» Articles » PMID: 31744119

Sub-Chronic Consumption of Dark Chocolate Enhances Cognitive Function and Releases Nerve Growth Factors: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial

Overview
Journal Nutrients
Date 2019 Nov 21
PMID 31744119
Citations 15
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Previous research has shown that habitual chocolate intake is related to cognitive performance and that frequent chocolate consumption is significantly associated with improved memory. However, little is known about the effects of the subchronic consumption of dark chocolate (DC) on cognitive function and neurotrophins. Eighteen healthy young subjects (both sexes; 20-31 years old) were randomly divided into two groups: a DC intake group ( = 10) and a cacao-free white chocolate (WC) intake group ( = 8). The subjects then consumed chocolate daily for 30 days. Blood samples were taken to measure plasma levels of theobromine (a methylxanthine most often present in DC), nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and to analyze hemodynamic parameters. Cognitive function was assessed using a modified Stroop color word test and digital cancellation test. Prefrontal cerebral blood flow was measured during the tests. DC consumption increased the NGF and theobromine levels in plasma, enhancing cognitive function performance in both tests. Interestingly, the DC-mediated enhancement of cognitive function was observed three weeks after the end of chocolate intake. WC consumption did not affect NGF and theobromine levels or cognitive performance. These results suggest that DC consumption has beneficial effects on human health by enhancing cognitive function.

Citing Articles

Cacao Ameliorates Amyloid Beta-Induced Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Disturbances.

Basir H, Mirazi N, Komaki A, Ramezani M, Hosseini A Neurosci Insights. 2024; 19:26331055241280638.

PMID: 39314637 PMC: 11418343. DOI: 10.1177/26331055241280638.


Bedtime banana and milk intake on sleep and biochemical parameters.

Keser M, Yuksel A, Ekmekci A, Vatansev H Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2024; 33(4):481-489.

PMID: 39209357 PMC: 11389809. DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.202412_33(4).0002.


Cacao consumption improves passive avoidance memory impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress.

Basir H, Mirazi N, Komaki A, Hosseini A Front Pharmacol. 2024; 15:1379264.

PMID: 38756381 PMC: 11096498. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379264.


The effects of dark chocolate on cognitive performance during cognitively demanding tasks: A randomized, single-blinded, crossover, dose-comparison study.

Sasaki A, Mizuno K, Morito Y, Oba C, Nakamura K, Natsume M Heliyon. 2024; 10(2):e24430.

PMID: 38268830 PMC: 10803911. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24430.


Neuroprotective effect of isovaleraldehyde accompanied with upregulation of BDNF and CREB phosphorylation via the PKA pathway.

Shimada Y, Kumazoe M, Otsuka Y, Tetsuzen R, Fujimura Y, Tachibana H J Nat Med. 2023; 78(1):208-215.

PMID: 38063995 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01763-1.


References
1.
Abd El Mohsen M, Gunter Kuhnle , Rechner A, Schroeter H, Rose S, Jenner P . Uptake and metabolism of epicatechin and its access to the brain after oral ingestion. Free Radic Biol Med. 2002; 33(12):1693-702. DOI: 10.1016/s0891-5849(02)01137-1. View

2.
Lim S, Moon M, Oh H, Kim H, Kim S, Oh M . Ginger improves cognitive function via NGF-induced ERK/CREB activation in the hippocampus of the mouse. J Nutr Biochem. 2014; 25(10):1058-65. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.05.009. View

3.
Loprinzi P, Lovorn A . Exercise and Cognitive Function. J Clin Med. 2019; 8(10). PMC: 6832861. DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101707. View

4.
Njike V, Faridi Z, Shuval K, Dutta S, Kay C, West S . Effects of sugar-sweetened and sugar-free cocoa on endothelial function in overweight adults. Int J Cardiol. 2009; 149(1):83-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.12.010. View

5.
Pomportes L, Brisswalter J, Casini L, Hays A, Davranche K . Cognitive Performance Enhancement Induced by Caffeine, Carbohydrate and Guarana Mouth Rinsing during Submaximal Exercise. Nutrients. 2017; 9(6). PMC: 5490568. DOI: 10.3390/nu9060589. View