Guayusa Extract on Exercise Training

Guayusa extract is a caffeinated Amazonian 'super-leaf' belonging to the holly species that contains a very unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants and caffeine (\~20% caffeine, 30% chlorogenic acids, 5% catechins). It is also remarkably low in tannins which are responsible for the bitter taste found in most teas - giving it a sweet flavor profile. As such, it is marketed as an ingredient that can help support energy and performance with potential health-related benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Indeed, ingredients such as these are often consumed by individuals prior to exercise in order to help improve exercise performance, or otherwise to support health-related goals. Whereas several studies have suggested that caffeine and chlorogenic acid consumption may improve performance, mood, and concentration, and some evidence in animals have linked catechin consumption to improved health outcomes, no studies have previous studied whether guayusa extract supplementation helps to support exercise performance in humans. In this study, we will test the whether dietary supplementation with the botanical organic guayusa extract helps support (1) the desire to exercise and exercise performance throughout a 6-week high intensity exercise training program, and thus (2) helps support the physiological adaptations (including body composition, fasting metabolic biomarkers, blood pressure and heart rate, submaximal and maximal exercise performance and fuel metabolism, and changes in the gut microbiome/mycobiome) to a 6-week high intensity exercise training program. Question 1: Does organic guayusa extract supplementation support the desire to train and training load in physically-active women performing a high-intensity exercise training program? Question 2: Does organic guayusa extract supplementation support physiological adaptation to exercise (including body composition, fasting metabolic biomarkers, blood pressure and heart rate, submaximal and maximal exercise perf