Effects of Ginger Extract Powder E on attention as a Cognitive Function: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled parallel study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Ginger Extract Powder E is a heat-processed ginger preparation enriched in 6-shogaol.. It has been reported to reduce fatigue caused by desk workload, as well as eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness. However, there is a lack of research investigating the effects of Ginger Extract Powder E on cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ginger Extract Powder E intake on cognitive function after Visual Display Terminal (VDT) work in healthy adults who experienced eye fatigue and reduced concentration during the task.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted on 88 healthy adult male and female aged 21 to 73 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a test food containing Ginger Extract Powder E (100 mg) or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed at weeks 0 and 12 using Cognitrax and the critical flicker-fusion frequency after 60 minutes of VDT work.

Results: At 12 weeks of intervention, the primary outcome—Complex Attention score on the Cognitrax assessment—was significantly higher in the Ginger Extract Powder E group compared with the placebo group, with values exceeding the mean.

Conclusions: The results suggest that continuous intake of Ginger Extract Powder E prevents attention decline induced by VDT work and helps maintain concentration. Additionally, no adverse events were observed under the conditions of this study, and there were no safety issues.

Trial registration: jRCT 1030240208

Keywords: Ginger extract; VDT work; attention; concentration; cognitive function