Phosphatidylserine 300mg 60 Vege Capsules

Phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are phospholipids that make up cell membranes and are especially abundant in the membranes of brain nerve cells. As food ingredients, soy-derived PS obtained by enzyme treatment of soy lecithin and PC in lecithin form are mainly used.

PS sits on the inner side of nerve cell membranes and helps maintain membrane fluidity and the working environment of membrane proteins (receptors, ion channels, enzymes). PS is known to serve as a binding site when signalling enzymes (such as protein kinase C) attach to the membrane to function. PC is a major membrane component and a source of choline, which is used to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Both phospholipids have been studied as nutritional ingredients to replenish cell membrane lipid composition, which changes with age.

1. In a 6-month double-blind randomised controlled study of 78 Japanese people aged 50–69 who perceived memory decline (soy PS 100 or 300 mg/day), memory scores such as delayed verbal recall rose from baseline in the subgroup with low baseline scores, and no abnormal findings in blood markers were reported (in the overall group, scores rose along with the placebo group).
2. In a 6-month double-blind multicentre study of 494 older adults aged 65–93 with cognitive decline (PS 300 mg/day), scores on a behavioural rating scale and a selective recall test differed significantly from placebo (bovine brain-derived PS was used; currently marketed ingredients are usually soy-derived, a different source).
3. In a 15-week open-label extension study of 122 older adults who perceived memory decline, changes in sustained attention and memory recognition scores were reported after DHA-bound PS 100 mg/day (interpretation is limited as it was an uncontrolled extension study).
4. Relatively few human studies have directly examined the effect of PC alone on cognitive markers, so the evidence is centred on PS research.

1. RCTKato-Kataoka A et al. Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2010. PMID 21103034
2. RCTCenacchi T et al. Cognitive decline in the elderly: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration Aging (Milano). 1993. PMID 8323999
3. clinical studyVakhapova V et al. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 Fatty acids may improve memory abilities in nondemented elderly individuals with memory complaints: results from an open-label extension study Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2014. PMID 24577097

An ingredient extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba), typically standardised to about 24% flavonol glycosides and about 6% terpene lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide). EGb 761 is a representative standardised extract widely used in research.

Flavonol glycosides (quercetin, kaempferol, etc.) act as antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. Ginkgolide B is known to inhibit the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and may influence platelet aggregation and microcirculatory blood flow. Laboratory studies also suggest a role in peripheral and cerebral microcirculation via the vascular endothelial nitric oxide pathway. These blood flow and antioxidant properties have been studied in relation to cognitive function markers.

1. In a 6-week randomised, placebo-controlled study of 188 healthy adults aged 45–56 (EGb 761 240 mg/day), the number of items recalled immediately and after a delay on a free recall task (remembering a list of appointments) was significantly higher than placebo, but there was no difference on a route recognition task.
2. In a single-dose crossover study of 20 healthy young adults, a 'speed of attention' measure improved in a dose-dependent manner after taking 240 mg and 360 mg.
3. A meta-analysis pooling randomised controlled studies in healthy people (13 memory studies, 1,132 participants) found effect sizes close to zero for memory, executive function and attention, showing no clear effect. In other words, results in healthy people are mixed across studies.

1. RCTKaschel R et al. Specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteers Phytomedicine. 2011. PMID 21802920
2. RCTKennedy DO et al. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000. PMID 11026748
3. meta-analysisLaws KR et al. Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis Hum Psychopharmacol. 2012. PMID 23001963

A plant polyphenol ingredient made by water extraction of the bark of New Zealand radiata pine (Pinus radiata). On a dry powder basis it contains over 80% proanthocyanidins, along with taxifolin (1–2%) and other flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Its main constituents, proanthocyanidins (oligomers of linked catechin and epicatechin units), are known to scavenge free radicals directly and regenerate vitamin C, supporting the body's antioxidant network. Studies have looked at its relationship to the nitric oxide (NO) production environment in vascular endothelial cells, and cell experiments observed reduced expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and reduced monocyte migration in response to TNF-α stimulation. Test-tube studies have also reported lowered activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), so its relationship to post-meal metabolic responses is being studied. These antioxidant and vascular mechanisms form the background for research on blood flow to the brain and cognitive function markers.

1. In a 5-week double-blind controlled study of 42 men aged 50–65 with a body mass index of 25 or more, the Enzogenol + vitamin C group showed faster response times on spatial working memory and immediate recognition tasks, while the vitamin C-only group showed no change. There were no changes in blood safety markers.
2. In a study randomising 44 adult smokers to Enzogenol 480 mg + vitamin C or vitamin C alone for 12 weeks, vascular dilation response (FMD) improved similarly in both groups, but the protein oxidation marker (protein carbonyl) was significantly lower in the Enzogenol group, and lower fibrinogen levels were observed in heavier smokers.
3. In a crossover study in which 25 healthy adults took placebo and Enzogenol 50 mg and 400 mg before oral glucose tolerance tests, people with a single-peak glucose curve showed a lower post-meal incremental glucose area (iAUC) and lower peak glucose than with placebo.
4. Composition and toxicity studies of the ingredient reported no abnormal findings with repeated dosing in animals, and no adverse changes in liver or kidney function or haematological markers in humans taking 480 mg/day for 6 months or 960 mg/day for 5 weeks.

1. RCTPipingas A et al. Improved cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with a Pinus radiata bark extract formulation. Phytother Res. 2008. PMID 18683195
2. RCTYoung JM et al. Comparative effects of enzogenol and vitamin C supplementation versus vitamin C alone on endothelial function and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic smokers. Free Radic Res. 2006. PMID 16298763
3. clinical studyLim WXJ et al. An Acute, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover, Dose-Response, Exploratory Study to Assess the Effects of New Zealand Pine Bark Extract (Enzogenol(®)) on Glycaemic Responses in Healthy Participants. Nutrients. 2020. PMID 32075228
4. clinical studyFrevel MA et al. Production, composition and toxicology studies of Enzogenol® Pinus radiata bark extract. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012. PMID 22982471