Synergistic Actions of Natural Compounds for Enhancing Cognitive and Physical Performance: A Narrative Review

Energy drinks are widely consumed for cognitive and physical enhancement, yet most commercial formulations rely on a narrow mechanism: rapid stimulation from synthetic caffeine combined with artificial sweeteners. This stimulant-centric strategy overlooks the multidimensional physiology underlying sustained human energy, which emerges from interactions among neurocognitive activation, nitric oxide-mediated vascular function, mitochondrial ATP production, and metabolic homeostasis. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on naturally derived compounds that influence these pathways, including guayusa, guarana, Alpinia galanga, theobromine, L-citrulline, beetroot extract, cordyceps, and niacin, as well as natural sweeteners such as monk fruit and stevia. Evidence suggests that these agents may support cognitive performance, oxygen efficiency, vascular perfusion, and cellular energy capacity through mechanisms distinct from those of traditional energy drinks. However, heterogeneity across extract standardization, dosing, and study design limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. A system-level understanding of energy physiology may guide the development of formulations better aligned with long-term cardiovascular, cognitive, and metabolic health.