New research shows Akay Bioactives’ black cardamom extract boosts cognition and attention

New research supports the brain-boosting effects of Akay Bioactives’ recently launched proprietary black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) fruit extract, CardaMind. The study marks the first human clinical trial evaluating the extract’s effects on its own and in combination with caffeine. CardaMind is designed for fast-acting mental energy and cognitive performance. 

Produced using a water-based process, the ingredient preserves key bioactives that help sustain attention, accelerate cognitive processing, and boost task efficiency, according to its supplier.

Specifically, the extract is standardized to contain key phytochemicals like 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate, which are believed to influence neurotransmitter activity.

“Caffeine is widely used, but it’s not the right solution for everyone,” says Frederik Krabbe Errebo, head of Business Unit, Akay Bioactives.

“These findings show that CardaMind offers a plant-based approach that works with the body’s natural processes while supporting mental energy and cognitive performance. When combined with caffeine, it provides a complementary effect, making it a compelling option for clean label formulations.”

CardaMind is marketed as a plant-based option for supporting mental energy and cognitive performance. The ingredient is mild in taste and water-soluble, making it suitable for capsules, powders, gummies, ready-to-drink, and nootropic or pre-workout formulations.

Notably, the study found no significant adverse effects or “crashes” associated with the extract, positioning it as a “jitter-free” alternative or optimizer for caffeine.

Evaluating single-dose potency

Published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study included 96 healthy volunteers, aged 35–65, with self-reported fatigue.

CardaMind supported outcomes in Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS) tasks, which were measured using computerized neurocognitive testing of “vital signs” of the brain.Participants were evenly randomized into four groups of 24 to receive either 250 mg of CardaMind, 200 mg of caffeine, a combination of both, or a placebo.

CardaMind supported outcomes in Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS) tasks, which were measured using computerized neurocognitive testing of “vital signs” of the brain. Whether used alone or together with caffeine, the ingredient’s performance was statistically significant compared to a placebo.

CNSVS tests measured executive function, processing speed, and selective attention. The primary tools used were the Shifting Attention Test, which assesses cognitive flexibility, and the Stroop Test, which requires participants to identify ink colors while ignoring conflicting word meanings to measure mental control. 

Additionally, the Symbol Digit Coding Test was employed as a timed neuropsychological measure to track how quickly and accurately participants could process and code visual information.

Processing speed and accuracy boosted

A single dose of CardaMind was associated with measurable improvements in focus, accuracy, and reaction time within one hour. While these effects remain sustained for three hours when the ingredient is taken alone, the benefits expand significantly when paired with caffeine.

Researchers also found that this combination prevents the sharp “peak and crash” typical of caffeine, instead providing a stable cognitive plateau that lasts up to five hours for accuracy and executive function.

Notably, the synergy between the two resulted in a 13% gain in processing speed that persisted through the full eight-hour study period.

Even in complex tasks like the Stroop Test, CardaMind’s impact on selective attention was comparable to caffeine in the short term but proved far more durable over time when used as a combined formula.

Nutrition Insight previously showcased CardaMind alongside other brain health innovations from Kaneka Probiotics, ADM, Gnosis by Lesaffre, and dsm-firmenich.