Study supports safety and efficacy of enXtra caffeine alternative

24-Jul-2020 - Last updated on 24-Jul-2020 at 13:47 GMT

Alpinia galangal is a member of the ginger family. Image © NAPAPORN NONTHAKITNOPPAKAO / Getty Images

Consumption of enXtra, a caffeine-free energy ingredient derived from Alpinia galanga, can boost alertness and calmness scores, says a new study that also supports the long-term safety of the ingredient.

Data published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that 600 mg per day of enXtra for 12 weeks boosted mental performance in middle-aged people, without affecting the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the dynamics of blood flow.

“In the present study, EnXtraVR with and without caffeine significantly enhanced alertness, and for the EnXtraVR group the increase was more than 100% as compared to placebo,” wrote researchers from Enovate Biolife, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Vedic Lifesciences.

“This substantial increment was apparent at 180 minutes of post IP administration and was even sustained till the end of study period. A similar trend was observed in the EnXtraVR plus caffeine group depicting the synergistic potential of A. galanga with caffeine.”

EnXtra was developed by ENovate Biolife. The ingredient is marketed in North America by OmniActive Health Technologies.

Arti Shah, OmniActive’s executive vice president of global marketing, commented “With more than 50% of consumers reporting that their energy levels have worsened in the last 10 years, the market for healthy energy will continue to grow in the supplement space.

“enXtra provides a unique solution for formulators who are increasingly looking for natural, safe and clinically-tested ingredients to grow their energy portfolio and stand out in a crowded marketplace.”

Study details

Seventy adults with an average age of 29-30 with a history of moderate caffeine ingestion were recruited to participate in the 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: enXtra (600 mg per day), enXtra (600 mg per day) plus caffeine (400 mg per day) or placebo.

The results indicated that both enXtra and enXtra plus caffeine displayed acute and consistent improvements in alertness, which suggests a lack of habituation. Calmness was also improved in both groups, compared to placebo.

“The present study findings clearly indicated that EnXtra with or without caffeine blend did not have any unusual effect on QT interval,” wrote the researchers. “Similarly, other ECG parameters did not reveal any significant differences between the study groups. Moreover, there were no abnormal values recorded in the BP [blood pressure] or HR [heart rate] throughout the study period.”

“These results can also be applicable in ageing population as cognitive impairments are common in the elderly and EnXtraVR shows the potential of reducing such age-related cognitive decline,” they concluded.

Jayesh Chaudhary, founder and CEO of ENovate Biolife, commented: “The latest study demonstrates our commitment to support on-trend claims with credible science for our global customers.

“Whether it's using computerized Attention Network Test, molecular docking studies, or assessing longer-term cardiogenic safety, we rely on cutting-edge research tools that are setting new benchmarks in our industry.”

Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1753129
“A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial Demonstrating Safety & Efficacy of EnXtra in Healthy Adults”
Authors: S. Srivastava et al.