Spicy secret to sharper gaming? nepalese pepper extract put to the test

NCT ID NCT07047105

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Northumbria University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether a supplement made from Nepalese pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum) can improve cognitive abilities like attention, memory, and decision-making in young competitive gamers aged 16 to 34. Participants take either a low or high dose of the extract, caffeine, or a placebo, then complete computer-based cognitive tests and gaming tasks. The goal is to see if the pepper extract outperforms placebo and how it compares to caffeine.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Nepalese pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum) extract in capsule form
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a natural supplement to sharpen focus and reduce fatigue during competitive gaming.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial in healthy young gamers, so results may not apply to other groups. The effects may be subtle or no better than caffeine.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Fatigue mood disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COGNITION FATIGUE GAMING PERFORMANCE MOOD

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Northumbria University - Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

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