Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract ofOpuntia ficus-indicavar.sabotenStems for Improving Cognitive Function in Elderly Subjects 55-85 Years of age: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Many natural compounds have been reported to improve cognitive function in cell- and animal-based studies. In this clinical trial, we evaluated the efficacy of ethanolic extract ofOpuntia ficus-indicavar.sabotenstem for improving cognitive function using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n = 81) in aged people. After 12 weeks of administration of OFE (a mixture of ethanolic extract ofO. ficus-indicavar.Sabotenstem and dextrin) or placebo, the effect on cognitive function was assessed. Overall, OFE did not show a significant difference from the placebo in terms of efficacy. However, the cognitive function significantly improved in the OFE group compared with the placebo group in the subgroup <= 70 years of age, which means that the effect of OFE administration exhibits an age-dependent effect. In addition, the safety of OFE was confirmed by analyzing blood test results, vital signs, and electrocardiograms. In conclusion, OFE administration in participants <= 70 years of age shows a positive effect on overall cognitive function. The trial was registered on CRIS (the Clinical Research Information Service), administered by the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (Registration Number: KCT0003766; URL:https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=12957).