Cognitive and Blood Flow Effects of Mountain Tea
Cognitive and Blood Flow Effects of Mountain Tea
Two doses (475 mg and 950 mg) of Sideritis Scardica (SS or 'mountain tea') are investigated
 for cognitive, mood, blood pressure and cerebral blood flow effects in a healthy group of
 50-70 yr olds, both acutely and following 28 days of consumption.
The presence of polyphenols such as ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and apigenin in Sideritis
 Scardica (SS or 'mountain tea') are likely responsible for the cognitive and mood effects of
 its consumption and this could be underpinned by the ability of such polyphenols to prevent
 monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake and to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF).

 The current randomised, placebo controlled, parallel groups study extends on the
 abovementioned small amount of literature; assessing both cognitive and mood outcomes in a
 sample of older (50-70 yrs) adults, as well as blood pressure (BP) and CBF, in a sub-sample,
 utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The above will be assessed acutely (pre-dose and
 90- and 310-mins post dose) on day 1 and following 28 days consumption of either a placebo
 control, and active control of 240 mg ginkgo biloba, 475 mg SS or 950 mg SS.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  50-70 yrs of age

 -  No underlying health problem which would prevent engagement with the study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  BMI < 18 or > 35 kg/m2

 -  High blood pressure (defined as systolic > 159 mmHg or diastolic > 90 mmHg)

 -  Smoking

 -  Food allergies or insensitivities

 -  Pregnancy or breast feeding

 -  Currently taking any medication (use of contraceptives/hormone replacements was not
 excluded) or dietary supplements which would contraindicate with the study

 -  Sleep disturbances and/or taking sleep aid medication

 -  History of neurological, vascular or psychiatric illness

 -  Current diagnosis of anxiety or depression

 -  Migraines

 -  Recent history (within 12 months) of alcohol/substance abuse

 -  Disorder of the blood

 -  Heart disorder/history of vascular illness

 -  Respiratory disorder requiring regular medication

 -  Type I or II diabetes

 -  Renal disease, hepatic disease or severe disease of the gastrointestinal tract - Any
 health condition that would prevent the fulfilment of the study requirements