interventions as reported in contemporary reviews.
Overall, the Guayusa supplemented group demonstrated enhanced attention, faster information processing, and improved accuracy on cognitive tasks as testing progressed. At the 60 minute assessment point, those on placebo showed fewer errors, highlighting the complexity of comparing acute placebo effects to active supplementation. By the 120 minute mark, the group taking Guayusa or Hericium exhibited the most robust performance gains, suggesting a delayed but meaningful impact of these bioactive compounds on cognitive task performance. The results underscore that cognitive benefits from such supplements may become more evident with time and repeated exposure, rather than immediately after ingestion. These observations are consistent with prior work describing the temporal dynamics of nutraceuticals on brain function and performance in healthy adults, as noted by researchers and corroborated by nutrition science literature cited in the study.
Beyond immediate task performance, researchers discuss broader implications. Guayusa tea leaves are associated with a general enhancement in cognitive functioning and mood elevation, while Hericium erinaceus is linked to improvements in working memory, complex attention, and faster reaction times. The combination of stimulant effects and neuroprotective properties in these substances supports a narrative about potential brain-supportive strategies that fit within a balanced dietary pattern and healthy lifestyle. However, the study emphasizes cautious interpretation, noting interindividual variability and the need for broader trials to confirm replicability and long-term safety across diverse populations. The findings contribute to a growing conversation about how natural extracts may support cognitive health in adults, complementing other evidence from nutrition and neuroscience research cited in related literature.