The Acute Effect of Hypericum Perforatum on Short-Term Memory in Healthy Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Rationale Over-the-counter drugs containing hypericum perforatum (H. perforatum), have been argued to improve memory and sustained attention. So far, these claims have not been supported in human studies. However, previous studies used rather high dosages, and little is known about the acute effect of small dosages. Objective We evaluated whether an acute treatment with Remotiv 500 and Remotiv 250 (500 or 250 mg of H. perforatum quantified to either 1 or 0.5 mg of hypericin) improved memory, sustained attention, as well as mood and state anxiety in healthy adults. Method A single dosage, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 82 student participants (33 women). Each participant received placebo in one session and one of two dosages in the other session. Order of the sessions and dosage conditions were randomized between subjects. Participants completed a battery of tasks assessing short-term memory capacity and sustained attention.

Official Title
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The Acute Effect of Hypericum Perforatum on Short-Term Memory in Healthy Adults

Conditions
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Subclinical Anxious Adults, Nootropic Potential of Hypericum and Alprazolam, Healthy Adults

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Hypericum perforatum extract


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: healthy adults 18 to 40 years old. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Demographics: Under 18 years of age or older than 40; pregnant or nursing women; non-fluent Hebrew speakers. 2. Body weight: less than 50 kg and more than 90 kg (to ensure effective drug dosage). 3. Mental health: Diagnosed with any DSM-V disorder (including ADHD, learning disabilities). These DSM-V disorders may be included in the research: sexual dysfunctions, sleeping disorders and mild-moderate anxiety disorders. 4. Any motor disability hampering a participant's ability to perform the experimental task. 5. Consumption of any psychoactive substance within the last 72 hours. 6. Ongoing medical problems or use of any substances (e.g., other prescribed medications) which may interact negatively with any of the three drugs used in the experiment.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Hypericum perforatum (Remotiv, 250 mg)<br> | Drug: Hypericum perforatum extract<br>* 250 or 500 mg Remotiv capsules of hypericum perforatum extract, p.o.<br>|
| Experimental: Hypericum perforatum (Remotiv, 500 mg)<br> | Drug: Hypericum perforatum extract<br>* 250 or 500 mg Remotiv capsules of hypericum perforatum extract, p.o.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go/no-go task | A computerized cognitive task: aimed to measure attention and impulsivity: errors of omission and commission | one-two hours after drug administration | 
| Digit span task | A computerized cognitive task; accuracy of recalling | one-two hours after drug administration | 
| Symmetry span task | A computerized cognitive task; accuracy of responses | one-two hours after drug administration | 
| Operation span task | A computerized cognitive task; accuracy of responses | one-two hours after drug administration | 
| Groton's Maze task | A computerized task | one-two hours after drug administration | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DASS-21 | A self-report questionnaire; scoring of relevant state anxiety items | one-two hours after drug administration | 
| PANAS | A self-report questionnaire | one-two hours after drug administration | 
| STAI | A self-report questionnaire; scoring of relevant state anxiety items | one-two hours after drug administration |