Efficacy of Meyer Herbal Preparation HRG80 in Preventing and Mitigating Stress-Induced Failure of Cognitive Functions in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of hydroponically cultivated red Meyer root preparation (HRG80) and traditionally harvested six-year-old white standard preparation (PGS) with placebo in preventing symptoms of stress.

METHODS

The effects of HRG80, PGS, and placebo capsules were studied in 50 tired healthy subjects in a three-arm, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Efficacy-outcome measures included the accuracy of processing the d2 test for cognitive functions, obtained accuracy score in a computerized memory test, and the perceived-stress (PS) score.

RESULTS

A statistically significant interaction effect between time and treatment ( < 0.0001) was observed in the attention d2 and memory tests, indicating that HRG80 treatment was more beneficial than that with a placebo. The effects of PGS were better than those of the placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was significant difference between the effects of HRG80 and PGS ( < 0.0001) that were observed after single (Day 1) and repeated administrations on Days 5 and 12 of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Overall, HRG80 treatment was significantly superior compared to that with the PGS and placebo regarding attention, memory, and PS scores after single and repeated administrations for 5 and 12 days.