Adrian L Lopresti

• B.A (Hons), M.A., PhD
• Managing Director at Clinical Research Australia

Background Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble antioxidant nutrients that have evidence of beneficial effects on vision and eye health. Purpose Examine the effects of supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users. Study design Two-arm, 6-mon...

Research on nutraceutical and dietary interventions in psychiatry has grown substantially, but progress is hindered by methodological inconsistencies and limited reporting standards. To address this, the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research presents the first guidelines on clinical trial design, conduct, and reporting for futur...

Background: Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble antioxidant nutrients that have evidence of beneficial effects on vision and eye health. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic users. Study desi...

Background: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a nutritional supplement on changes in cognitive performance. Methods: In adults aged 40 to 70 years with subjective memor...

Background: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods has been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a nutritional supplement on changes in cognitive performance. Methods: In adults aged 40 to 70 years with subjective memory...

Background Stress is a state of homeostasis in the body being challenged, resulting in a systemic response. It has become more prevalent in recent years and affects mental and physical health. Aims Evaluate the effects of ashwagandha on stress, fatigue, and sex hormones in overweight or mildly obese men and women with self-reported stress and fati...

Objectives: This article aims to report on the sleep health characteristics of a population-level sample of young Australian adults and examine associations with measures of physical and mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study using data from the Raine Study. Data from participants (n = 1234) born into the study (Generation 2) at the 22-...

Objectives: Testosterone concentrations in men decline with advancing age. However, the cause of the decline is yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the associations between chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SH...

Background Polyphenols are naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants. Research suggests that their intake reduces the risk of cognitive decline and related dementias. Grapes and blueberries are polyphenol-rich foods that have attracted attention for their potential cognitive-enhancing effects. Purpose Examine the effects of supplementa...

Introduction Testosterone concentrations in men decline with advancing age, with low testosterone concentrations being associated with multiple morbidities, an increased risk of early mortality, and a reduced quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of alcohol on testosterone synthesis in men by investigating its effect...

Background: In Ayurveda, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) is referred to as “the elixir of life” and is believed to promote longevity and general wellbeing. Although limited, there are clinical trials to suggest Ocimum tenuiflorum has anti-stress effects. Purpose: Examine the effects of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolizerTM) on subjec...

Background In Ayurveda, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) is referred to as “the elixir of life” and is believed to promote longevity and general wellbeing. Although limited, there are clinical trials to suggest Ocimum tenuiflorum has anti-stress effects. Purpose Examine the effects of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolizerTM) on subject...

Background Saffron, derived from the stigmas of the Crocus Sativus flower, has been shown in several studies to improve mood and wellbeing in adults experiencing low mood and anxiety. The goals of this study were to examine its mental and physical effects in healthy, recreationally active adults. Methods In this 6-week, randomized, double-blind, p...

Objectives: The therapeutic use of nutrient-based 'nutraceuticals' and plant-based 'phytoceuticals' for the treatment of mental disorders is common; however, despite recent research progress, there have not been any updated global clinical guidelines since 2015. To address this, the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) an...

Background Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble, dietary carotenoids with high concentrations in human brain tissue. There have been a number studies confirming an association between lutein and zeaxanthin and cognitive function. Purpose Examine the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on cognitive function in adults with self-reporte...

Curcumin is the major biologically active polyphenolic constituent in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) that has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. Interest in curcumin as a treatment for mental health conditions has increased and there is an expanding body o...

Curcumin, a phytochemical from the spice turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to have pain-relieving effects. In this 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 101 adults with knee osteoarthritis received either 500 mg twice daily of a stand-ardised curcumin extract (Curcugen ®) or placebo. Outcome measure...

Context: Testosterone concentrations decline with age, and lower testosterone concentrations are associated with several morbidities, including sexual dysfunction, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome. Objective: Because dietary habits play a critical role in weight regulation and T2DM management, the aim of this syst...

Background: Oroxylum indicum has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for the prevention and treatment of several diseases and may have neuroprotective effects. Purpose: Examine the effects of Oroxylum indicum on cognitive function in older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints. Study Design: Two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week, rand...

In this 28-day, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 adults with self-reported poor sleep received either a placebo or a standardised Bacopa monnieri extract (150 mg twice daily). Outcome measures included the Bergen Insomnia Scale (primary outcome measure), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Diary, Shor...

Objectives: There is preliminary evidence suggesting saffron may effectively treat menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability and efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) on menopausal complaints in perimenopausal women. Methods: In this 12-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial,...

Objective/Background: To validate and extend on previous positive findings of the sleep-enhancing effects of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep. Patients/Methods: In this 28-day, 3-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 120 adults with unsatisfactory sleep received either a placebo, 14 mg, or 28 mg...

Background: The acute anxiolytic effects of the echinacea angustifolia extract (EP107TM) have been demonstrated in two previous human trials. The goals of this study were to examine the anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects of echinacea angustifolia over a longer duration with a larger sample size. Methods: In this 6-week, 3-arm, parallel-group, d...

Introduction: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in the stress response. Plants, herbs, spices, and plant-based nutrients may influence HPA-axis activity. Objective: To evaluate randomised controlled, human trials assessing the effects of single plants or phytonutrients on HPA-axis related hormones. Methods: A s...

Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for over 3,000 years. Because interest and the popularity of ashwagandha has increased in several Western countries, there are an increasing number of human trials evaluating its efficacy across a range of conditions. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, human trial...

Objectives: Plant-based medicines have had a long-standing history of use in psychiatric disorders. Highly quantified and standardized extracts or isolates may be termed "phytoceuticals," in a similar way that medicinal nutrients are termed as "nutraceuticals." Over the past 2 decades, several meta-analyses have examined the data for a range of pl...

Background There is preliminary evidence to suggest curcumin can alleviate digestive symptoms in adults with self-reported digestive complaints and irritable bowel syndrome. However, in all these trials, curcumin was used as a component of a multi-herbal combination and there were consistent concerns associated with risk of bias in most studies. Th...

Testosterone concentrations in males tend to decline with advancing age. Low testosterone, also known as androgen deficiency (AD), is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, the primary treatment for AD is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which may exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, the us...

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and suitability of a brief integrative intervention, Personalized Integrative Therapy (PI Therapy), for the treatment of adult depression and/or anxiety. In this 6-week, 3-arm, parallel-group, randomized trial, PI Therapy delivered alone or with nutritional supplements (PI Therapy + Supps) was c...

Herbal treatments are often used as a treatment for migraine. Therefore, an evaluation of their safety and efficacy is important. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, and Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias, a systematic literature review of randomised, controlled human...

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Herbal medicines are frequently used by adults with sleep difficulties. However, evidence of their efficacy is limited. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the sleep-enhancing effects of a standardised saffron extract (affron). METHODS: This was a 28-day, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Sixt...

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation between consecutive heartbeats. It provides a marker of the interplay between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, and there is an increasing body of evidence confirming an increased HRV is associated with better mental and physical health. HRV may be a useful marker of stre...

Background: As a stand-alone intervention, saffron has efficacy for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. However, research as an adjunct agent is limited. Aims: The effects of saffron as an adjunct to pharmaceutical antidepressants in adults with persistent depression was investigated. Methods: In this eight-week, randomised, double-blin...

Background: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a herb traditionally used to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate its anxiolytic effects on adults with self-reported high stress and to examine potential mechanisms associated with its therapeutic effects. Methods: In this 60-day, randomized, doubl...

Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand for change. Excess or chronic psychological or environmental stress is associated with an increased risk of mental and physical diseases, with several mechanisms theorized to be associated with its detrimental effects. One underappreciated potential mechanism relates to the effects of psy...

Context: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has gained interest as a potential treatment in psychiatry. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation, as both an adjunctive therapy and monotherapy, on symptoms of depression and anxiety in clinical and general populations compared with ph...

Psychological and pharmacological interventions are the most common treatments for adult depression. While these interventions have robust evidence supporting their efficacy, there remain up to 60 percent of individuals who do not respond to treatment, or only partially respond. Unfortunately, efforts at improving outcome rates from new or modified...

Diet, sleep, and exercise are lifestyle factors important for the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These lifestyle factors can contribute to dysregulation in important physiological mechanisms associated with psychiatric disorders and influ...

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight me...

Psychiatric disorders are characterized by an overlapping set of pathophysiological pathways that include monoamines but also neurotrophins, apoptotic and mitochondrial pathways, epigenetics, and dysregulation of immunity and redox balance, counterbalanced by cellular resilience and defence pathways and the effects of treatment. These conspire in a...

Increasing evidence suggests that major depressive disorder is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and consequently, increased oxidative stress. In this chapter, the role of mitochondria and how they potentially influence physiological processes associated with depression are reviewed. Research on mitochondrial disturbances in adults with dep...

Abstract Background To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a poly-herbal formulation, Herbagut, for the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and its effect on quality of life parameters in patients presenting with self-reported, unsatisfactory bowel habits. Methods This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty adults...

Curcumin, from the spice turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and neurotrophic activity and therefore holds promise as a therapeutic agent to prevent and treat several disorders. However, a major barrier to curcumin's clinical efficacy is its poor bioavailability. Efforts have therefore been dedicated to develop...

Background: Saffron has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in adults with mild-to-moderate depression. However, this is the first study examining its mood-related effects in teenagers. Methods: In this 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, youth aged 12-16 years, with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depressive symptoms were...

Objective: There is growing evidence confirming increased inflammation in a subset of adults with depression. The impact of this relationship has mostly been considered in biologically based interventions; however, it also has potential implications for psychological therapies. Cognitive behaviour therapy is the most commonly used psychological in...

Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a range of ailments. Its primary active constituent curcumin, can influence an array of biological activities. Many of these, such as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and monoaminergic effects are dysregulated in several neuropsychiatric disorders. In this sys...

Genus Salvia, commonly known as sage, is the largest genus in the Lamiaceae family. It comprises many species traditionally used as brain-enhancing tonics. In vitro and animal studies have confirmed that several Salvia species contain a large array of active compounds that may enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegenerative disease...

Objectives: It is well accepted that diet quality has an important role in the prevention and treatment of several physical diseases. However, its influence on mental health has received far less attention, although there is increasing evidence to support a relationship with depression. In this narrative review, investigations into the relationship...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a complex aetiology although theories associated with disturbances in dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity are most commonly cited. The importance of these catecholamines in ADHD is supported by its effective treatment utilising stimulant and non-stimulant medications that modify their activity...

Paediatric depression is estimated to affect 15-20% of youths prior to adulthood and is associated with significant social, educational and physical impairment. Current treatments comprise moderately efficacious psychological therapies and pharmaceutical antidepressants. However, nutritional therapies are also available and are regularly sought by...

Major depression is a debilitating condition affecting approximately 10% of the population. While primary treatments comprise pharmaceutical and/or psychological interventions, efficacy rates are far from ideal, reaching treatment remission rates of only 20 to 40%. Diet and exercise are two lifestyle factors that are commonly associated with major...

A recent randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted by our research group, provided partial support for the efficacy of supplementation with a patented curcumin extract (500 mg, twice daily) for 8 weeks in reducing depressive symptoms in people with major depressive disorder. In the present paper, a secondary, exploratory analysis...

Background: Saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, has now undergone several trials examining its antidepressant effects and, in a recent meta-analysis, was confirmed to be effective for the treatment of major depression. Objective: To provide an expanded systematic analysis of the completed clinical studies on saffron and depr...

Biomarkers are regularly used in medicine to provide objective indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to therapeutic interventions, and have proved invaluable in expanding our understanding and treatment of medical diseases. In the field of psychiatry, assessment and treatment has, however, prim...

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric and has attracted increasing attention for the treatment of a range of conditions. Research into its potential as a treatment for depression is still in its infancy, although several potential antidepressant mechanisms of action have been identified. Research completed to da...