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enXtra Extract

Also known as: Thai ginger, greater galangal, enXtra®, Alpinia galanga

Overview

enXtra® is a proprietary extract derived from the rhizome of *Alpinia galanga*, a plant traditionally used in Southeast Asian cuisine and medicine. It is primarily marketed as a caffeine-free nootropic, designed to enhance mental alertness, focus, and energy while reducing fatigue. This extract is incorporated into various dietary supplements, energy drinks, and functional foods. Emerging research, including randomized controlled trials, supports its efficacy in improving cognitive performance and combating fatigue. The available evidence suggests that enXtra offers a natural alternative for cognitive enhancement without the typical stimulant effects associated with caffeine, making it suitable for individuals seeking sustained mental clarity and energy.

Benefits

enXtra offers significant improvements in mental alertness, focus, and reaction time, alongside a reduction in fatigue. A 28-day randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 62 healthy adults demonstrated that 300 mg/day of enXtra significantly improved mental alertness, as measured by Symbol Digit Coding, Stroop, and Shifting Attention tests, compared to a placebo. Acute effects include a rapid increase in alertness, sustained for up to 5 hours post-dose, with approximately 3-fold increases in correct responses and 4-fold improvements in subjective alertness ratings at 2 hours. Fatigue scores were also significantly reduced 5-6 hours after supplementation. These benefits have been observed in healthy adults following both single doses and subacute 4-week supplementation, indicating its potential for both immediate and sustained cognitive support. The research quality is high, with well-conducted RCTs supporting these claims.

How it works

enXtra's mechanism of action involves several neurochemical pathways. Molecular docking studies suggest that its bioactive compounds inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which could lead to increased acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory. The extract also appears to increase dopamine levels by blocking dopamine reuptake, potentially enhancing visuospatial performance and mental clarity. Furthermore, enXtra may inhibit adenosine receptors, contributing to increased attention and alertness without the stimulant side effects commonly associated with caffeine. These combined effects on cholinergic, dopaminergic, and adenosinergic systems underpin the observed improvements in cognitive function and subjective alertness.

Side effects

Clinical trials have indicated that enXtra is well-tolerated in healthy adults at a dose of 300 mg/day. A 28-day randomized controlled trial reported no significant adverse events, and hematology and clinical chemistry parameters remained within normal limits. No serious side effects or drug interactions have been documented in the available clinical literature. The extract does not appear to cause the typical stimulant side effects like jitteriness or sleep disruption often associated with caffeine. While short-term safety data are favorable, long-term safety data are currently limited. No specific contraindications have been reported, but individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Dosage

The effective dosage of enXtra extract, as demonstrated in clinical trials, is 300 mg per day. Benefits from a single dose can be observed within 30 minutes and may last for up to 5 hours. Chronic supplementation over 4 weeks has also shown sustained efficacy. enXtra is available in various formulations, including capsules and as an ingredient in functional foods and beverages. Currently, there is no established data on the maximum safe dose or guidelines for dose escalation. It is recommended to adhere to the clinically studied dosage to ensure both efficacy and safety.

FAQs

Is enXtra a caffeine substitute?

Yes, enXtra provides benefits for alertness and energy similar to caffeine but without the typical stimulant side effects like jitters or sleep disruption.

How quickly does enXtra start to work?

Improvements in mental alertness and reaction time can be observed as early as 30 minutes after taking a single dose of enXtra.

Is enXtra safe for daily use?

Short-term use (up to 4 weeks) of enXtra at 300 mg/day has been shown to be safe with no reported adverse effects in clinical trials.

Will enXtra cause jitteriness or sleep disruption?

No, clinical studies have not indicated that enXtra causes typical caffeine-like side effects such as jitteriness or disruption of sleep patterns.

Research Sources

https://www.gavinpublishers.com/assets/articles_pdf/Alpinia-galanga-Extract-IncreasesA-lertness-Focus-and-Energy-While-Lowering-Fatigue-and-Daytime-Sleepiness-with-Four-Weeks-Supplementation-A-Randomized-Double-Blind-Placebo-Controlled--Cross-Over-Study-in-Human-Subjects.pdf – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with 62 healthy adults demonstrated that 300 mg/day of Alpinia galanga extract (enXtra) significantly improved mental alertness and reduced fatigue over 28 days. The study found the extract to be safe and well-tolerated, supporting its use as a cognitive enhancer.
https://omniactives.com/press-releases/enxtra-increases-alertness-and-decreases-fatigue/ – This press release highlights findings from a clinical study on enXtra, emphasizing its ability to increase alertness and decrease fatigue. It suggests that enXtra provides rapid and sustained cognitive benefits without the side effects associated with caffeine, positioning it as an effective caffeine alternative.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=86091 – This in silico molecular docking study investigated the potential mechanisms of action for Alpinia galanga phytoconstituents. It identified that compounds in the extract may inhibit acetylcholinesterase, block dopamine uptake, and interact with adenosine receptors, providing a molecular basis for its observed cognitive-enhancing effects.