Guayusa Extract on Exercise Training
Condition: Desire to Exercise; Exercise Training; Physical Exertion
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Guayusa extract is a caffeinated Amazonian 'super-leaf' belonging to the holly species that
      contains a very unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants and caffeine (~20% caffeine, 30%
      chlorogenic acids, 5% catechins). It is also remarkably low in tannins which are responsible
      for the bitter taste found in most teas - giving it a sweet flavor profile. As such, it is
      marketed as an ingredient that can help support energy and performance with potential
      health-related benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Indeed, ingredients such as these
      are often consumed by individuals prior to exercise in order to help improve exercise
      performance, or otherwise to support health-related goals. Whereas several studies have
      suggested that caffeine and chlorogenic acid consumption may improve performance, mood, and
      concentration, and some evidence in animals have linked catechin consumption to improved
      health outcomes, no studies have previous studied whether guayusa extract supplementation
      helps to support exercise performance in humans. In this study, we will test the whether
      dietary supplementation with the botanical organic guayusa extract helps support (1) the
      desire to exercise and exercise performance throughout a 6-week high intensity exercise
      training program, and thus (2) helps support the physiological adaptations (including body
      composition, fasting metabolic biomarkers, blood pressure and heart rate, submaximal and
      maximal exercise performance and fuel metabolism, and changes in the gut
      microbiome/mycobiome) to a 6-week high intensity exercise training program.

      Question 1: Does organic guayusa extract supplementation support the desire to train and
      training load in physically-active women performing a high-intensity exercise training
      program?

      Question 2: Does organic guayusa extract supplementation support physiological adaptation to
      exercise (including body composition, fasting metabolic biomarkers, blood pressure and heart
      rate, submaximal and maximal exercise performance and fuel metabolism, and changes in the gut
      microbiome/mycobiome) in physically-active women performing a high-intensity exercise
      training program?
    


Intervention name(s): Organic Guayusa Extract; Placebo
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement; Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): Supplementation: Participants will supplement daily with organic guayusa extract, which is a caffeinated Amazonian 'super-leaf' belonging to the holly species that contains a very unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants and caffeine (~20% caffeine, 30% chlorogenic acids, 5% catechins) during 6 weeks of high intensity exercise training. Investigators and participants will be blinded to condition.; Participants will supplement daily with placebo (maltodextrin). Investigators and participants will be blinded to condition.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Arm Trial
Masking: Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Other