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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Caffeine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
22 of 25 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Caffeine and Spearmint have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
100-200mg
Morning, 30-60 minutes before exercise
Pill/capsule for precise dosing
900 mg/day of standardized spearmint extract (or 2 cups of spearmint herbal tea daily)
Morning with breakfast, Evening with dinner (split dosing mirrors clinical trial protocols)
Standardized aqueous extract (high-rosmarinic acid)
15-45 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
2–4 weeks
4–12 weeks
4–8 weeks
8–16 weeks
Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on the Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2020) · Meta analysis · n=2020
A subsequent meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD).
The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2019) · Meta analysis · n=606
Thirteen RCTs with 606 participants were included in the meta-analyses.
Effect of Caffeine and Nitrates Combination on Exercise Performance, Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=95
The meta-analysis revealed that caffeine and nitrates supplementation (CAF+nitrates) did not enhance performance in time trials (TTs) over the CAF alone (g = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.46 to 0.35; p = 0.78) or nitrates alone (g = 0.29; 95% CI = -0.12 to 0.70; p = 0.17).
An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint by the natural standard research collaboration.
Journal of dietary supplements (2010) · Systematic review
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has demonstrated anti-androgenic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in available literature.
A systematic review of the efficacy of alternative medicine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2020) · Systematic review
Spearmint syrup was identified as one of several herbal alternatives showing efficacy for mild-to-moderate pregnancy nausea and vomiting.
Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial.
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2010) · Rct · n=42
Forty-one of 42 patients completed this 30-day RCT comparing spearmint tea twice daily to placebo herbal tea.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing 3-6mg/kg optimal dosing. Performance benefits plateau around 200-300mg with increased jitteriness at higher doses.
Based on 2 RCTs in women with PCOS/hirsutism. Tea form equivalent to ~400-600mg extract. Effects specific to women; men should avoid chronic high-dose use.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Caffeine has a higher evidence score (9.5/10 vs 6.2/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For sharpen focus, Caffeine has a higher relevance score (90 vs 65).
No known interactions between Caffeine and Spearmint have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.