Intake of ETAS^® Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

As the aging population grows, the prevalence of dementia continues to increase, creating an urgent need for preventive strategies. ETAS, a standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem, has been shown to influence brain functions such as stress reduction and autonomic regulation. However, its specific effects on cognitive functions remain unclear. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of ETAS on cognitive function in healthy adults. Sixty-six adults aged ≥40 y with normal cognitive function (Japanese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE-J] ≥24) were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg/d of ETAS or placebo for 12 wk. A comprehensive evaluation of cognitive function was conducted using Cognitrax, which includes various domains such as memory, attention, and visual information processing. Primary endpoint was the change in standardized score for composite memory, defined as the sum of verbal and visual memory scores, after continual intake of the test product for 12 wk. Sixty participants were included in the efficacy analysis. Compared with the placebo group, the ETAS group showed significantly greater improvements in composite memory score at 6 wk (difference: 12.8 points, p=0.006) and 12 wk (difference: 9.0 points, p=0.048). No adverse events related to ETAS were reported. These findings suggest that ETAS may help maintain and enhance memory function in healthy adults and individuals with suspected mild cognitive impairment. Clinical Trial No.: UMIN000048006.