Pharmacodynamic Profile of 'Blackadder' Blackcurrant Juice Effects Upon the Monoamine Axis in Humans

Northumbria University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Prolactin Levels; Postprandial Blood Glucose; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Activity

Treatments: Other: Placebo; Dietary Supplement: Blackadder Juice

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02962752

28AI4

Details and patient eligibility

About

The current study uses a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised cross- over design to assess the pharmacodynamics of the platelet MAO-B inhibition, plasma prolactin levels and blood glucose levels after consumption of a single serve of 'Blackadder' blackcurrant juice.

Full description

There is emerging evidence which supports health benefits of consuming blackcurrant fruit, including improvements to cognitive performance, modulation of blood flow, regulation of blood glucose and inhibition of enzymes underpinning normal cognitive function. Of particular relevance is our previous demonstration of inhibition of MAO-A and B after consumption of a New Zealand 'Blackadder' blackcurrant juice drink in man.

In an attempt to establish a "therapeutic window" on which future nutritional interventions can be based, the current study will assess the pharmacodynamics of MAO-B inhibition, plasma prolactin levels and venous blood glucose profile following consumption of the 'Blackadder' blackcurrant juice. The trial will utilise a 500mg dose of the 'Blackadder' juice (equivalent to ~100g of fresh fruit) which was shown to have MAO inhibitory effects in our previous report and effects will be measured in a cohort of healthy male adults.

Enrollment: 8 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy
• Male
• Aged 18-35
• Non- smoker
• No history of metabolic disease

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of blood-borne disease
• Diagnosed history of any psychiatric disorder
• Aged under 18 or over 35 years
• BMI above 30 kg/m2 or below 17 kg/m2,
• Diagnosis of diabetes or current use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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8 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Blackadder Juice

Experimental group

Description:

Cold pressed Blackadder blackcurrant juice. Standardised at 500mg of polyphenols per 60kg of body weight

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Blackadder Juice

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Sugar, flavour and volume matched placebo control drink.

Treatment:

Other: Placebo