Zanthozylum armatum (Z. armatum) is an perennial shrub found in India and across Southeast Asia. Preparations of the bark, fruit and seeds of Z. armatum have been extensively used in traditional Indian medicine. For example, the fruits and seeds have been employed as an aromatic tonic in fever and dyspepsia and the essential oil of the fruits has exhibited antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic properties. Furthermore, the dried fruits are used as spice, especially in Nepalese and Sichuan cuisine with increasing popularity across Europe. With regard to physiological effects relevant to brain function, Z. armatum has also been traditionally used as a cardio-depressant; these vasodilatory properties have recently being linked to its antagonistic effect on calcium ion channel function as demonstrated in isolated rabbit aorta tissue. In addition, the observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of preparations of Z. armatum may serve to beneficially impact cognition with chronic administration.~Although direct effects of Z. armatum on brain function have yet to be assessed; Zanthozylum fruit comprises one constituent of the traditional Japanese herbal medicine Daikenchuto (DKT) where some data do exist. In a series of trials investigating the effects of DKT on learning and memory function in mice, it was established that the extract of Zanthozylum fruit contained in DKT alone that was associated with reductions in escape latency in the Morris Water Maze task. Interestingly, the authors also revealed that it was the amide hydroxy-ɑ-sanshool (HAS) isolated from the Zanthozylum fruit extract that was associated with these effects, speculating that the effect of HAS on escape latencies was due to a facilitation effect of HAS on acetylcholine release.~Given the evidence of potentially relevant mechanisms of action and initial evidence of cognitive effects of HAS in murine models, the aim of this study is to assess the acute and chronic effects of Z. armatum on cognitive function, mood, and cerebral blood flow in healthy adults aged 30 to 55 years.
Zanthozylum armatum (Z. armatum)-otherwise known as Nepalese pepper, or timut-is an perennial shrub found in India and across Southeast Asia. Preparations of the bark, fruit and seeds of Z. armatum have been extensively used in traditional Indian medicine. Preliminary data have indicated that preparations of Z. armatum may also be beneficial to cognitive function. The study aims to investigate the effects acute and chronic consumption of Z. armatum on cognitive function and cerebral blood flow.