Polyphenol-rich tart cherries ( <i>Prunus Cerasus, cv</i> Montmorency) improve sustained attention, feelings of alertness and mental fatigue and influence the plasma metabolome in middle-aged adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Kimble, Rachel; Keane, Karen M.; Lodge, John K.; Cheung, William; Haskell-Ramsay, Crystal F.; Howatson, Glyn · 2022 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522000460

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Summary

This study investigated the effects of chronic supplementation with polyphenol-rich tart Montmorency cherries (MC) on cognitive function, mood, sleep, and plasma metabolomics in middle-aged adults. Motivated by the link between cognitive decline, oxidative stress, and inflammation, the researchers hypothesized that MC, a rich source of anthocyanins, could improve sustained attention and reduce mental fatigue through vasomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The study aimed to determine if a three-month intervention could mitigate age-related cognitive deterioration and influence cerebral blood flow. The research employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-arm trial involving 50 non-smoking adults (mean age 48 ± 6 years). Participants were stratified by sex and assigned to receive either 30 ml of MC concentrate twice daily or an isoenergetic placebo for three months. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery including digit vigilance (sustained attention), rapid visual information processing, and an N-back task (working memory). Mood and mental fatigue were measured using visual analogue scales, specifically the Bond–Lader scale. Cerebral blood flow was monitored via near-infrared spectroscopy during cognitive tasks, and plasma samples were analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics to identify metabolic changes. Sleep quality and general health were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory and SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. The results indicated that MC supplementation significantly improved sustained attention, evidenced by higher accuracy in the digit vigilance task and fewer false alarms compared to the placebo group. Participants in the MC group also reported significantly higher feelings of alertness and lower mental fatigue ratings. While there were no significant differences in cerebral blood flow changes during cognitive tasks between groups, the MC group exhibited increased overall sleep duration. Plasma metabolomics revealed that MC intake led to significant increases in several amino acids, suggesting alterations in amino acid metabolism. No significant effects were observed on working memory tasks or general health scores. The findings suggest that chronic consumption of tart Montmorency cherries can enhance sustained attention and reduce mental fatigue in middle-aged adults, potentially through mechanisms involving amino acid metabolism rather than acute changes in cerebral blood flow. These results support the potential of dietary polyphenols as a strategy to maintain cognitive function and mental alertness during mid-life, a critical period for intervening against age-related cognitive decline. The study highlights the specific benefit of MC on sustained attention and mood, offering evidence for the neuroprotective and anti-fatiguing properties of anthocyanin-rich foods.

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• neuro workload indices