Primary Navigation

New Zealand hops extract research study

New Zealand hops extract research study

clinical-trial-2024-new-zealand-hops-extract- research-study-hero

New Zealand hops extract research study

Exploring the effect of a New Zealand hops extract on the levels of circulating neurotransmitters in blood.

The maintenance of functional brain wellness is, in part dependent, on the actions of neurotransmitters. The regulation of neurotransmitter action by dietary compounds provides an avenue to improve general brain wellness, and to improve cognitive function of individuals presenting with either non-clinical reduction in cognitive performance, or those undergoing increased mental stress/challenges.

Dietary compounds may regulate neurotransmitter concentrations via several mechanisms, including the direct stimulation on neurotransmitter release. This may result in positive effects on mood and cognitive performance. Supplementation with hops or foods containing compounds from hops has been shown to stimulate gut hormones, specifically cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1, that stimulates increased concentrations of neurotransmitters in the blood that are associated with improved mood and cognitive function.

In this study, we seek to investigate the effect of consuming difference doses of a New Zealand hops extract on the concentration of neurotransmitters in blood over time.

Our research team are looking for participants to take part in our study:

  • Healthy males aged 18-50 years old

  • Available for five study visits for approximately 4.5 hours each time at our Clinical Research Facilities in Mt Albert, Auckland or Palmerston North

  • Give small donations of blood

  • Non-smokers with no intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy to hops or foods containing hops compounds.

On each of the five trial days, volunteers will take hops or placebo capsules with water and give small donations of blood.

Participants will receive up to $260 in supermarket vouchers as a thank you for completing all five trial days.

If you would like to participate or for more information, please contact:

Auckland - Kim Lo kim.lo@plantandfood.co.nz
Palmerston North - PN.clinical@plantandfood.co.nz

This study was approved by the Health & Disabilities Ethics Committees.