Some studies show that guarana may be beneficial for brain function and help boost attention, alertness, and memory performance.īacopa monnieri is a plant that grows in wet, marshy areas throughout South Asia. While human studies have found mixed results, other studies have shown that supplementing with guarana extract alone or combined with other nutrients in doses ranging from 37.5–300 mg may help boost attention, alertness, and memory performance ( 1, 10, 11, 12).Ī small study in 10 pentathlon athletes also found that supplementing with 300 mg of guarana may help reduce perceived exertion and improve athletic and cognitive performance ( 13).Īlthough guarana is generally considered safe, supplementing with it may lead to side effects like increased heart rate and anxiety when taken in high doses ( 14, 15). It contains an array of chemicals, including caffeine, saponins, and tannins, which are thought to provide beneficial effects on energy and brain function ( 1, 9). Guarana is commonly used as an ingredient in energy drinks and supplements due to its stimulating effects. When taken as a supplement, sage may help improve mood, alertness, and attention span, as well as reduce fatigue in adults. This enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function, including memory, attention, and motivation ( 6).ĪChE inhibitors help increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, thus improving cognitive function ( 6). Interestingly, sage acts as a powerful inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Plus, it reduced mental fatigue and increased alertness over a 4-hour period ( 8). When used as a supplement, sage has been shown to improve mood, alertness, attention, memory, and word recall in healthy younger and older adults ( 7).įor example, a study in 36 healthy adults found that treatment with 50 microliters (uL) of sage essential oil led to improvements in memory and attention tasks. It’s high in many potent plant compounds, including luteolin, rosmarinic acid, camphor, quercetin, and apigenin, which give it its impressive medicinal properties ( 6). Research shows that sage ( Salvia) may have impressive cognitive-enhancing effects in adults.

Ginseng contains compounds that may help boost alertness and concentration, according to research studies. Plus, this herb can interfere with common medications, such as those used to treat diabetes, depression, and heart disease ( 3).

Keep in mind that ginseng use comes with potential side effects, including insomnia, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. In a number of human studies, supplementing with ginseng has been shown to improve physical performance in sedentary and active people, offer anti-fatigue properties, and boost mental alertness ( 3).ĭoses of 200–1,000 mg per day have been associated with beneficial effects on energy levels, concentration, and mood in adults ( 4, 5). Ginseng contains compounds, including ginsenosides, eleutherosides, and ciwujianosides, which are thought to give ginseng its performance- and energy-enhancing effects ( 3). Panax ginseng is the most studied type in human trials ( 3). It has also been shown to stimulate brain function, making it a sought-after herb for improving sports and mental performance. Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement, well known for its energy-boosting properties.

Focus booster vitamin r