4.1. Cognitive Performance
SEPARATION
In this study, we selected participants who were habitual caffeine consumers of low to moderate intake (<240 mg/day). We observed marked improvements in executive function within the N-back test for AMT. Specifically, AMT significantly improved the total score (a combination of consistent accuracy and speed) in the first hour and possibly (During the Go/No-go test, AMT improved reaction time from baseline to the stimulatory response (i.e., GO) in the first hour and maintained it during the second hour. Meanwhile, LM also improved reaction time to the stimulatory response at 120 min (from baseline and 60 min), again suggesting a delayed response to the ingestion of the supplement. Unlike other benefits seen in AMT, there was a reduction (i.e., worse) in the number of correct responses to the inhibitory stimuli (i.e., No-go correct) from 60 to 120 min as well as potentially lowering the reaction time (i.e., participants responded quicker to the inhibitory stimuli, which is also worse) from 60 to 120 min. This may have occurred because AMT contains caffeine, which may negatively affect an individual’s impulse control on inhibiting actions [In this experimental design, caffeine is likely to be the most profound contributor to the observed cognitive performance in AMT, particularly in the N-back test where cognitive domains such as decision making, selection, working memory, suppression, and interference separation processes are incorporated [In contrast to AMT, the nootropic benefits of LM appear to be due to the presence of hericinones and L-ergothioneine [