Impact of the Dietary Supplement CLOCK® on BDNF and Other Biochemical Measures Related to Cognitive Function and Health in Men and Women

Abstract

Background: We have previously reported improvements in selected biochemical measures of health, as well as self reported well-being in men and women using the dietary supplement known as CLOCK ® . In this follow up investigation, we evaluated CLOCK ® at two different dosages using a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over design in men and women with self reported low energy, impaired sleep quality and impaired well-being.Methods: 30 subjects (14 men and 16 women) were randomly assigned in double blind manner to ingest a botanical agent (CLOCK ® , containing Rosmarinus officinalis and Hemerocallis fulva at either 1gram or 1.5grams daily) or a placebo for two week periods with a two week wash out period after each condition assignment. Blood samples were collected pre and post each two week period in an overnight fasted state and analyzed for acetylcholine (ACh), choline, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), IGF-1, irisin, melatonin and serotonin. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured, as were subjective measures of well-being. The Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire was used as a measure of sleep quality and related variables.Results: ACh (22%), choline (19%), BDNF (44%), irisin (23%) and melatonin (8%) all increased significantly from pre to post intervention following intake of CLOCK ® (with a greater increase noted with 1gram vs. 1.5grams) but not placebo. Heart rate and blood pressure were unaffected by treatment (p>0.05). Time effects were noted for all well-being measures (p<0.05), except for anxious, depressed and tense, with improvements noted in all variables from pre to post intervention. When considering both supplement dosages together, improvements of 25% (attentiveness), 21% (alertness), 37% (focus) and 34% (energetic) were observed, with slightly less improvement noted for placebo. Although, not significant, CLOCK ® reduced the feeling of grogginess (25%), lethargy (14%) and sluggishness (18%); whereas there were minimal changes with the placebo. No differences were noted between conditions or across time in measures of sleep or related variables (p>0.05).