BSI Research Units

Herbal and Nutritional Medicine Research Unit

Introduction:

Established in 1999 the Herbal and Nutritional Medicine Research Unit (HNMRU) is dedicated to conducting high standard multidisciplinary research to examine the cognitive, behavioural and neural processes of commercially available natural medicines. Our team of researchers, psychologists, nurses, doctors and a naturopath encompasses a range of expertise and specialised skills enabling a multifaceted investigation of the effects of such therapies on the brain, our physical health and subjective feelings of wellbeing. We specialise in conducting high standard scientific research, which examines the quality, efficacy and safety of herbal and nutritional medicine. We also liaise with commercial sponsors in testing their products and develop a rigorous scientific method appropriate to those aims. We present our research at conferences, to the wider consuming community and health professionals in a familiar and acceptable scientific format.

Previously the HNMRU has conducted clinical trials investigating the effects of herbal and nutritional remedies on occupational stress, anxiety, depression, hangovers, cognitive functioning, healthy ageing and the immune system. Medicines examined in these trials include Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monniera (Brahmi), Vitamin B complexes, DHA, antioxidants including Pycnogenol®, rye extracts and St John's Wort, amongst many others. Current research is focused principally on Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), healthy ageing, and smoking cessation. We also carry out comparison trials where the efficacy of various brands of the same natural medicine product is explored. Testing modalities include EEG, SSPT, Cognitive Drug Research (CDR), various neuropsychological measures, and biological parameters (eg, blood samples).

Staff

Senior Staff

Unit Leader: Professor Andrew Scholey

Biography
Andrew Scholey is Professor of Behavioural and Brain Sciences at the Brain Sciences Institute and head of their Herbal and Nutritional Medicine Research Unit. He is also co-director of the NICM Centre for the Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition. Andrew was at Northumbria University in the UK for fifteen years, in 1998 he established the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit where he was director until taking up his present post in late 2007. He was also co-director of the Medicinal Plant Research Centre in the UK and remains as honorary director of their neurocognitive trials section.
Andrew has published dozens of journal articles focusing on the potential mood and cognition enhancing effects of natural products (often the first human trial). These have ranged from ‘metabolic’ interventions (notably glucose and oxygen), to low doses of alcohol and even drinking water (in thirsty individuals) and chewing gum. He has studied the neurocognitive effects of numerous plant extracts including ginkgo biloba, ginseng, lemon balm, caffeine, sage, valerian, guaraná, cocoa polyphenols and theanine.
Andrew’s current research uses state-of the-art methodology, including neurocognitive assessment, brain imaging and various physiological analyses to disentangle the neurocognitive effects of specific nutritional interventions (focussing on plant extracts) to enhance cognitive performance. The aim is to understand the mechanisms and apply natural medicines as safe treatments for conditions where cognition becomes fragile, including ageing and dementia. Andrew has served on various scientific committees and is committed to the public dissemination of science which has led to many appearances in the print, radio and television media.
Research Interests

1. Neurocognitive and mood effects of nutrition and nutraceuticals
2. Cognition enhancing and anti-stress effects of natural medicines
3. Blood glucose and cognitive function
4. Neurocognitive effects of recreational drug use
5. Use of novel platforms (internet, PDAs, mobile phone) for assessing mood state and cognitive performance

Professional Association Memberships

1. British Psychological Society
2. British Neuroscience Association
3. British Association for Psychopharmacology

Consultant Activities

1. Consultant/expert advisor to Nestlé, Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare, Masterfoods, Danone, Bayer Healthcare, Novartis
2. Advisory Panel member of Wrigley Science Institute
3. Expert Advisor to International Life Sciences Institute expert committee on nutrition and mental performance
4. Expert witness to UK Parliamentary Forum on Food and Health Inquiry on Diet and Behaviour

Unit Leader: Professor Con Stough
Biography
Con Stough is Professor of Neuopsychology at the Brain Sciences at the Brain Sciences Institute and Director of the NICM Centre for the Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition. Prof Stough is an expert in randomised clinical trials (RCTs) for natural medicines and has conducted a large number of RCTs on natural medicines such as Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa, DHA, St John's Wort, Vinpocetine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Huperzine A, anti-oxidants (Pycnogenol and Ropren) amongst many others.
Prof Stough has been a regular contributor to the alternative medicines area in Australia for the last 7 years. His background is in cognitive psychology and in psychopharmacology. Over the last few years he has completed large landmark studies using a range of anto-oxidants. He has built a strong team of researchers at Swinburne University which has lead to a capability to undertake and complete large efficacy trials and mechanistic trials associated with natural medicines and cognition and the brain. He has also developed strong collaborations with existing CAM researchers and mainstream medical researchers which allows a significantly enhanced capability to conduct natural medicine trials with clinical groups and with new methodologies such as neuroimaging and state of the art biochemical assays. Prof Stough has published important publications on chronic trials with natural medicines such as ginkgo and brahmi in high impact mainstream medical-pharmacology journals which are internationally accessible (e.g., International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychopharmacology). Over the last 7 years he has published more than 20 peer review papers on the results of RCTs from natural medicines, most of these involving chronic administration of anti-oxidants or natural medicines. Unlike many preliminary and open trials in the area of Complementary Medicine, Prof Stough's trials have all been trials using rigorous randomized control trial methodologies. Professor Stough has attracted more than 1 Million dollars in natural medicine grants from several Australian and international organizations and over 3M in research funds from other sources. He has held several (7) ARC and NHMRC grants over the last 10 years. He is an invited speaker to many national and international conferences in the area of natural medicines and is a regular educator of GPs, nurses and natural medicine practitioners in the area of his natural medicine trials. He is also a frequent contact for the Australian media in terms of the cognitive and neural effects of herbal medicines. His natural medicine trials are well cited and are often the first or one of the first to study the effects of chronic administration of natural medicines (e.g., Ginkgo or Bacopa) in the otherwise healthy and young. This work is then translated into trials assessing the cognitive effects of the same natural medicine in the otherwise healthy but elderly. This translational work allows us to understand whether a natural substance such as Ginkgo or Bacopa improves cognitive performance by nootropically improving otherwise functional neural systems or improves cognitive function by ameliorating decline in a neural system. Prof Stough has an international reputation in the area of cognitive intelligence.
He is on the board of the journal Intelligence and is the only Australian on the 6 member advisory panel of the International Society for Intelligence Research (ISIR). His work on intelligence focuses on the use of natural medicines and pharmaceuticals to improve cognitive performance. He has been working in this area with companies in the USA who formulate specific herbs and natural medicines to stimulate brain function. These formulations have been subjected to rigorous scientific assessment using RCT clinical trial methodologies in Stough's laboratory at Swinburne. Prof Stough's most significant contribution is to establish a highly visible and significant team of researchers at Swinburne in order to establish an international leading centre of research in the area of neurocognition and health. Prof Stough has recently secured a commitment of 5M in neuroimaging equipment from the university to establish an international program of research evaluating the neurocognitive effects of herbs and natural medicines. This is particularly salient given normal and abnormal age related cognitive changes that occur in our increasingly elderly population.

Unit Leader: Dr Andrew Pipingas

Andrew is a senior lecturer in cognitive neurosciences at Swinburne University. He has conducted numerous trials investigating the effects of micronutrient and herbal supplementation on brain function with elderly people. His interests lie in the application of brain electrical activity techniques and computerised cognitive testing to investigate effects of ageing, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on cognitive processes. Andrew is also interested in exploring the relationship between cardiovascular function and cognition to see if improving cardiovascular function can result in improved cognitive performance.

Staff

Ms Marni Kras – Clinical Trials Coordinator

Marni Kras is the clinical trials co-ordinator at the NICM Collaborative Centre for Neurocognition and the Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University. Marni is responsible for the day to day running of clinical trials, assisting PhD students and research assistants, ethical submissions, and ensuring Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards are adhered to. Marni has been involved in a number of studies investigating the cognitive and mood effects of various herbal extracts.

Dr Lauren Owen – Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Lauren Owen has recently joined the BSI and the NICM group as a post-doctorate research fellow. She completed her PhD in the UK at The University of Lancaster where she examined the effects of increased glucose consumption and metabolism on cognitive functioning. She also holds a bachelor of science honours degree in Psychology from the University of Northumbria. Lauren has conducted a number of clinical trials and previously worked as a research assistant at both the HCNU (Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit in Northumbria) and Lancaster University. Her research interests are focused on the cognitively enhancing capabilities of neutraceuticals and she is presently involved in a number of projects assessing the effects of dietary and drug interventions on cognitive functioning.  Presently she is co-supervising PhD and honours students assessing the cognitively enhancing effects of herbal and dietary supplementation. She is also involved in projects examining the effects of other metabolic agents on cognitive function and her future research aims to extend findings by examining these nutritional interventions in deficit populations including those with metabolic syndrome.

Dr David Camfield - Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr. David Camfield is a postdoctoral research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology who has been working with the NICM collaborative centre for Neurocognition since June 2009.  He graduated from Swinburne in March 2009 with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience.  His doctoral thesis was titled the 'Biological basis of Openness to Experience' and investigated the neurobiology of creativity and intelligence.  As a postdoctoral researcher with the NICM centre he has been involved in a number of clinical trials for nutraceutical treatments including an investigation into the effects of Cocoa polyphenols on cognition, the efficacy of Hypericum Perforatum in Smoking Cessation and well as a clinical trial in Malaysia this year where he was overseeing the effects of protomalt on cognition in 10-12 year olds.  He has also been involved in the preparation of a number of reviews of nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of dementia.  David has considerable experience in electrophysiological (EEG) recording and has been involved in the design and analyse of a number of the brain imaging components of studies at the NICM centre, particularly with the technique of Steady State Probe Topography (SST).

Dr Jerome Sarris – Adjunct Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr Jerome Sarris is an NHMRC Clinical Research Fellow, and a Clinical Naturopath and Acupuncturist, and has a Masters degree in Health Science majoring in herbal medicine, and a Doctorate in the field of psychiatry from The University of Queensland. Jerome also lectures and publishes extensively in the area of kava (efficacy and safety issues), and herbal and complementary medicine and mental health, and is Co-Vice President of The International Network of Integrative Mental Health. He has been involved in numerous clinical trials in the psychiatric area involving the use of complementary and alternative medicines. He has published many papers on natural medicines and presented lectures at numerous universities and conferences

Ms Amy Gibbs – Research Assistant

Amy Gibbs is a research assistant at the NICM collaborative centre for neurocognition and the Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University.  Amy works on a number of clinical trials and is responsible for participant recruitment and management, data collection and data analysis. She has been involved in a number of past studies including the cognition-enhancing effects of Ginseng and the effectiveness of Lemon balm on mood and cognitive function. She is currently involved in a study investigating the effectiveness of various antidepressants as well as a study exploring the effects of chewing gum on stress.

Ms Karen Nolidin - Research Assistant

Karen Nolidin has completed an Honours course in psychophysiology, investigating the relationship between emotional intelligence and social anxiety in clinical patients with mood disorders. She is currently working as a research assistant at the Brain Sciences Institute. Her work includes studies investigating the effects of different nutraceuticals on cognition, memory, and other factors and is currently working on two projects investigating the effects of various coffee beverages on mood cognition and cardiovascular function.

Ms Melissa Finn - Research Assistant

Melissa Finn is a research assistant at the Brain Sciences Institute. She completed her Honours in Psychology, with a thesis investigating the relationship between the acute consumption of an extract of green tea and cognitive function. She has recently joined the research team and her role is to recruit for and conduct testing for the ongoing clinical trials. Melissa is currently involved in studies investigating the cognitive, mood and cardiovascular effects of various coffee beverages and fish oil supplements. 

PhD Students

Isabelle Bauer - PhD Student

Isabelle Bauer is currently completing her PhD in Psychophysiology at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne (Australia). She did her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in clinical psychology at Geneva University (Switzerland) and worked as an assistant neuropsychologist and research assistant at the University Hospital of Basel (Switzerland) and University of Goettingen (Germany). Her main research interests are in the effects of fish oil supplementation on cognitive performance, cardiovascular parameters and fMRI activation, and neuroimaging and nutrition.

Vanessa Bilog - PhD Student

Vanessa holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Psychophysiology. She also has a strong background in Food Science.  She has also worked in a number of scientific institutions before commencing her PhD. Vanessa has been involved in a number of trials within the Herbal and Nutritional Medicine Research Unit at Swinburne University, which include Ropren, Lemon balm, gluco-regulatory effects of selected botanicals, Remotiv (St John’s Wort), and polyphenols. Vanessa is currently investigating the effects of a lipid compound dolichol, extracted from green pine needles for her PhD. Vanessa’s other research interests also focus on understanding the impact of nutrition on age-associated brain changes related to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, and the psychopharmacological evaluation of other potential alternative treatment for these impairments.

Rita Brien - PhD Student

Rita is a PhD student at Swinburne’s Brain Sciences Institute.  Rita’s main interests lie with understanding the physiology of emotion and social cognition, and how effective social interaction and emotion understanding/control can contribute to a healthier well being.  Rita’s is currently investigating the effects of THC on driving, mood and cognitive functioning

Liz Harris - PhD Student

Liz’s research interests are in the area of healthy ageing; investigating the effects of multivitamin supplements on cognitive and cardiovascular processes in an ageing population. At present Liz is undertaking a PhD, where she is studying the effects of multivitamin supplements on cognition, brain electrical activity and cardiovascular function in men and women aged 55-65 years. The aim of the study is to identify potential improvements in cognition and general health after 16 weeks of supplementation with a commonly used multivitamin. Liz has also been involved in other projects, including supplementation studies with an antioxidant pine bark extract, fish oil supplements, pine needle extract and other multivitamins.

Christina Kure - PhD Student

Christina Kure is a PhD candidate at the NICM centre for neurocognition and her thesis topic is in the area of cognitive functioning, mood and quality of life in heart failure patients. Christina holds bachelor degrees in Psychology/psychophysiology and Naturopathy and joined Swinburne’s Herbal and Nutrient Medicine Research Unit (HNMRU) in 2001, where she worked as a research assistant on clinical trials including Pycnogenol, Ginkgo/Brahmi combination and Rye extract. During this time, Christina also practiced as a naturopath in two Melbourne clinics. Prior to receiving a PhD candidature, Christina was the clinical trials coordinator of the NICM collaborative Centre for Neurocognition and HNMRU for three years. In her role as trials coordinator, Christina managed the day running of clinical trials, and assisted in the supervision of research assistants and students. Christina has successfully coordinated randomised clinical trials on various natural medicines including St John's Wort, Vinpocetine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Huperzine A, Ginseng and Pine needle (Ropren).

Helen MacPherson - PhD Student

Helen is currently undertaking her PhD at the Brain Sciences Institute at Swinburne University and is a recipient of an Australian Post Graduate Award (APA) scholarship. The title of Helen’s thesis is ‘The effects of multivitamins on memory and brain function in elderly women experiencing memory decline’. As a part of her thesis, Helen has conducted a clinical trial investigating changes in cognitive, brain electrical activity and cardiovascular measures following 16 weeks supplementation with multivitamins. This trial was partially funded by Swisse™ Vitamins. Helen’s research interests include age associated changes in memory and brain activity, as well as the identification of brain electrical activity risk factors for cognitive decline in the elderly.

Chris Neale - PhD Student

Chris has begun his PhD at the Brain Sciences Institute, examining the effects of Bacopa monniera on human participants using a range of cognitive test batteries and brain imaging methodologies. Chris’ main research interest is using brain imaging methods to understand the role of nutraceuticals on the brain. Previously, Chris completed a Masters in Cognitive Neuroscience (University of York, UK) before working as a Research Assistant at the Brain Sciences Institute in 2008. Projects Chris was involved in looked at the effects of Lemon Balm on stress and the effects of Ginseng on cognition and mood.

Anastasia Ossoukhova – PhD Student

Anastasia Ossoukhova currently is a PhD student the Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University. She attained her degree in Psychology (with First Degree Honors) Major in Psychophysiology at Moscow State University in Russia where she has worked as a qualified psychologist for different scientific and educational institutions. Anastasia has taken part in the studies examining the effects of administering anti-oxidant Ropren on neuro-cognitive and mood changes as a research assistant at the BSI. She is currently a member of the NICM group and is working on projects investigating the role of glucoregulatory processes in the cognition-enhancing effects of selected botanicals.

Naomi Perry - PhD Student

Naomi has completed an honours degree at Leeds university (UK) where she examined the effects of the contraceptive pill on aggression and mood. She also worked as a research assistant at the BSI in 2008, and was involved in projects investigating the effects of lemon balm on stress, as well as the effects of ginseng on cognition. Naomi is currently a PhD student at Swinburne and is looking at the effects of phytoestrogens on cognition and aggression, using a range of cognitive test batteries as well as EEG.

Renee Rowsell - PhD Student

Renee is currently working on her PhD, investigating the role that multivitamins play in the maintenance of mood, stress, cardiovascular health and brain activity.  Renee is very interested in the effects that natural medicines have on the cardiovascular system, cognition, the brain and mood, having conducted a clinical trial on the effects of fish oils on cognitive and brain function for her honours project.

Medical Team

Name: Rosamund (Sam) McIlraith
Role in Unit: Research Nurse
Sam McIlraith holds a naturopathy degree and is a division 1 registered nurse with experience in Randomised Clinical Trials related to natural medicines and is responsible for taking bloods and assisting with medical examinations. She is also primarily responsible for preparing blood samples for analysis under PC2 conditions.
Name: Dr Edward Ogden and Dr Foti Blaher
Role in Unit: General Practitioners
Our general practitioners are responsible for conducting medical assessments to determine individual suitability to participate in our studies and manage adverse side effects.

Current Research Projects:

Awards and Grants

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK): ‘Factors affecting glucose enhancement of cognitive performance’
• British Psychological Society Research Seminars Competition: ‘Exploring the nutrition-behaviour axis’
• Naturex: ‘The role of glucoregulatory processes in the cognition-enhancing effects of selected botanicals’
• Cognis: ‘Assessing anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods’
• Barry Callebaut: ‘A study of the acute and chronic cognitive, neurocognitive & blood flow effects of polyphenols in middle aged volunteers’
• Wrigley: ‘Factors influencing mood and cognitive effects of chewing gum’
• National Institute of Complementary Medicine Collaborative Centre for the Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition in Health and Disease (CI-B)

Assessing anti-stress, cognitive and mood effects of lemon balm-containing foods
Investigators: Professor Andrew Scholey, Professor Con Stough, Ms Christina Kure, Ms Vanessa Bilog, Ms Marni Kras

Assessing the efficacy of Remotiv ® (Ze117), nicotine patches and combination of Remotiv ®/ nicotine patches for smoking cessation
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Professor Andrew Scholey, Ms Christina Kure, Ms Vanessa Bilog, Ms Marni Kras

The role of glucoregulatory processes in the cognition-enhancing effects of selected botanicals
Investigators: Professor Andrew Scholey, Professor Con Stough, Ms Christina Kure, Ms Vanessa Bilog, Ms Marni Kras

Previous Research Projects

Examining the neuro-cognitive, mood and brain EEG effects of 12 week administration of Pine Needle extract, Ropren on healthy elderly participants (aged 60-85years)
Investigators: Professor Ms Vanessa Bilog, Con Stough, Dr Andrew Pipingas, Ms Christina Kure,

A clinical trial comparing St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Nicotine replacement in the Management of Smoking Cessation.
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Ms Christina Kure, Ms Joanne Tarasuik

A placebo controlled, double-blind study of the effect of two natural nutritional formulations, Procera-AVH TM and Procera-AVH Plus TM on cognitive function, memory, energy, state of mind and mood in healthy participants (aged 35-65years)
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Dr Andrew Pipingas, Ms Christina Kure,

Grants received:

2008

NICM Collaborative Centre in for the study of natural medicines and neurocognition in health and disease to receive funding from NICM

Industry Support:

• Naturex (USA)
• Cognis Ltd (Germany)
• Flordis Pty Ltd (AUS)
• Barry Callebaut (Switzerland)
  

2007

Donation by: Trawella Ltd -Mr Alan and Mrs Carol Schwartz
Project: To support research in the area of herbal medicine and cognitive functioning.

2006

Donation by: People First Retirement Estates - Mr Ted and Mrs Grace Sent
Project: To support research in the area of healthy ageing.

Donation by: Swinburne University of Technology
Project: To support research in the area of healthy ageing.

2006

Industry Support: Solagran Pty Ltd
Project Title: to examine the neuro-cogntive, mood and brain EEG effects of a 12 week administration of Pine needle extract, Ropren (anti-oxidant) on healthy elderly participants.
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Dr Andrew Pipingas, Christina Kure, Vanessa Bilog, Jo Tarasuik and Anastasia Hamilton-Presgrave

Industry Support: 20/20 Brain Power Ltd and BriteAge Ltd
Project Title: A double-blind, placebo controlled study examining the effects of Acetyl-l-carnitine, Vinpocetine, Huperzine A and Rhodiola Rosea on cognition cognitive function, energy, state-of-mind and mood in health participants.
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Christina Kure and Joanne Tarasuik

Industry Support: Flordis Herbal Medicines
Project Title: A clinical trial comparing St John's wort special extract Ze 117 and Nicotine replacement in the Management of Smoking Cessation
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Christina Kure and Joanne Tarasuik

2001

Industry Support: Clover Corporation
Project Title: 90 day DHA supplementation and cognitive functioning
Investigators: Professor Con Stough

2000-2001

Industry Support: Schumacker Pharmaceuticals
Project Title: Examining the Pharmaco-EEG profile of a rye extract
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Pradeep Nathan

Industry Support: Schumacker Pharmaceuticals
Project Title: Immune system changes following 30 day Rye extract treatment
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Pradeep Nathan

Industry Support: Keenmind Ltd
Project Title: The effects of chronic administration of bacopa monierra on neuropsychological functioning
Investigators: Professor Con Stough, Pradeep Nathan

1998- 2001

Industry Support: Blackmores Australia

Project Title: Examining the effect of short term administration of combined Brahmi/Ginkgo extract on neuropsychological functioning

Project Title: Pharmaco-EEG study on different hypericum extracts.

Project Title: Examining the efficacy of a Vitamin B complex for Occupational Stress.

Project Title: Pharmaco-EEG study on different hypericum extracts.
Investigators: Professor Con Stough & Pradeep Nathan

Project Title: Effects of Ginkgo biloba administration on cognition: A pilot study.
Investigators: Professor Richard Silberstein, Professor Con Stough & Pradeep Nathan

Work with Community and Affiliates:

The NHMRU is dedicated to disseminate our research results to the general public and health practitioners. We contribute to regular newsletters articles and have presented our research to hospitals including Barwon Health.

Key Publications:

Publications Include

Scholey AB, Tildesley NTJ, Ballard CG, Wesnes KA, Tasker A, Perry EK, Kennedy DO (2008) An extract of Salvia (sage) with anticholinesterase properties improves memory and attention in healthy older volunteers. Psychopharmacology 198,127–139.

Haskell CF, Scholey AB, Jackson PA, Elliot JM, DeFeyter MA, Greer J, Robertson BC, Buchanan T, Tiplady B, Kennedy DO (2008) Cognitive and mood effects in healthy children during 12 weeks supplementation of multi-vitamin/minerals. British Journal of Nutrition (In press).

Scholey AB, Parrott A, Kennedy DO (2007) Psychotropic Medicine. In Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health & Medicine (Ed. Ayers S). 685-687.

Kennedy DO, Scholey AB (2006) The psychopharmacology of European herbs with cognition enhancing properties. Current Pharmaceutical Design 12, 4613-4623.

Scholey AB, Laing S, Kennedy DO (2006) Blood glucose changes and memory: effects of manipulating emotionality and mental effort. Biological Psychology 71, 12-19.

Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB (2006) Effects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained ‘mentally demanding’ tasks. Journal of Psychopharmacology 20, 771-781.

Ellis KA, Stough C, Vitetta L, Heinrich K, Nathan PJ. (2001). An investigation into the acute nootropic effects of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) in healthy human volunteers. Behav Pharmacol. Jun;12(3):173-82.

Maher, B. F. G., Stough, C., Shelmerdine, A., Wesnes, K. Nathan, P. J. (2002). The acute effects of combined administration of Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in humans. Human Psychopharmacology Clinical & Experimental, 17(3), 163-164.

Nathan PJ, Clarke J, Lloyd J, Hutchison CW, Downey L, Stough C. (2001). The acute effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy normal subjects. Hum Psychopharmacol. Jun;16(4):345-351.  

Nathan, P.J., Ricketts, E., Wesnes, K., Mrazek, L., Greville, W., & Stough, C. (2002). The acute nootropic effects of Ginkgo biloba in healthy older human subjects: a preliminary investigation. Human Psychopharmacology, 17, 45-49.

Nathan PJ, Tanner S, Lloyd J, Harrison B, Curran L, Oliver C, Stough C. (2004). Effects of a combined extract of Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in healthy humans. Hum Psychopharmacol Mar;19, 2: 91-6.  

Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, Nathan PJ. (2001). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). Aug;156(4):481- 483

Stough C, Clarke J, Lloyd J, Nathan PJ. Neuropsychological changes after 30-day Ginkgo biloba administration in healthy participants. (2001) Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. Jun;4(2):131-4 

Timoshanko A, Stough C, Vitetta L, Nathan PJ. (2001). A preliminary investigation on the acute pharmacodynamic effects of hypericum on cognitive and psychomotor performance. Behav Pharmacol. Dec;12(8):635-40.

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