The Science Behind Every Strip
Every active ingredient in a Convict Labs formula is backed by peer-reviewed research. This is where we show our work — the studies, the doses, and the products they inform.
Research By Ingredient
Each card summarizes a published study on an active ingredient we use, and lists the products it's found in.
Lion's Mane & cognitive function
A 16-week randomized double-blind trial on adults aged 50–80 found significant improvement on cognitive function scale scores in the lion's mane group versus placebo.
Low-dose melatonin shortens sleep onset
Meta-analysis of 19 placebo-controlled trials found melatonin significantly reduced sleep onset latency and increased total sleep time with no observed dependency or morning grogginess.
L-Theanine + caffeine improves attention
A double-blind trial showed the combination of 97mg L-theanine and 40mg caffeine meaningfully improved speed and accuracy on attention-switching tasks versus either compound alone.
Curcumin as an adjunct in depression
A randomized placebo-controlled trial found curcumin supplementation produced significant improvement in mood scores, with effects becoming apparent between weeks 4 and 8 of daily use.
Andrographolide protects hepatocytes
Research on the primary active in andrographis shows protection of liver cells from oxidative stress and support for normal enzyme function following oxidative challenge.
Phyllanthus niruri & liver function
Clinical review across multiple trials found phyllanthus supplementation associated with maintenance of normal ALT/AST levels in subjects with mild hepatic stress.
Chicory as a functional food
A review published in 2022 concluded that Cichorium intybus (chicory) demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, and supports appetite regulation and digestive wellness.
Panax ginseng supports mental performance
Randomized trials on standardized ginseng extract show measurable improvements in subjective energy and mental performance scores versus placebo in fatigued adults.
Valerian root & sleep quality
Meta-analysis of randomized trials on valerian extract found evidence for improved subjective sleep quality compared to placebo, with a favorable side-effect profile versus prescription sedatives.
Chamomile extract & generalized anxiety
A randomized placebo-controlled trial found chamomile extract produced a clinically meaningful reduction in anxiety symptom scores over eight weeks in adults with mild-to-moderate generalized anxiety.
Vitamin D3 & respiratory infections
A BMJ meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials involving 11,321 participants found vitamin D supplementation protected against acute respiratory tract infection, with the strongest effect in those with baseline deficiency.
MK-7 & bone mineral density
A three-year randomized double-blind trial found that low-dose menaquinone-7 (K2 MK-7) supplementation helped preserve lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Collagen peptides & skin elasticity
A randomized placebo-controlled trial found that oral collagen peptide supplementation for eight weeks significantly improved skin elasticity in women aged 35–55, with additional effects on skin moisture and roughness.
Saffron extract & snacking behavior
A randomized controlled trial in mildly overweight women found daily saffron extract reduced snacking frequency and supported weight management over an eight-week period versus placebo.
Shilajit & total testosterone
A randomized double-blind trial found purified shilajit supplementation over 90 days produced a statistically significant increase in total and free testosterone in healthy adult males versus placebo.
Bacillus coagulans & digestive comfort
Clinical trials on Bacillus coagulans support its role in reducing bloating, abdominal discomfort, and symptoms of functional bowel disorders through modulation of the gut microbiome.
L-theanine reduces acute stress response
A human trial demonstrated that L-theanine attenuates the physiological and psychological stress response, with measurable effects on heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A under mental stress conditions.
L-theanine & cognitive / mental health
A systematic review concluded that L-theanine may support stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep quality, and cognitive performance, with a consistent safety profile across clinical trials.
Caffeine improves muscle endurance
A meta-analysis in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition confirmed an ergogenic effect of caffeine on muscle endurance and maximal strength, with benefits observed across trained and untrained populations.
Caffeine ergogenic effects in women
A 2021 review in Nutrients evaluated caffeine supplementation in female athletes and reported significant improvements in aerobic and anaerobic performance markers, with effective doses compatible with a single-strip format.
Caffeine, cognition & reaction time
A 2021 review in Nutrients summarized caffeine's effects on mood, attention, reaction time, and memory in athletes — showing consistent improvements in alertness and cognitive function at doses of 3–6 mg/kg.
Coffee consumption & depression risk
A dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies found that coffee and caffeine consumption was significantly associated with a decreased risk of depression, with the effect emerging at moderate intake levels.
Chamomile for GAD with comorbid depression
A long-term randomized trial found that Matricaria chamomilla produced clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety symptoms, with secondary benefit on depression scores in subjects with comorbid mood symptoms.
Melatonin & sleep quality (meta-analysis)
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that melatonin supplementation significantly improves sleep quality across respiratory disease, metabolic disorder, and primary sleep disorder populations.
Lavender aromatherapy improves sleep & anxiety
A randomized clinical trial found that lavender essential oil aromatherapy significantly improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels in coronary artery disease patients versus a standard-care control group.
Perioperative melatonin & delirium
A systematic review of randomized trials found that perioperative melatonin supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium in older surgical patients, supporting its role in normalizing sleep-wake cycles under stress.
Why a dissolvable film beats a capsule
Sublingual absorption bypasses first-pass liver metabolism. Research shows oral mucosa delivery can increase bioavailability 3–10x over swallowed capsules for many small-molecule actives.
How We Read a Study
Not every paper belongs in a formula. Here's the filter we put research through before an ingredient makes it into a strip.
Our standards for inclusion
Evidence has to be specific, replicable, and dose-relevant before we'll build a formula around it. An interesting finding isn't enough on its own.
Human trials preferred
Randomized, placebo-controlled studies in adults take priority over animal or in-vitro data.
Clinically relevant dose
The effective dose from the study has to be achievable in a single strip, not a 10-pill stack.
Independent replication
We look for at least one replication from a second lab before trusting a finding.
Published & cited
Peer-reviewed journals only. We link every source directly to PubMed or the publisher.
Read the research. Then decide.
Every product page links back to the specific studies behind its formula.
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