Acute consumption of Peppermint and Chamomile teas produce contrasting effects on cognition and mood in healthy young adults

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the acute effects of Peppermint and Chamomile herbal teas on cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. A single factor independent groups design was employed. One hundred and eighty undergraduate students volunteered to take part in the study for which they received course credit. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: Peppermint tea, Chamomile tea or hot water (Control). Mood scales were completed and participants then consumed their drink over a ten minute period and rested for twenty minutes. Cognitive performance was assessed using a tailored version of The Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised assessment system. Post testing mood scales were then completed. Data were analysed using independent groups ANOVAs followed by Tukey post hoc comparisons. The analysis revealed that Peppermint tea significantly improved long term memory and speed of memory compared to both Chamomile and control treatments. Chamomile tea significantly slowed speed of attention and impaired working memory compared to the Peppermint treatment. Peppermint tea significantly increased subjective alertness compared to the Chamomile and control conditions. Chamomile significantly increased subjective calmness compared to the Peppermint treatment. The data show that acute consumption of Peppermint and Chamomile teas can impact on cognition and mood in healthy adults in contrasting directions. The enhancing and arousing effects of Peppermint and calming/sedative effects of Chamomile observed are in keeping with the purported properties of these herbs and suggest beneficial effects can be drawn from their use.

In Silico Taste, Cytochrome and Toxicity Prediction Study of Major Chamomile Constituents

“…Chamomile is characterized as low -growing apple scent expressing its Greek name Chamos (ground) and melos (apple) [7]. It presents a pleasant taste with various medicinal effects including anti-inflammatory, anticancer (skin, breast, ovarian, or prostate), antioxidant, antiphlogisitis, treatment of wound, acute viral nasopharyngitis (known as common cold), infant colic disorder, haemorrhoids, mucositis, osteoporosis, vaginitis, improving cardiac health, managing diabetes, sleep, sedation, anxiety, seizure, eczema, digestive disorders, diminishing hyperglycaemiarelated oxidative stress, and others [1,8,9]. Numerical Taste predication (Table (1), Figure (2)) confirmed sour probability of the tested constituents ranged (o.537-1) for bitter, (0.546-0.989) for sweet, and (0.834-1) for sour character.…”

Comparing the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender on the sleep quality of cardiac patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…Regarding peppermint essential oil, previous studies have confirmed its relaxing and sedative effects (Lisa Blackburn et al, 2017). In other words, this essential oil can decrease fatigue, anxiety, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, increase the oxygenation of the lungs and brain, and improve sleep quality (Meamarbashi, 2014;Moss et al, 2016;Meamarbashi & Rajabi, 2013;Cruz et al, 2010).…”

“…However, the results of several studies have indicated that aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil has positive effects on decreasing the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, fatigue, and anxiety. It also relaxes the bronchial muscles, and increases oxygenation in the lungs and brain (Meamarbashi, 2014;Moss et al, 2016;Meamarbashi & Rajabi, 2013;Cruz et al, 2010).…”

“…The main components of peppermint essential oil include menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate (Meamarbashi, 2014). This essential oil is known to increase brain perfusion, improve lung ventilation, and reduce pain (Moss et al, 2016). The results of previous studies have shown that aromatherapy with peppermint has positive effects on the reduction of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, fatigue, and anxiety (Meamarbashi, 2014;Moss et al, 2016;Meamarbashi & Rajabi, 2013;Cruz et al, 2010).…”

Phytochemicals for Improving Aspects of Cognitive Function and Psychological State Potentially Relevant to Sports Performance

“…In one of two single-blind studies, peppermint tea increased alertness and improved accuracy and speed of memory task performance 20 min after consumption, in comparison to a hot water control, in 180 young adults [ 161 ]. In the second, the only study to date involving physical performance, pure peppermint essential oil dripped onto the tongue improved auditory and visual reaction times 5 min and 1 h after administration and improved lung function and physical performance (grip force, standing vertical and long jump) in comparison to a water control in 30 participants [ 162 ].…”