Science-Backed Solutions for Better Productivity: The Magic MindⓇ Approach

Study Objectives

To assess the efficacy and impact of the supplement product Magic MindⓇ on stress, anxiety,
attention, energy & fatigue, and work productivity and performance.

 

Methods

A retrospective survey was conducted to assess the impact of a supplement product Magic MindⓇ on the measures of stress, anxiety, energy & fatigue, as well as work productivity & performance levels by administering a validated questionnaire for each target area at baseline (Day 0, beginning of the study) as well as on Day 30 and Day 60 of using Magic MindⓇ. Eighty two participants completed the survey at those three timepoints and the results were then used for statistical analysis

 

Results

All 82 individuals who completed the present research provided appropriate data. Significant differences were identified between the 0-day, 30-day, and 60-day assessments in terms of stress (p <.001), anxiety (p < .001), attention (p < .001), fatigue (p < .001), and work productivity & performance (p< .046) throughout the study (Table 1). Analyzing the percentage changes in the variables reveals that, based on the participants' mean scores, there is a 34.9% reduction in stress levels, a 28% decrease in anxiety levels, an 11.5% enhancement in attention, a 31.3% decrease in fatigue levels, and an 11.6% improvement in work productivity and performance., The outcomes also indicated that 57 (69.5%) of the participants had a lower level of stress, 67 (82%) of them had a lower level of anxiety, 36 (44%) of them reported improved attention, 67 (81.7%) of them had lower fatigue, and 41 (50%) of the participants had higher work productivity & performance by the end of the study.

 

Conclusion

Supplementation with Magic MindⓇ was found to be effective in all tested parameters, producing statistically significant decrease in stress and anxiety levels, improvement in energy and attention levels, and increased work productivity & performance.

 

 

Introduction

 

In modern society, many people are involved in jobs with high cognitive demand and significant information load on a daily basis, prompting the pharmaceutical and supplemental industry to work on effective nootropics to help people to sustain cognitive performance. Achieving and maintaining optimal performance on demanding tasks while reducing perceived stress levels and increasing energy levels could be of great interest, particularly for population groups with cognitively demanding occupations. Higher levels of psychological stress as measured by the PSS-10 is usually associated with elevated markers of chronic inflammation, suppressed immune function, increased physical & mental fatigue, lowered cognitive function, and reduced work performance (1, 2, 3, 4).

 

Multiple research studies have confirmed that high perceived chronic stress has a detrimental impact on cognitive functions, not only reducing short-term physical and mental performance and overall quality of life, but also significantly increasing the risk of cognitive impairment and other neurodegenerative conditions in the long run (5, 6). In particular, midlife stress-related exhaustion has been associated with higher risk to develop dementia at a relatively younger age (7). Moreover, those who developed dementia also tended to show persistently lower cognitive functions over years even without dementia. Cognition is a term used to describe the capacity of the brain to process the information as well as acquire and apply knowledge. Cognition usually involves thinking, attention, language, learning, memory and perception (8). Cognitive performance comprises different domains such as sensation, perception, memory, attention & concentration, executive functions, processing speed, and language/verbal skills (9). Cognitive performance depends on complex interplay between the genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, sleep habits, and stress levels (10).

 

A growing body of evidence combining both traditional medicinal knowledge and modern scientific research indicates that multiple individual compounds and botanicals can act as nootropics, improving different aspects of brain health such as cognitive performance and psychosocial and emotional status. While the use of nootropics has long been associated with the treatment of cognitive deficits, such as in neurodegenerative conditions, they are currently used by otherwise healthy individuals to improve memory, attention, speed of reaction, motivation, as well as reduce stress level and promote better stress resilience (11).

 

Nootropic compounds influence cognitive function through a number of mechanisms, including their action on neurotransmitters (dopaminergic, glutamatergic/cholinergic, and serotonergic systems), hormones, and brain signaling pathways and metabolism (12). Given the multifaceted mechanisms of multiple classes of bioactive compounds, supplementation with appropriate combination of multiple herbal extracts and individual compounds should be particularly effective for influencing cognitive function, providing a comprehensive effect. Majority of supplemental dietary nootropics have been investigated in isolation, while studies investigating the effects of a multi-ingredient dietary nootropic on cognitive performance in healthy individuals are limited. We hypothesized that, based on the composition of the supplement Magic MindⓇ and previous studies exploring the effectiveness of the same individual ingredients or their partial combinations, the chronic ingestion of dietary multi-ingredient nootropic could enhance cognitive performance in healthy young adults while reducing stress and improving energy levels. Thus, the main aim of the study was to examine the chronic effect of a dietary multi-ingredient nootropic supplement on stress, anxiety, attention, energy & fatigue, and work productivity and performance in young healthy adults.

 

Materials and Methods

Study Objectives

To assess the efficacy and impact of the supplement product Magic MindⓇ on stress, anxiety, attention, energy & fatigue, and work productivity and performance.

 

Design and Procedure 

The study investigated the impact of supplement product Magic MindⓇ on the measures of stress, anxiety, energy & fatigue, as well as work productivity & performance levels by administering a validated health survey for each target area at baseline (Day 0, beginning of the study) as well as on Day 30 and Day 60 of using Magic MindⓇ.

The study research utilized retrospective design. In order to have a clear baseline data, the survey was administered only to individuals who never took Magic MindⓇ before. Participants were anticipated to experience enhanced responsiveness to stress or anxiety, better focus, increased energy & lowered fatigue, and increased productivity, when regularly consuming Magic Mind during their workday. This hypothesis was assessed by administering a questionnaire to 82 participants before they began using the product and again a few months later.

 

Measures 

The survey administered during the study consisted of validated questionnaires for each particular

domain:

• stress
• anxiety
• focus
• energy & fatigue
• work productivity
• performance.

The Stress Questionnaire was based on a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), which is a robust and widely used instrument for assessing the appraisal of stress. PSS-10 consists of 10 questions with responses varying from 0 to 4 (0 = never; 1 = almost never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = fairly often; 4 = very often), hence a minimum total score of 0 and a maximum total score of 40. The questionnaire included the following questions.

 

1. In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?

 

2. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?

 

3. In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and stressed?

 

4. In the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems?

 

5. In the last month, how often have you felt that things were going your way?

 

6. In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do?

 

7. In the last month, how often have you been able to control irritations in your life?

 

8. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were on top of things?

 

9. In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things that happened that were outside of your control?

 

10. In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?

 

The process of calculating the total score included reversing the scores for questions 4, 5, 7, and 8 in the following way: 0=4, 1=3, 2=2, 3=1, 4=0. The total score between 0 and 13 indicated low stress, between 14 and 26 indicated moderate stress, and between 27 and 40 indicated high stress levels. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which is a measure of internal consistency reliability, with a value >.70 considered a minimum measure of internal consistency, was computed to assess the internal consistency of the stress questionnaire and was found to be .87. According to the most comprehensive review of the validity of PSS-10, Cronbach's alpha of the PSS-10 was evaluated at >.70 in all 12 studies in which it was used (13).

The Anxiety Questionnaire was based on a STAI Trait Anxiety questionnaire with 20 questions ranging from 1 to 4 (1 = almost never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = almost always), with the scores for items 1, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 being reverse-scored (4 = almost never, 3 = sometimes, 2 = often, 1 = almost always), hence a minimum score of 20 and a maximum score of 80

The Anxiety Questionnaire was based on a STAI Trait Anxiety questionnaire with 20 questions ranging from 1 to 4 (1 = almost never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = almost always), with the scores for items 1, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 being reverse-scored (4 = almost never, 3 = sometimes, 2 = often, 1 = almost always), hence a minimum score of 20 and a maximum score of 80

 

The questionnaire included the following statements: 

1. I feel fine. 2. I tire quickly. 3. I feel like crying. 4. I wish I could be as happy as others seem to be. 5. I am losing opportunities because I cannot make decisions fast. 6. I feel rested. 7. I feel calm. 8. I feel that difficulties are piling up in such a way that I cannot overcome them. 9. I worry too much about things that do not really matter. 10. I am happy. 11. I am inclined to take things hard. 12. I lack self-confidence. 13. I feel secure. 14. I try to avoid facing a crisis or difficulty. 15. I feel blue. 16. I am content. 17. Some unimportant thoughts run through my mind and bother me. 18. I take disappointments so keenly that I cannot get them out of my mind. 19. I am a steady person. 20. I become tense and upset when I think about my current concerns

 

 

The process of calculating the total score included reversing the scores for questions 1, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of the anxiety questionnaire, yielding a satisfactory value of .90

 

The Attention Questionnaire was based on the Attention Control Scale (ATTC), which is a self-report scale that is designed to measure two major components of attention, attention focusing and attention shifting. The ATTC has 20 items that are rated on a four-point likert scale: 1 = almost never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = often; 4 = always. For items 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 20, the results were reverse-scored: 4 = almost never; 3 = sometimes; 2 = often; 1 = always.

 

 

The questionnaire included the following statements:

 

1. It’s very hard for me to concentrate on a difficult task when there are noises around.
2. When I need to concentrate and solve a problem, I have trouble focusing my attention.
3. When I am working hard on something, I still get distracted by events around me.
4. My concentration is good even if there is music in the room around me.
5. When concentrating, I can focus my attention so that I become unaware of what’s going on in the room around me.
6. When I am reading or studying, I am easily distracted if there are people talking in the same room.
7. When trying to focus my attention on something, I have difficulty blocking out distracting thoughts.
8. I have a hard time concentrating when I’m excited about something.
9. When concentrating I ignore feelings of hunger or thirst.
10.I can quickly switch from one task to another.
11. It takes me a while to get really involved in a new task.
12. It is difficult for me to coordinate my attention between the listening and writing required when taking notes during lectures.
13. I can become interested in a new topic very quickly when I need to.
14. It is easy for me to read or write while I’m also talking on the phone.
15. I have trouble carrying on two conversations at once.
16. I have a hard time coming up with new ideas quickly.
17. After being interrupted or distracted, I can easily shift my attention back to what I was doing before.
18. When a distracting thought comes to mind, it is easy for me to shift my attention away from it.
19. It is easy for me to alternate between two different tasks.
20. It is hard for me to break from one way of thinking about something and look at it from another point of view

 

The internal consistency of the attention questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which yielded an adequate result of 0.83. The recent studies also found that ATTC may be used as a valid and reliable instrument for assessment of two subdomains of attention, focusing and shifting, as its satisfactory internal consistency and discriminant validity have been confirmed in studies (14). The reported internal consistency of ATTC is α = 0.88 (15).

 

The Fatigue Questionnaire was based on Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), with each item of the FAS having answers at a five-point, Likert-type scale: ranging from 1 = never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = regularly; 4 = often, 5 = always. Items 4 and 10 are reverse-scored. Total scores can range from 10, indicating the lowest level of fatigue, to 50, indicating the highest level of fatigue.

 

 

The questionnaire included the following statements:

 

1. I am bothered by fatigue
2. I get tired very quickly
3. I don't do much during the day
4. I have enough energy for everyday life
5. Physically, I feel exhausted
6. I have problems starting things
7. I have problems thinking clearly
8. I feel no desire to do anything
9. Mentally, I feel exhausted
10. When I am doing something, I can concentrate quite well

  

The reported internal consistency of FAS has been determined between 0.83 - 0.90 (16, 17).

 

The work productivity & performance questionnaire was based on Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). The questionnaire consists of 18 questions divided into two parts, with the answers ranging from 0 to 4 for part 1 (0 = seldom; 1 = occasionally; 2 = sometimes; 3 = regularly; 4 = always) and from 0 to 4 for part 2 (0 = never; 1 = seldom; 2 = sometimes; 3 = regularly; 0 = often), hence the minimum score of 0 and the maximum score of 72.

 

The questionnaire included the following statements:

 

Part 1:

 

1. I managed to plan my work so that I finished it on time
2. I kept in mind the work result I needed to achieve
3. I was able to set priorities
4. I was able to carry out my work efficiently
5. I managed my time well
6. On my own initiative, I started a new task when my old tasks were completed
7. I took on challenging tasks when they were available
8. I worked on keeping my job-related knowledge up-to-date
9. I worked on keeping my work skills up-to-date
10. I came up with creative solutions for new problems
11. I took on extra responsibilities
12. I continually sought new challenges in my work
13. I actively participated in meetings and/or consultations

 

Part 2:

 

1. I complained about minor work-related issues at work
2. I made problems at work bigger than they were
3. I focused on the negative aspects of situation at work instead of the positive aspects
4. I talked to colleagues about the negative aspects of my work
5. I talked to people outside the organization about the negative aspects of my work

 

The internal consistency of IWPQ was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which produced a satisfactory value of 0.88. Previously, studies that used IWPQ have shown good internal consistency for task performance (α = 0.78), contextual performance (α = 0.85) and counterproductive work behavior (α = 0.79) (18).

  

Statistical Analysis

The analyses were conducted by using SPSS (the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 29) to assess the impact of supplement items on stress, anxiety, attention, fatigue, work productivity & performance levels on 0 day, 30 day and 60 day intervals. Prior to conducting any statistical analysis, the data was examined for data input and assessed for normality, including skewness. The non-parametric data was evaluated using a Friedman test for K-related samples due to its departure from a normal distribution. In order for data to be considered statistically significant, the chance of type I error was accepted to be less than .05 percentage points

 

Results 

The non-parametric K related samples test, as well as the Friedman Test, were used to assess the enhancement achieved after conducting surveys at 0, 30, and 60 day intervals in order to determine the effect of supplement products on stress, anxiety, attention, fatigue, and work productivity & performance levels of the participants.

 

Table 1. Outcomes for Stress, Anxiety, Attention, Fatigue, and Work Productivity & Performance at 0 Day 0, Day 30, and Day 60 of supplementation (N=82)

 

All 82 individuals who completed the present research provided appropriate data. Significant differences were identified between the 0-day, 30-day, and 60-day assessments in terms of stress (p < .001), anxiety (p < .001), attention (p < .001), fatigue (p < .001), and work productivity & performance (p < .046) throughout the study (Table 1) . Analyzing the percentage changes in the variables reveals that, based on the participants' mean scores, we observed a 34.9% reduction in stress levels, a 28% decrease in anxiety levels, an 11.5% enhancement in attention, a 31.3% decrease in fatigue levels, and an 11.6% improvement in work productivity and performance

 

Besides, in order to further enhance the numerical output, the difference between mean values for 0, 30, and 60 days was compared using a graphical analysis of the report (Figures 1-5) . In particular, the outcomes indicated that 57 (69.5%) of the participants had a lower level of stress, 67 (82%) of them had a lower level of anxiety, 36 (44%) of them reported improved attention, 67 (81.7%) of them had lower fatigue, and 41 (50%) of the participants had higher work productivity & performance by Day 60.

 

Discussion

Magic MindⓇ formula represents a synergistic blend of ingredients that target mental health & performance. In particular, the key ingredients of the formula include Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, CognizinⓇ Citicoline, Rhodiola rosea, cordyceps, lion's mane, L-theanine, organic natural caffeine, turmeric, vitamins B2, B3, B12, and D3, and vitamin C. The study found the multi-ingredient formula of Magic MindⓇ was effective in all tested parameters, producing statistically significant
1) decrease in stress and anxiety levels;
2) improvement in energy and attention levels;
3) subsequent increase in work productivity & performance.
To date, multiple studies have shown the beneficial effects of those ingredients on mental health and performance, including stress levels, anxiety, depressive symptoms, attention & focus, physical and mental fatigue, and work productivity, either in combination or alone

 

 

Ashwagandha is the most well-known Ayurvedic herb often used for reducing stress and anxiety. However, it has a wide range of other beneficial properties: ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels, promote reproductive function, enhance physical performance, and improve immunity. Ashwagandha is rich in numerous bioactive compounds, but withanolides are thought to be responsible for most of its benefits, which include anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and cardioprotective properties (26).

 

Ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen, thus promoting resilience to stress factors. A strong body of evidence supports anxiolytic and stress-relieving properties of ashwagandha. Multiple studies have confirmed the role of ashwagandha in reducing anxiety in both healthy individuals and patients with generalized anxiety disorder, including being a safe and effective adjunctive therapy to antidepressant medications (27, 28, 29). It's thought that many of the stress-related benefits of ashwagandha are tied to its influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly to its ability to regulate cortisol levels (30). Due to the individual variation in HPA axis activity and susceptibility to stress, the magnitude of the effect of ashwagandha will also vary considerably. Numerous clinical studies confirmed that a strong cortisol-lowering effect of ashwagandha translates into better health outcomes in anxiety, sleep issues, cognitive functioning, fertility, and even weight management (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

 

 

Bacopa monnieri is a popular nootropic herb that has been traditionally used for cognitive enhancement and promoting longevity. It may also relieve anxiety and stress and improve general vitality (36). The most likely mechanisms behind Bacopa's health benefits include its interaction with the dopamine, serotonin, and cholinergic systems; it may also improve neuronal communication via increased growth of dendrites. It could also have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (37). Bacopa monnieri may also reduce cortisol secretion and prevent depletion of dopamine and serotonin, thus alleviating the negative effects of chronic stress (38). According to clinical studies, supplementation with Bacopa monnieri supports mood and motivation, improves working memory, and enhances mental clarity and cognitive functioning.

 

For example, a 12-week study in healthy volunteers has shown that supplementation with Bacopa improved objective measures of attention, cognitive processing and working memory mainly via suppression of the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which prevents acetylcholine degradation. The results were significant for both 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day groups (39). Studies also suggested that Bacopa may reduce the rate of forgetting of newly acquired information, improving information retention and memory consolidation (40, 41). A recent, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of Bacopa monnieri supplementation in patients with mild cognitive impairment has found that Bacopa can improve attention and verbal fluency as well as potentially reduce the rate of language and attention decline in early stages of dementia, and the effect is more pronounced with longer duration of supplementation (42). In addition, the most recent systematic review of neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri reinforced its beneficial role in brain disorders, including hyperactivity, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems due to Bacopa's role in improving neuronal regeneration and transmission (43).

 

 

Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a nootropic compound that serves as a precursor to choline and uridine, both of which confer neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties by helping regulate metabolism of acetylcholine and phospholipids (44).

 

CognizinⓇ is a patented form of Citicoline with a number of clinical studies that back up its benefits in both healthy individuals and patients with medical conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative conditions. In healthy individuals, the main benefits of citicoline include improvements in attention, focus, and memory.

 

A recent clinical study of supplementation of citicoline for 12 weeks improved overall memory performance, especially episodic memory, in healthy older people both with and without dementia or age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) (45, 46). Citicoline's benefits can also be explained by its ability to improve cellular bioenergetics, particularly by increasing levels of ATP and phosphocreatine in the brain, and to increase formation of neuronal cell membranes (47). Citicoline also seems to have a dopaminergic activity by increasing levels of the dopamine transporter as well as the amount of dopamine released from stimulated neurons. This suggests that citicoline can attenuate the decline in dopamine levels associated with general neurotransmitter imbalances and some neurodegenerative conditions (44).

 

 

Rhodiola is a medicinal herb that is widely used as an adaptogen (48). While the mechanisms of action of rhodiola are not fully understood, research suggests that it has a significant effect on lowering stress at the cellular and systemic levels.

 

Although rhodiola is primarily used for its fatigue- and stress-reducing properties, it also has antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties (49, 50, 51). Animal studies have shown that rhodiola likely influences multiple cellular signaling mechanisms associated with stress response, particularly by preventing excessive cortisol release (52). Clinical studies have shown that rhodiola can be especially effective for increasing mental performance under stressful conditions.

 

For example, a 4-week rhodiola supplementation showed clinically relevant improvements on all seven tests with regard to stress symptoms (53). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials has found that both acute and chronic supplementation with rhodiola reduces cognitive fatigue, processing errors and reaction time, and improves sustained attention and general well-being (54). Some preliminary evidence also suggests that rhodiola also has anxiolytic properties. In an open-label clinical trial, supplementation with rhodiola reduced subjective measures of anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (55).

 

 

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps is often used for a purpose of improving physical and mental resilience to stress, improve overall performance, and promote vitality and longevity. Cordyceps is likely to have a notable effect on stress & fatigue. One animal study has shown that hot water extract of cordyceps reduces fatigue during swimming tests and lowers biochemical markers of stress (56). A few studies in humans have also confirmed anti-fatigue effects of cordyceps (57, 58). Active constituents of cordyceps are polysaccharides, adenosine, cordycepin, cordycepic acid, and ergosterol, which are also partially responsible for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties (59, 60).

 

 

Lion's mane is a medicinal herb with notable neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. The main bioactive compounds of lion's mane, hericenones and erinacines, have been shown to stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) (61). Due to this, lion's mane is usually used for improving cognitive function in both healthy individuals and patients with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders. A systematic evaluation of the effects of medicinal mushrooms on mood and cognition has found significant improvements in almost all clinical trials that used lion's mane (62), with the statistically robust cognitive benefits especially in middle-aged and older adults. Favorable changes in scores of neurocognitive and behavioral assessments were attributed to changes in structure and connectivity of neuronal tissue. The mechanisms behind lion's mane health effects include its ability to reduce formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes; lion's mane is also capable of decreasing pro-inflammatory markers and markers of neuronal damage, thus improving brain health. Due to this, lion's mane exhibits both neuroprotective and neurotrophic activity (63).

 

 

Theanine is a nonprotein amino acid that is chemically similar to glutamic acid. L-theanine is one of the important constituents of green tea and partially responsible for its health benefits. L-theanine has a wide range of health benefits, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and cardio-, liver and kidney protective compound (64). In terms of cognitive functioning, L-theanine is known to reduce anxiety and stress and improve mental performance. Such effects can be explained by the ability of L-theanine to quickly cross the blood-brain barrier after consumption, promoting increased alpha-wave activity, which is a type of brain waves associated with a more relaxed state (65, 66). In general, supplementation with L-theanine has been shown to improve attention, executive function, and memory (67, 68, 69). The recent study has shown that a 28-day supplementation of L-theanine significantly decreased perceived stress and light sleep, improved sleep quality and enhanced cognitive attention (70). The effect of the combination of L-theanine and caffeine has also been researched extensively. Caffeine is a strong stimulant of the central nervous syndrome and can also have less desirable side effects, including anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness, all of which can be diminished by concurrent administration of L-theanine. In addition, the beneficial cognitive effects of L-theanine, such as attention and focus, have been shown to improve with co-administration of caffeine and L-theanine (71, 72, 73).

 

 

Caffeine is a widely consumed psychoactive substance. It has been extensively studied for its effects on cognitive functions, particularly in the context of mental fatigue, stress, anxiety, and attention. The primary mechanism through which caffeine exerts its cognitive effects is by antagonizing adenosine receptors in the brain, which leads to increased neuronal firing and the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine while also affecting the levels of serotonin, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This mechanism is crucial for enhancing alertness and reducing the perception of fatigue (74).

 

Studies have shown that caffeine consumption is associated with improved performance in tasks that require sustained attention and vigilance (75, 76). The acute effects of caffeine can lead to improved reaction times and cognitive performance. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that caffeine consumption can improve performance on tasks that require sustained mental effort (77). At the same time, caffeine has some unpleasant side effects, such as increased anxiety, irritability, or insomnia. However, such effects are successfully balanced by L-theanine. A significant body of evidence showed that combined intake of caffeine and L-theanine, either in supplement or in beverages such as matcha, L-theanine helps blunt both caffeine’s blood-pressure-increasing and sleep-disrupting effects and potentially prevent increase in anxiety levels (78, 79).

 

 

Curcuma longa, usually known as turmeric, is a plant of the ginger family. The main constituents of turmeric with notable bioactive properties are curcumin and curcuminoids. In particular, they have a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (80). Due to this, curcumin has been studied for a variety of health conditions and diseases (81, 82). Curcumin may act as a potent antidepressant by influencing balance of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and glutamate), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning.

 

It can also target immune pathways, regulate inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial disturbances. Furthermore, curcumin has been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a role in neurogenesis, thus improving neuronal connectivity and overall brain functioning (83). A recent systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that curcumin may improve working memory and processing speed, most likely by reducing inflammation and inhibiting pro-inflammatory NFκB and TNF-α to reduce reactive oxygen species (84). In a long-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, supplementation with curcumin for 18 months has been shown to improve attention and memory, with the effect being attributed mostly to the ability of curcumin to reduce accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the brain areas that are involved in memory processing (85).

 

 

Ceremonial grade matcha is a type of matcha used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Ceremonial grade matcha usually offers high quality compared to culinary grade matcha. Matcha has long been used in Asian countries, particularly Japan, due to its higher concentrations of bioactive compounds than in other types of green tea, particularly due to the unique farming and harvesting process.

 

Match contains a unique combination of theanine, catechins, and caffeine, which particularly defines the quality of the green tea. Matcha also provides a high level of “umami” flavor profile which can be explained by its high content of amino acids. Overall, 60-70% of insoluble ingredients in matcha are represented by fat-soluble vitamins, insoluble dietary fibers, chlorophylls, and proteins, while the rest is made of polyphenols, water-soluble vitamins, caffeine, minerals, dietary fibers, and amino acids (19). Due to being a significantly more concentrated form of green tea, match has a much higher antioxidant content.

 

Polyphenols account for up to 30% of matcha’s dry weight with 90% of those being catechins. One of the most abundant and bioactive is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) (20). To date, there have been a number of studies showing a wide range of health benefits of matcha in various health domains, including cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and cognitive performance. For example, studies have shown that continuous matcha intake alongside caffeine can improve attention, executive function, and work performance compared to caffeine alone (21).

 

Moreover, the same study also showed that continuous intake of matcha led to an enhanced performance under increased stress load compared to caffeine, emphasizing the beneficial effect of regular, long-term matcha use. Matcha intake also significantly reduces anxiety and stress levels (22). The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress, and the majority of beneficial cognitive effects of matcha can be attributed to antioxidant content of matcha, particularly EGCG. Bioactive compounds in matcha, including caffeine and catechins, improve dopaminergic and cholinergic transmissions in the brain (23, 24). EGCG has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation in the hypothalamic microglial cells, which lowered the risk for cognitive decline (25).

 

B vitamins

B vitamins play a crucial role in multiple physiological processes in the human body, mainly acting as cofactors for enzymes that participate in energy & macronutrient metabolism, synthesis of neurotransmitters, axonal transport, and synthesis of DNA and RNA molecules (86). Any B vitamin deficiency can have a negative impact on mitochondrial metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids due to dysfunctional citric acid cycle and electron transport chain (87). While B vitamins are abundant in both animal and plant foods, numerous research studies estimate that the intake of B vitamins in people following standard Western diet is far from being optimal. Moreover, it's postulated that many of those people suffer from a so-called high-calorie malnutrition, the situation of consumption of excess calories that mainly come from processed foods high in fats and sugars while being low in vitamins and minerals. In particular, lower B vitamin levels are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes (88, 89).

 

Furthermore, B vitamins play a crucial role in brain health, stress reactivity, and mood, particularly due to their essential role in synthesis of neurotransmitters, metabolism of essential fatty acids in brain lipids, iron absorption and utilization, DNA and RNA synthesis, and proper functioning of methylation cycle (90). The overall body of evidence from clinical trials supports the positive effect of B vitamins on stress levels, mood, and cognitive performance. Vitamin B2, riboflavin, may lower oxidative stress, which is one of the main contributors to chronic inflammation, in general, and poor brain health, in particular. Such action of riboflavin could be explained by its role in metabolism of glutathione, one of the main antioxidants in the human body (91). Higher dietary intake of riboflavin also correlates with better mental health (92).

 

Furthermore, higher dietary intake of vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12 is inversely associated with the risk of depression, highlighting the neuroprotective role of B vitamins (93). Supplementation with vitamin B12 has been shown to improve cognitive function and significantly reduce homocysteine levels (94), which has a negative impact on brain structure and functions when elevated (95). Decreased stress resilience, increased physical and mental fatigue, impaired concentration, apathy, and lack of energy are common symptoms of B vitamins deficiency, especially vitamin B12 (96). According to the recent systematic review and meta-analysis, supplementation with B vitamins has a significant positive effect on reducing stress levels and improving mood (97).

 

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with hormone-like activity in the human body. Due to the presence of vitamin D receptors in virtually all body cells, it plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, supporting bone health, immunity, mood, and cognitive function, to name a few (98, 99). While the positive impact of optimal vitamin D levels for the musculoskeletal system is well-established, its neuroprotective effects are less studied, despite widespread presence of vitamin D receptors in the brain cells. Studies indicate that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of cognitive decline as its biologically active form plays a role in clearance of amyloid plaques in the brain (100). In addition to antidepressant properties of vitamin D (101), it may also improve work productivity as low vitamin D status is associated with reduced work productivity (102). Low vitamin D concentrations may contribute to higher perceived stress levels (103). Overall, the research supports the association between vitamin D deficiency and psychological stress (104). Moreover, vitamin D deficiency is widespread as the majority of people work and spend most of their daytime indoors (105), which also negatively contributes to mood, stress levels, and work productivity.

 

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble compound and a vital nutrient with numerous functions in the body, mainly participating in collagen production, synthesis of carnitine and some neuropeptides, and acting as antioxidant. In addition to its primary role in supporting healthy immune function and preventing infectious disorders, vitamin C is also a promising brain nutrient. Vitamin C is concentrated in the brain through a combination of active transport into brain tissue and retention via the blood-brain barrier. Higher plasma vitamin C levels correlate with better cognitive function or lower risk of cognitive decline (106). In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, lower levels of vitamin C in the cerebrospinal fluid were found to increase oxidative stress and accelerate amyloid deposition and disease progression, suggesting neuroprotective role of vitamin C (107). In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to increase work motivation and attentional focus. Overall, vitamin C may improve mental vitality, a combined measure assessed by measuring fatigue, attention, work engagement, stress, depression, and anxiety (108). In general, the overall body of evidence from the systematic reviews and cross-sectional studies support the idea that higher vitamin C concentrations may promote better cognitive function, improving performance on tasks involving attention, focus, working memory, and decision speed (109, 110).

  

In addition to numerous direct cognitive-enhancing effects of the ingredients mentioned above, they also improve mental health & performance indirectly, particularly by influencing gut microbiome composition. For instance, matcha has been found to modulate the gut microbiome composition due to its rich content of catechins and insoluble dietary fiber, resulting in increased beneficial beneficial Coprococcus and a decrease of potential pathogenic Fusobacterium in the gut microbiota (111).However, the reverse is also true as stress-reducing effect of matcha can also trigger favourable changes in gut microbiota. The antioxidant compounds in matcha, such as EGCG, can reduce inflammatory processes in the gut, thus promoting better mental health via gut-brain connection (112). Another study revealed that EGCG can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium dif icile while increasing the abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia spp (113).The anti-depressant effect of Bacopa monnieri could partially be explained by modulation of the gut microbiome as well (114).

 

The anti-fatigue effects of bioactive compounds of Rhodiola, such as salidrosides, are likely to be modulated via their influence on gut microbiome composition (115). Active compounds of Lion’s mane act as prebiotics, improving gut microbiota, which modulates brain function by reducing the risk of neuroinflammation, according to animal and human studies (116, 117). Lastly, vitamin D has a pleiotropic effect on gastrointestinal functioning by affecting both gut microbiome and resident immune cells, thus shaping gut microbiome composition and helping maintain the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier (118). Considering the role of gut microbiota in production of neurotransmitters, vitamins, and other beneficial metabolites, it’s important to target microbiome composition with natural ingredients that help restore healthy microbiome balance

 

Conclusion

 

Supplementation with Magic MindⓇ was found to be effective in all tested parameters, producing statistically significant decrease in stress and anxiety levels, improvement in energy and attention levels, and increased work productivity & performance. The tested formula has been shown to be effective in improving cognitive performance while reducing the levels of perceived stress as well as physical and mental fatigue. Overall, the study outlined the benefits of natural dietary supplementation for promoting better mental health and performance. Studies with longer duration and more participants are needed to understand the long-term effects of multi-ingredient supplement formula Magic MindⓇ on physical & mental health and performance.

 

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