In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for cognitive performance has never been higher. Whether you’re a student cramming for exams, an athlete looking for that mental edge, or a professional powering through deadlines, mental energy has become as crucial as physical stamina. This growing need has sparked a revolution in the supplement industry, with consumers increasingly seeking solutions that enhance focus, alertness, and cognitive function without the downsides of traditional stimulants.
enXtra delivers 5 hours of clean mental energy from Thai ginger (Alpinia galanga) from OmniActive Health Technologies. Clinical studies show enhanced alertness in 30 minutes with no jitters, crash, or sleep disruption. Perfect afternoon alternative to caffeine!
Enter enXtra, an innovative, clinically studied botanical ingredient derived from Alpinia galanga (Thai ginger) from OmniActive Health Technologies that’s changing how we approach mental energy supplementation. While we got our first taste of this ingredient during our conversation with Cody Flynn at Natural Products Expo West 2025 (see Episode #165 of the PricePlow Podcast), it’s time to dive deeper into what makes this extract so special.
Beyond Physical Energy: enXtra and the Cognitive Revolution
The supplement landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade. Where energy products once focused almost exclusively on physical performance, today’s consumers recognize that true productivity requires mental sharpness as well. This shift has created a new category of nootropic ingredients designed specifically to support cognitive function, with enXtra standing in the middle of the conversation.
What sets enXtra apart is its unique approach to mental energy. Unlike caffeine, which works by blocking adenosine receptors, enXtra influences dopamine pathways and acetylcholinesterase activity to enhance alertness and focus without the jitters, crash, or sleep disruption associated with traditional stimulants. The result is sustained mental energy that can last up to five hours, with benefits often noticeable within the first 30 minutes, as shown in the research discussed in this article.
A Clean and Safe Botanical for the Clean Label Movement
This innovation comes at a perfect time, as consumers increasingly demand clean, natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients. A recent survey from OmniActive revealed that “mental energy” ranks as the top priority for many in achieving their health and wellness goals. These same consumers want products that deliver experiential benefits without compromising their commitment to natural, research-backed ingredients.
enXtra: OmniActive’s dopamine-boosting Alpinia galanga extract
enXtra meets these demands as a standardized, water-soluble extract of Alpinia galanga, a botanical with centuries of traditional use in Asian cuisine and medicine. With its self-affirmed GRAS status, clinically validated effects and safety research, enXtra represents the perfect convergence of traditional wisdom and modern science.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about enXtra:
- The science behind its mental energy benefits
- The key research studies validating its effects
- Optimal dosing and usage strategies
- Product formulas and application examples
- Who can benefit from this innovative ingredient
Whether you’re a supplement enthusiast, a formulator, or simply someone looking for a cleaner approach to mental energy, this guide has you covered. Let’s explore how enXtra is redefining what’s possible in the realm of cognitive performance.
Subscribe to PricePlow's Newsletter and Alerts on These Topics
What is enXtra?
enXtra is a proprietary, standardized extract derived from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga, a plant commonly known as greater galangal or Thai ginger. This botanical ingredient has gained significant attention in the supplement industry for its ability to enhance mental energy, alertness, and focus without the unwanted side effects often associated with caffeine.[1]
Developed by OmniActive Health Technologies, enXtra represents a modern approach to addressing the growing demand for clean-label, natural cognitive enhancers that can provide sustained mental energy without the jitters, crash, or sleep disruption commonly associated with traditional stimulants.
The Rich History of Alpinia galanga
Alpinia galanga belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes turmeric and common ginger. It’s been cultivated for centuries throughout Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, where it has played a dual role in both culinary traditions and traditional medicine systems.[2]
Traditional Medicine Applications
In Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, Alpinia galanga has been used to support digestive health and address various inflammatory conditions. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine has incorporated the rhizome for its warming properties and to help support healthy respiratory function. The plant has also been used to address rheumatic pain, bad breath, and even as an aphrodisiac in some traditional practices.[2]
In many Asian cultures, it’s been employed as a nervine tonic and stimulant, providing an early indication of its effects on mental function and energy.[3] This traditional application for mental stimulation aligns with enXtra’s modern, clinically-validated cognitive benefits, representing a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary science.
Culinary Significance
The aromatic rhizome also serves as a key flavoring ingredient in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisines, contributing a distinctive peppery, citrusy flavor profile to traditional dishes. Its culinary applications range from soups and curries to marinades and pastes, highlighting its versatility and cultural importance in Southeast Asian food traditions.[2]
Beyond adding flavor, Thai ginger is valued for its ability to mask undesirable aromas in certain dishes, especially seafood, while simultaneously enhancing overall taste. This dual functionality has cemented its place as an essential ingredient in numerous traditional recipes across Asia.[4]
Botanical Classification and Cultivation
Alpinia galanga is a robust, perennial plant that grows to heights of 2-3 meters with long, narrow leaves and striking white flowers with bits of pink. The plant produces thick, reddish-brown rhizomes with a creamy white interior that contain its valuable bioactive compounds.[4]
Geographic Distribution and Growing Conditions
Native to Indonesia and cultivated extensively across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and India, Alpinia galanga thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm, humid environments with partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. It requires consistent moisture but can’t tolerate waterlogged conditions. In optimal growing environments, the rhizomes develop higher concentrations of the essential oils and compounds that contribute to its bioactive properties.[4]
What Makes enXtra Different
While Alpinia galanga has been used traditionally for centuries, enXtra represents a modern, scientifically-validated approach to harnessing the plant’s benefits. Unlike generic galangal extracts, enXtra is produced through a careful standardization process that ensures consistent levels of bioactive compounds.
Advanced Quality Control
enXtra undergoes DNA authentication to verify the correct Alpinia species is used in production. This critical step ensures that the extract contains the specific bioactive compounds identified in clinical research to support mental alertness and focus,[5] research that is covered lower in this article. Such verification is also important because species misidentification isn’t an uncommon problem in the dietary supplement industry.
OmniActive’s stringent quality control process stands in stark contrast to traditional preparations or generic extracts of Alpinia galanga, which may vary widely in their bioactive component profile and potentially contain undesirable compounds. enXtra’s standardized approach provides predictable efficacy and safety that meets modern regulatory requirements while maximizing the plant’s natural benefits.
Phytochemical Profile
The extract is standardized to contain:
- Minimum 4% polyphenols (as gallic acid equivalent)
- Minimum 3% flavonoids (as rutin equivalent)
- Minimum 30% glycosides
- Minimum 1% pyrocatecollic-type tannins
These bioactive components work together synergistically to deliver enXtra’s cognitive benefits. Discussed in greater detail in the upcoming mechanisms section, polyphenols and flavonoids exhibit powerful antioxidant properties, protecting neural cells from oxidative stress while supporting healthy inflammatory responses. Glycosides interact with various intracellular signaling pathways related to neuroprotective functions, while pyrocatecollic tannins provide additional antioxidant support. Together, this balanced phytochemical profile creates a multi-target approach to enhancing mental energy and cognitive function,[6] all of which is explored in numerous human clinical studies detailed below.
Production Excellence
enXtra is manufactured using a gentle, solvent-free extraction process that preserves the rhizome’s delicate bioactive compounds. This water-based extraction method yields a highly water-soluble (>98%) powder with distinctive roasted, cocoa, and coffee-like notes, making it suitable for various supplement formulations.
The production occurs in state-of-the-art facilities that transform the harvested rhizomes into the final standardized extract. The careful processing begins with the selection of mature, high-quality rhizomes, followed by cleaning, drying, and the proprietary extraction process that focuses on isolating and concentrating the key bioactive compounds while maintaining their natural ratios and synergistic effects.
As discussed in our podcast with Cody Flynn, OmniActive has implemented impressive sustainability initiatives in their manufacturing process. Their facilities employ eco-friendly practices, including the use of steam generated from burning sawdust and other materials as a sustainable energy source for extraction processes. This commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in their tracking of carbon savings throughout production.
The extraction process is specifically designed to maximize the preservation of the rhizome’s natural bioactive profile while removing unwanted components. This careful balance ensures that the final extract delivers consistent benefits while maintaining its natural integrity—an important consideration for today’s health-conscious consumers who seek clean-label, minimally processed ingredients.
The production facilities adhere to BRC certification and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, ensuring product safety and consistency. These protocols and established safety research have helped enXtra achieve self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status and global regulatory acceptance in markets including the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Through this combination of traditional botanical wisdom and modern scientific methodologies, enXtra represents a next-generation approach to supporting mental energy and cognitive performance. Its standardized composition, rigorous quality controls, and clinical validation set it apart as a premium cognitive support ingredient that delivers consistent benefits with each dose.
Physical and Chemical Properties
enXtra possesses several notable physical and chemical characteristics that make it ideal for various formulations:
- Organoleptic profile: The extract features distinctive roasted, cocoa, and coffee-like notes with no off-notes, making it suitable for inclusion in a variety of delivery formats.
- Water solubility: With greater than 98% solubility in water, enXtra can be easily incorporated into various liquid formulations, including ready-to-drink beverages, powders, and shots.
- pH profile: Maintaining a pH range of 4-6 in a 10% aqueous solution, enXtra provides formulation stability across various applications.
- Physical characteristics: enXtra is a light to dark brown free-flowing powder with a bulk density of at least 0.3 g/ml and a tapped density of at least 0.4 g/ml, with a particle size where a minimum of 95% passes through a #40 mesh.
This precise phytochemical profile, standardized extraction process, and consistent physical properties greatly separate enXtra from generic Thai ginger extracts, ensuring reliable mental energy benefits in each dose. The multi-target action of its bioactive compounds provides a well-rounded approach to mental energy that addresses several complementary neural pathways, as discussed in the mechanisms section next:
Mechanisms: The Deep Science Behind enXtra
Understanding enXtra’s underlying mechanisms reveals why this botanical extract is becoming so popular. Let’s explore the neurobiological pathways through which enXtra delivers its benefits.
-
Enhanced Dopamine Signaling
At the core of enXtra’s cognitive-enhancing properties lies its interaction with dopamine pathways. Molecular docking studies suggest that bioactive compounds in Alpinia galanga can bind to dopamine transporter (DAT) proteins, inhibiting dopamine reuptake.[6] This allows dopamine to remain active in the synaptic cleft longer, enhancing signaling throughout attention networks in the prefrontal cortex.
Unlike stimulants that trigger massive dopamine release, enXtra appears to work more subtly by optimizing existing dopamine activity, contributing to improved focus without overstimulation.
-
COMT Inhibition: Extending Dopamine’s Effects
Another proposed mechanism involves the inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), a key enzyme responsible for breaking down dopamine. OmniActive’s internal testing shows that phytochemicals in Alpinia galanga have demonstrated COMT inhibitory effects in biochemical assays.[5]
-
Acetylcholinesterase Modulation
Acetylcholine is essential for learning, memory, and attention. Studies indicate that compounds in Alpinia galanga can decrease acetylcholinesterase activity, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine.[7][8] This action allows for increased cholinergic transmission, supporting cognitive functions that require sustained attention and mental clarity.
This mechanistic profile positions enXtra as a sophisticated nootropic that enhances mental performance through targeted neurobiological pathways rather than brute-force stimulation.
Research and Clinical Evidence on enXtra
enXtra’s efficacy in supporting mental energy and cognitive performance is backed by a solid foundation of scientific research. Multiple human clinical trials have demonstrated its benefits for mental alertness, focus, and sustained attention, establishing enXtra as a caffeine-free powerhouse for consumers seeking natural cognitive support.
-
Screening Study in Humans for Alertness and Attention (Srivastava et al., 2017)
The journey to validate enXtra’s cognitive benefits began with a preliminary screening study designed to identify promising botanicals with psychostimulant potential. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated several plant extracts, including Alpinia galanga, traditionally used for their effects on attention and cognitive enhancement.[9]
Study Design
Researchers recruited 70 healthy, caffeine-habituated adults and divided them into seven treatment groups. The treatment groups included:
Five hours of alertness, zero jitters, and no sleep disruption–that’s what makes enXtra different. These aren’t just claims; they’re backed by multiple human studies showing real, measurable improvements.
- Alpinia galanga water-soluble extract (enXtra)
- Alpinia galanga water-insoluble extract
- Caffeine (200mg, as a positive control)
- Placebo
- Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) oil – traditionally used in tea for energy
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) water-soluble extract – reported to affect dopamine pathways
- Glycyrrhiza glabra water-insoluble extract
The researchers noted that they had “explored a plethora of herbs documented in the ancient scriptures and modern literature in order to locate the ones with beneficial effects on cognition”, ultimately selecting these three botanicals for initial screening.[9]
Participants followed a 7-day supplementation protocol and underwent testing using the Attention Network Test (ANT), a validated tool for measuring different aspects of attention including alertness, orientation, and executive function.
Results
Among all tested botanicals, the water-soluble Alpinia galanga extract (enXtra) demonstrated the most impressive results. Specifically:[9]
- enXtra significantly increased alertness scores compared to placebo and baseline at 1, 3, and 5 hours post-administration
- The improvement in alertness was sustained throughout the 5-hour testing period, with alertness scores showing increases of 107.31% (1 hour), 119.27% (3 hours), and 103.99% (5 hours) from baseline
- In contrast, caffeine showed an initial improvement in alertness that declined within 3 hours, demonstrating the typical “crash” effect
- Other botanical extracts in the study either showed no significant benefits or only short-term improvements
Safety Outcomes
The study reported no serious adverse events. The favorable safety profile provided confidence for further investigation into Alpinia galanga extract.
This screening study laid the crucial groundwork for subsequent research into enXtra, identifying its potential as a natural psychostimulant capable of supporting sustained mental alertness without the crash associated with caffeine.
-
Effect of enXtra on Mental Alertness and Sustained Attention (Srivastava, Mennemeier, & Pimple, 2017)
Building on the promising results from the screening study, researchers conducted a more rigorous investigation to evaluate enXtra’s effects on mental alertness and sustained attention, with and without caffeine. This study represented a significant advancement in understanding enXtra’s cognitive benefits.[1]
Study Design and Protocol
This clinical trial employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design with 59 caffeine-habituated participants (18-40 years old with normal/healthy BMI). The study featured four treatment arms:
- Placebo
- enXtra (300mg Alpinia galanga extract)
- Caffeine (200mg)
- Combination of enXtra (300mg) with caffeine (200mg)
The crossover design ensured that each participant received all four interventions on separate visits, with adequate washout periods between treatments. This approach allowed for direct comparisons of the different interventions within the same individuals, strengthening the study’s ability to detect differences between treatments.
Assessment Methods
The researchers utilized sophisticated cognitive testing tools to measure different aspects of attention and alertness. The Attention Network Test (ANT) was the primary assessment tool, designed to evaluate three distinct aspects of attention: alerting network (achieving and maintaining alertness), orienting network (selection of information from sensory input), and executive control network (resolving conflict among responses).[1]
Additionally, the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) was employed to measure sustained attention and reaction time, as it’s sensitive to fatigue-related changes in alertness. Sleep quality was also assessed using multiple measures including the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, sleep duration measurement, Groningen’s Sleep Quality Scale, and daily sleep diaries.
Key Results
The enXtra group demonstrated remarkable improvements in alertness compared to placebo, with significant increases at 1, 3, and 5 hours post-administration.[1]
At the 3-hour mark, enXtra showed a statistically significant improvement (p=0.042) compared to placebo, and the alertness benefit was sustained throughout the entire 5-hour testing period.
Caffeine Comparison
In contrast, the caffeine group showed a substantially different pattern. While there was an initial improvement in alertness at 1 hour post-administration, this was followed by a decline by the 3-hour mark, demonstrating the typical “caffeine crash”. The mean alertness score for caffeine actually decreased by 1.23 ms from baseline at 3 hours.[1]
Combination Effects
When enXtra and caffeine were combined, the results showed a significant increase in alertness at 1 hour (similar to caffeine alone), but with a less pronounced decline at 3 hours compared to caffeine alone. This suggests that enXtra helps mitigate the caffeine crash. The combination group also demonstrated a significantly reduced mean response time by 15.55 ms at 3 hours.
Sustained Attention Measures
Regarding sustained attention, the study revealed interesting patterns. The enXtra group by itself did not show significant improvements in mean response time. The caffeine group demonstrated declining trends in response time until 3 hours, followed by an increase. However, the combination group exhibited statistical significance at 5 hours compared to baseline, and significant decreases in mean response time compared to placebo at all measured time points (1, 3, and 5 hours).[1]
Sleep Architecture Evaluation: enXtra Does Not Affect Sleep!
A critical finding was that unlike caffeine, enXtra did not disrupt sleep architecture:
The vibrant blooms of Alpinia galanga (Thai ginger) — the botanical source behind enXtra’s cognitive benefits. This tropical plant from the ginger family has centuries of traditional use throughout Southeast Asia.
- No significant impact on sleep quality measures
- No increase in sleep latency
- No reduction in overall sleep quality
This presents a substantial advantage over caffeine, especially for afternoon use, since caffeine is known to interfere with sleep when consumed before bedtime, even if taken hours beforehand.
This study provided excellent evidence that enXtra can enhance mental alertness for up to 5 hours without the crash associated with caffeine, while potentially reducing the negative effects when used in combination with caffeine. The dual benefits of enhanced alertness without sleep disruption positioned enXtra as a promising natural alternative to traditional stimulants.
-
Effect of enXtra on Focused Attention (Srivastava 2018)
The previous research on enXtra established its benefits for mental alertness, but questions remained about its impact on attention accuracy and mental precision. This 2018 publication provided a supplemental analysis of data from the original crossover trial, focusing specifically on the accuracy aspects of cognitive performance.[10]
Study Background and Design
Described above, this study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design as the 2017 research with the same 59 healthy caffeine-habituated participants. The research team conducted a deeper analysis of the Attention Network Test (ANT) results, specifically examining error rates as a measure of focused attention and cognitive accuracy.
OmniActive Health Technologies: Excellence Through Innovation
Focused Attention Measurement
While the original study concentrated on response speed and alertness, this analysis zeroed in on the accuracy component of attention. Specifically, the ability to sustain focus and avoid mistakes during cognitively demanding tasks. The researchers analyzed:[10]
- Error rates across all test conditions
- Performance on congruent and incongruent flanker stimuli
- Changes in accuracy at multiple time points (1, 3, and 5 hours)
Key Results on Focused Attention
The supplemental analysis revealed compelling evidence for enXtra’s ability to enhance not just speed, but also accuracy in attention tasks.
Error Rate Reduction
After enXtra consumption, subjects demonstrated a remarkable decrease in error rates:[10]
- 29.46% reduction from baseline at 3 hours
- 17.4% reduction from baseline at 5 hours
- Consistent decline in errors beginning at 1 hour and sustained throughout testing
In stark contrast, the placebo group showed increasing error rates over time — a pattern typically observed during sustained cognitive tasks due to mental fatigue. Placebo subjects had a 4.9% increase in errors at 3 hours and a substantial 26.9% increase by 5 hours.
Comparison with Caffeine
The accuracy benefits of enXtra proved superior to caffeine in several ways:
- Caffeine initially decreased error rates (at 1 hour by 14.0%)
- However, caffeine users showed an increase in errors by 5 hours (+6.4%)
- This pattern mirrored the “caffeine crash” observed in alertness measures
The combined enXtra + caffeine group showed moderate benefits (7.9% decrease at 1 hour, 8.6% decrease at 3 hours) but not as pronounced as enXtra alone. However, the combination prevented the typical caffeine-related increase in errors at later time points.[10]
Implications for Cognitive Performance
These findings expanded the understanding of enXtra’s cognitive benefits beyond mere alertness to include improved attention quality and accuracy. This has significant implications for situations requiring both speed and precision.
Neurological Mechanisms
The researchers proposed that enXtra’s effects on focused attention might relate to its impact on brain regions associated with cognitive control. Specifically, they suggested it may influence alpha-band activity in the frontoparietal regions, though further research would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.
This study strengthened the case for enXtra as a comprehensive cognitive supporter — one that enhances both the speed and accuracy dimensions of mental performance without the mid-day crash associated with caffeine.
-
12-Week Safety Study (Srivastava, Mennemeier, & Chaudhary 2021)
enXtra: OmniActive’s dopamine-boosting Alpinia galanga extract
While previous studies established enXtra’s acute cognitive benefits, questions remained about its long-term safety and whether its effects would diminish with continued use, which is a commonly-known issue with caffeine. To address these questions, researchers conducted a well-designed 12-week safety assessment of enXtra.
Study Design and Participants
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial recruited 69 healthy adults with moderate caffeine consumption habits. Participants were divided into three groups receiving either:
- enXtra (300mg)
- enXtra (300mg) plus caffeine (200mg)
- Placebo
Notably, participants took their assigned supplement twice daily (after breakfast and evening snacks) for a full 12 weeks, allowing researchers to evaluate both safety and potential habituation.[11]
Comprehensive Safety Assessment
The study’s primary focus was cardiovascular safety. Researchers measured:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): No significant changes in P waves, QRS complex, or QT intervals were observed in any group throughout the 12-week period.
- Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained stable across all groups, with no statistically significant differences from baseline to the study’s conclusion.
- Blood Parameters: Hematology and clinical biochemistry markers showed no concerning changes.
These findings establish that long-term enXtra consumption doesn’t negatively affect cardiovascular health, which is a critical safety consideration for any supplement targeting mental energy.[11]
Research demonstrates that 300mg of enXtra keeps you sharp and focused for hours, with participants reporting sustained cognitive benefits that outlast other botanical extracts. Unlike stimulants that spike and crash, this Alpinia galanga extract maintains steady mental energy throughout your workday.
Sleep and Alertness Effects
Beyond safety, the study evaluated:
- Sleep Quality: Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), researchers found no significant sleep disruption in either the enXtra or enXtra-plus-caffeine groups.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores actually decreased in the enXtra group, suggesting reduced daytime sleepiness, though this change wasn’t statistically significant.
- Alertness and Calmness: Using Bond and Lader mood scales, both enXtra and enXtra-plus-caffeine groups showed significantly increased alertness and calmness scores compared to placebo.
No Habituation or Tolerance
An incredible finding was that enXtra continued providing cognitive benefits throughout the entire 12-week period. Unlike caffeine, which typically shows diminishing returns as tolerance develops, enXtra maintained its efficacy without requiring increased dosing! Even after 6 days of abstinence following the study period, there was no withdrawal effect — another incredible advantage.[11]
This study provides strong evidence that enXtra is not only safe for daily, long-term use, but also offers sustained cognitive benefits without the drawbacks of tolerance and withdrawal commonly associated with caffeine.
-
Acute Effects on Mental Alertness and Fatigue Within 30 Minutes (Eraiah et al., 2023)
In 2023, researchers further expanded the evidence base for enXtra with another thorough clinical investigation. This study sought to replicate and extend previous findings on mental alertness while adding new measures of accuracy, fatigue, and other cognitive performance indicators.[5]
Study Design and Methodology
The study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design involving 62 healthy adults. Participants were administered either 300mg of enXtra or a placebo, with a washout period between treatments. This design allowed researchers to isolate the effects of enXtra while controlling for individual differences in cognitive performance.
enXtra (AGE) users showed more correct responses and fewer errors compared to placebo across all time points. The gap widens as time progresses, demonstrating sustained cognitive accuracy.[5]
Assessment Timing and Tools
Unlike previous studies that began measurements at 1 hour post-dose, this research captured effects starting at just 30 minutes after administration, with additional assessments at 1, 2, and 5 hours. This approach allowed for a more precise determination of how quickly enXtra begins working. The researchers employed a battery of validated cognitive tests from the CNS Vital Signs platform, including:[5]
- Symbol Digit Coding (SDC) test: Measuring complex information processing accuracy and speed
- Shifting Attention Test (SAT): Evaluating executive function, rule application, and reaction time
- Stroop Test (ST): Assessing both simple and complex reaction times
- Alertness Rating Scale (ARS): Capturing subjective feelings of alertness
- Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F): Measuring fatigue, energy, and vigor
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS): Evaluating daytime sleepiness
Key Findings on Mental Alertness
The results demonstrated significant improvements in multiple aspects of mental performance with enXtra supplementation.
Four measures of cognitive performance showing enXtra’s impact on reaction times and accuracy. Lower reaction times and fewer errors indicate better focus and mental processing speed.[5]
Rapid Onset of Effects
One of the most notable findings was how quickly enXtra began working:[5]
- Significant improvements in alertness were observed as early as 30 minutes post-dose
- These benefits continued to build and remained significant at 1, 2, and 5 hours
- This rapid onset provides an advantage for situations requiring quick cognitive enhancement
Sustained Cognitive Benefits
The study confirmed enXtra’s lasting effects on mental performance:[5]
- Average correct responses increased significantly at 30 minutes and maintained improvement throughout the 5-hour testing period
- Error rates decreased significantly at both 30 minutes and 1 hour
- Simple reaction time was significantly reduced at 2 and 5 hours
- Alertness scores (as measured by ARS) were significantly higher at 2 and 5 hours compared to placebo
Effects on Fatigue and Energy
The researchers also examined how enXtra affects subjective feelings of fatigue and energy, measured 6-7 hours after supplementation.[5]
The enXtra group showed:
- Significant decrease in fatigue scores compared to placebo
- Significant increase in energy scores
- Trending increase in vigor sub-scale scores
- Significant decrease in daytime sleepiness at 1, 2, and 5 hours post-dose
These findings demonstrate that enXtra’s benefits extend beyond objective cognitive performance to include subjective feelings of mental energy and reduced fatigue, which can persist well into the day.
enXtra improves task-switching ability with more correct responses, reduced errors, and faster reaction times. This reflects enhanced mental flexibility throughout the testing period.[5]
Safety Profile
The study also reconfirmed enXtra’s favorable safety profile. Only one mild adverse event was reported in the enXtra group (compared to two in the placebo group), and all were classified as unrelated to the intervention. No clinically significant changes were observed in vital signs throughout the study.
Implications and Advancements
This research represents a significant advancement in our understanding of enXtra by:[5]
- Establishing a faster onset of action than previously documented (30 minutes vs. 1 hour)
- Confirming sustained benefits across a broader range of cognitive measures
- Demonstrating effects on subjective feelings of fatigue and energy
- Using more sophisticated testing instruments to capture various dimensions of cognitive performance
- Supporting the existing safety data
The researchers concluded that enXtra represents a viable alternative to caffeine for those seeking immediate and sustained improvements in alertness, accuracy, and mental energy without the negative side effects often associated with stimulants.
-
Four-Week Supplementation Study (Eraiah et al., 2023)
Building on previous acute dosing research, this 2023 study sought to explore enXtra’s efficacy over a more extended period, specifically examining whether its cognitive benefits would be maintained with daily supplementation over four weeks.
enXtra use over 28 days led to incredible nootropic benefits in numerous tests.[12]
Study Design and Methodology
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial involving 62 healthy adults experiencing fatigue and post-lunch sleepiness. Participants were randomized to receive either 300mg of enXtra or placebo daily for 28 days, followed by a 10-day washout period before crossing over to the alternate treatment for another 28 days.[12]
As a crossover study, it allowed participants to serve as their own controls, reducing individual variability and increasing statistical power.
Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment
Researchers used several validated cognitive assessment tools to measure multiple domains of mental performance:
- CNS Vital Signs computerized testing battery, including:
- Symbol Digit Coding (SDC) test: measuring processing speed
- Shifting Attention Test (SAT): evaluating executive function
- Stroop Test (ST): assessing reaction time and cognitive flexibility
- Alertness Rating Scale (ARS): quantifying perceived alertness
Secondary endpoints included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess daytime sleepiness and Visual Analogue Scales to evaluate fatigue, energy, and vigor.
Significant Cognitive Improvements
After 28 days of supplementation, the enXtra group showed several statistically significant improvements compared to placebo:[12]
- Enhanced Mental Accuracy: Significantly higher correct response rates on both the Symbol Digit Coding and Shifting Attention Tests
- Reduced Error Rates: Decreased errors across cognitive assessments, suggesting improved focus and attention
- Faster Processing: Reduced reaction times on both the Shifting Attention Test and Stroop Test
- Improved Task Shifting: Enhanced ability to transition between different cognitive tasks, reflecting greater mental flexibility
- Increased Subjective Alertness: Higher scores on the Alertness Rating Scale
Reduced Fatigue and Enhanced Energy
Beyond cognitive measures, enXtra produced significant improvements in several subjective well-being parameters:
- Decreased Daytime Sleepiness: Significant reduction in ESS scores
- Reduced Fatigue: Lower scores on the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue
- Increased Energy and Vigor: Higher scores on energy and vigor subscales
You’ll get research-backed cognitive benefits with just 300mg daily. This caffeine-free ingredient works solo or stacks perfectly with your favorite pre-workout or nootropic formulas.
These results indicate enXtra delivers benefits beyond pure cognitive enhancement, supporting overall mental energy and reducing fatigue over a prolonged supplementation period.[12]
Absence of Tolerance or Side Effects
Incredibly, enXtra’s benefits once again remained consistent throughout the 28-day supplementation period, with no evidence of tolerance development or habituation. No significant adverse events were reported, and all safety parameters remained within normal ranges, reinforcing enXtra’s favorable safety profile for ongoing use.
This study provided greater evidence that enXtra delivers sustainable cognitive benefits with daily use over an extended period, making it a promising option for those seeking ongoing support for mental energy, focus, and productivity.
- CNS Vital Signs computerized testing battery, including:
Safety Profile and Regulatory Status
When evaluating any supplement ingredient, safety should be your top priority. enXtra stands out not only for its cognitive benefits, but also for its impressive safety profile backed by rigorous testing and regulatory compliance.
The studies detailed above showing no serious adverse events were only the start — OmniActive Health Technologies has also put in additional work on the regulatory front:
-
Gold-Standard Safety Documentation
enXtra has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in the United States, signifying extensive safety evaluation by independent experts. This designation follows comprehensive toxicological assessments, including a 90-day subchronic repeated-dose toxicity study that established a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 3,000mg/kg body weight per day in rats.[13]
This safety profile translates to an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of approximately 1,800mg/day for humans, which is six times higher than the clinically effective dose of 300mg.
-
Clean Label Credentials
For brands seeking clean-label positioning, enXtra checks all the boxes:
- Non-GMO (verified through testing)
- Gluten-free (verified through testing)
- 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly
- Kosher and halal certified
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
These qualities make enXtra an ideal fit for today’s health-conscious consumers who demand transparency and natural ingredients.
-
Manufacturing Excellence
OmniActive produces enXtra in facilities certified to the highest quality standards:
- BRC certification for food safety management
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certification
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) implementation
This manufacturing rigor ensures consistent quality, potency, and purity across every batch of enXtra.
-
Global Regulatory Acceptance
While many novel ingredients face regulatory hurdles across different regions, enXtra has secured widespread approval:
- Available for sale in the United States
- Licensed by Health Canada
- Approved for use in European markets
- Regulatory clearance in major Asian markets
This global acceptance makes enXtra an attractive ingredient for brands with international distribution.
-
Clinical Safety Profile
Multiple human clinical trials (discussed in greater detail above) have confirmed enXtra’s excellent safety profile:
-
Cardiovascular Safety
The 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated no significant effects on electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, including QT interval, blood pressure, and heart rate.[11]
-
Sleep Quality
Unlike caffeine, which can disrupt sleep when consumed later in the day, enXtra showed no negative impact on sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).[1]
-
Long-term Tolerability
One of enXtra’s most impressive attributes is the absence of habituation or tolerance development over extended use. Users maintain consistent benefits without needing to increase dosage, unlike the tolerance commonly associated with caffeine.[11][12]
This comprehensive safety profile makes enXtra suitable for daily use in a wide range of products targeting mental energy, focus, and cognitive performance.
-
How to Use enXtra
The clinical research on enXtra provides clear guidelines on how to maximize its benefits. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of this botanical cognitive enhancer:
-
Effective Dosing
Clinical studies consistently demonstrate that 300mg is the sweet spot for enXtra. This is the dose that produced significant improvements in alertness, attention, and mental energy in research cited above. While the ingredient has been tested for safety at higher doses (up to 900mg), there’s no evidence that exceeding 300mg provides additional benefits for most users.
-
Timing Considerations
enXtra can be taken any time of the day, offering flexibility in timing that most other ingredients simply can’t match.
For morning use, enXtra can complement caffeine for enhanced and extended focus, while mitigating the crash. For afternoon use, enXtra shines as a caffeine alternative that maintains productivity without compromising sleep quality.
For optimal results before specific tasks requiring mental performance, take enXtra approximately 30-60 minutes beforehand, as this aligns with its onset of action.
-
Standalone Use vs. Stacking Strategies
enXtra works effectively both as a standalone ingredient and as part of a nootropic stack:
With caffeine: In the PricePlow Podcast Episode #165, Cody Flynn of OmniActive shared his personal strategy, where he limits caffeine to mornings and uses enXtra in the afternoon to maintain focus without disrupting sleep. When combined with caffeine, enXtra helps extend mental energy effects for up to five hours while reducing the crash commonly associated with caffeine alone.
With other nootropics: enXtra pairs well with ingredients like L-theanine, tyrosine, lion’s mane, ginseng, or choline sources like alpha-GPC or citicoline for enhanced cognitive benefits.
With adaptogens: Combining enXtra with adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or bacopa monnieri can provide a balanced approach to both mental energy and stress management.
-
What to Expect
Users typically notice enXtra’s effects within 30-60 minutes, with peak effects occurring around hours 1-3. The cognitive benefits can last up to five hours, with research showing sustained alertness without the jitters or crash associated with stimulants. This makes enXtra ideal for extended periods of mental work or training sessions where consistent focus is required.
Applications Across Different Categories and Demographics
enXtra’s unique ability to support sustained mental energy and alertness without caffeine’s downsides makes it versatile across numerous supplement categories and applications. Let’s explore where this innovative botanical extract is making its mark.
-
Cognitive Health and Focus Supplements
In the cognitive enhancement space, enXtra stands out for its ability to promote alertness and focus without jitters, while reducing error rates — and works for up to five hours. It stands out in the crowded nootropic market for several key reasons:
- Same-day, experiential benefits: Users can feel effects within the first hour of consumption
- Sustained action: Mental energy benefits lasting up to five hours without diminishing returns
- Clean label appeal: Non-GMO, gluten-free, standardized botanical extract satisfying modern consumer demands
- Comprehensive research support: Multiple clinical studies validating both safety and efficacy
- Versatile formulation options: Works effectively as a standalone ingredient or synergistically with caffeine
This unique combination of rapid onset, sustained benefits, and clean label status positions enXtra as an ideal solution for consumers seeking mental energy support without the downsides of traditional stimulants.
-
Sports Nutrition and Pre-Workout Applications
Pre-workout supplements increasingly emphasize mental focus alongside physical energy. enXtra delivers this mental edge without adding stimulant load, making it beneficial for:
- Stimulant-conscious athletes seeking mental focus without additional caffeine
- Evening training sessions where caffeine might disrupt sleep
- Stacking with existing caffeine doses to enhance and extend benefits while reducing crash potential
For example, enXtra helps maintain alertness longer than caffeine alone, potentially extending pre-workout benefits throughout training sessions.
-
Energy and Hydration Products
The functional beverage market increasingly emphasizes clean, natural energy solutions. enXtra’s water solubility and neutral organoleptic profile make it well-suited for:
- RTD energy beverages seeking caffeine alternatives
- Hydration drinks with added cognitive benefits
- Post-workout recovery drinks where mental recovery complements physical recuperation
-
Flexible Delivery Formats
enXtra’s high water solubility and stability support numerous delivery formats:
- Capsules and tablets: Traditional delivery for standalone cognitive support
- Gummies and chews: Appealing formats for on-the-go consumption
- RTM powders and shots: Convenient pre-workout or productivity boosters
- RTD beverages: Clean-label energy and focus drinks
- Functional foods: Bars, chocolates, and other food formats promoting sustained focus
-
Who Can Benefit from enXtra?
enXtra’s unique benefits address the needs of diverse consumer groups:
-
Students and Working Professionals
For those needing sustained mental energy during long study sessions or workdays, enXtra offers a solution that doesn’t come with a crash or sleep disruption. The ability to reduce error rates while enhancing alertness proves particularly valuable during exam periods or deadline-driven projects.
-
Caffeine-Sensitive Individuals
Many consumers seek caffeine alternatives due to sensitivity issues. enXtra provides comparable mental energy benefits without affecting blood pressure, heart rate, or sleep quality, making it suitable for those who must avoid or limit caffeine.
-
Evening/Late-Day Supplement Users
For those training or working later in the day, enXtra offers mental energy support without disrupting sleep patterns. If it’s too late for an energy drink, it’s not too late for enXtra!
-
Gamers and Esports Enthusiasts
The gaming community increasingly seeks cognitive enhancement solutions that support reaction time, focus, and error reduction — all benefits shown in enXtra’s research. The sustained nature of these benefits makes it suitable for extended gaming sessions where mental stamina is paramount.
As consumer interest in clean, natural energy solutions continues to grow, enXtra’s research-backed benefits position it as a versatile ingredient across multiple supplement categories and consumer demographics.
-
Popular Products Containing enXtra
OmniActive Health Technologies maintains a list of enXtra-containing products and supplements on their Where to Buy enXtra Energy Supplements page. Some key products to highlight across a few categories are listed below:
Several well-formulated supplements featuring enXtra are available on the market today. Each product combines the clinically-validated 300mg dose of enXtra with various complementary ingredients to create unique formulations targeting different cognitive and energy needs.
Below are some standout options currently available:
Conclusion: enXtra – The Future of Clean, Sustained Mental Energy
The quest for optimal cognitive performance has driven innovation in the supplement industry for decades. Throughout this guide, we’ve shown how enXtra from OmniActive Health Technologies represents a revolutionary advancement in the field of mental energy support.
enXtra stands out thanks to its unique, multi-faceted, feel-good approach to cognitive enhancement. It operates through complementary mechanisms that tap into the brain’s natural energy systems. This approach delivers sustained mental alertness for up to five hours, without the jitters, crash, or sleep disruption commonly associated with traditional stimulants.
The impressive body of clinical research supporting enXtra showcases several key advantages:
- Rapid onset of action (within 30-60 minutes)
- Enhanced attention and focus with reduced error rates
- Sustained mental energy without tolerance development
- Compatibility with caffeine for extended, crash-free benefits
- Clean label profile meeting modern consumer demands
- Formulation flexibility across various delivery systems
As we look to the future, enXtra’s research momentum continues to build. New studies are exploring its potential applications beyond sports nutrition and cognitive enhancement, potentially expanding into areas like gaming performance, productivity optimization, and healthy aging support. The possibilities for further understanding its mechanisms and applications remain rich territory for investigation.
Mental Energy to Support Physical Performance, Side By Side
Cody Flynn of OmniActive Health Technologies discusses enXtra, sustainable botanical sourcing, and innovative ingredient applications at Natural Products Expo West 2025 on Episode #165 of the PricePlow Podcast
enXtra also aligns with evolving consumer preferences, including our own. Today’s health-conscious individuals increasingly seek natural, research-backed ingredients that deliver experiential benefits without unwanted side effects. As the concept of “mental energy” continues to gain prominence alongside physical performance, enXtra stands at the intersection of traditional botanical wisdom and cutting-edge neuroscience.
With the market saturated with stimulant-based formulas, enXtra brings a sophisticated twist toward balanced, sustainable cognitive enhancement. Its unique ability to support mental alertness without disrupting other bodily systems makes it an ideal solution for even the most picky consumers seeking daily cognitive support.
Whether used as a standalone ingredient or in synergistic combinations, OmniActive Health Technologies has established enXtra as a cornerstone of next-generation cognitive formulations—delivering mental energy benefits consumers can feel, backed by the safety profile and research that savvy buyers demand.
Stay up to date with PricePlow’s OmniActive and enXtra news alerts, and see the rest of our enXtra-based content below that:
Comments and Discussion (Powered by the PricePlow Forum)