An open-label, single-arm pilot study of tocotrienols supplementation on improving memory and attention in healthy young adults

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of tocotrienols (T3) supplementation on one’s attention and memory. Eleven healthy subjects were enrolled to receive placebo followed by T3 in 6 weeks. Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) and Digit Span Test (DST) were used to access subjects’ sustained attention and working memory. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to examine the brainwave activity. T3 supplementation significantly improved the memory of the subjects in relative to the baseline as measured by average mean span for forward and reverse DST. Notably, a significant memory enhancement for T3 over placebo was observed. Subjects who consumed T3 have shown faster reaction as compared to placebo as assessed by PVT. T3 supplementation showed an overall reduction in alpha and low-beta power in comparison to placebo, indicating T3 promoted a higher neural efficacy. T3 supplementation may act as a potential nootropic in improving the mental performance and cognitive activity.

Keywords

• Tocotrienols
• Attention
• Memory
• Psychomotor vigilance task
• Digit span test
• Electroencephalogram