Maintaining brain health over time is important not only for our cognitive ability but also for our overall health.
This category offers a variety of natural supplements that can help improve brain function, memory, focus, and overall cognitive health.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid naturally found in the cell membranes of every cell in the body. It plays many important roles, including:

Memory and cognitive function: PS is often marketed to support memory and cognitive function, but the evidence is mixed and inconsistent. The FDA has only approved a qualified health claim for it, accompanied by a warning that there is little scientific evidence supporting the claim. Some studies suggest a modest improvement in older adults, but the results are inconclusive.
Cellular function: PS is essential for normal cell function, including cell communication, cell division, and programmed cell death.

Dietary sources:

Dietary sources rich in PS include:

Animal products: Meat, fish, eggs
Plant products: Soy, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds

Supplements:
Recommended products on the shelf; (Links to IHERB include 5% discount on the entire shopping cart – discount code KBZ701)
https://il.iherb.com/pr/california-gold-nutrition-brain-health-60-veggie-capsules/107581?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/doctor-s-best-phosphatidylserine-with-serinaid-100-mg-120-veggie-caps/23744?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/now-foods-phosphatidyl-serine-100-mg-120-veg-capsules/745?rcode=KBZ701
Made from sunflower, not soy:
https://il.iherb.com/pr/now-foods-phosphatidyl-serine-soy-free-150-mg-60-veg-capsules/112282?rcode=KBZ701

*It is always recommended to review the reviews.

Very important: The information presented on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
It is important to consult with a doctor before making significant lifestyle changes or taking supplements.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree, native to China. Its leaf extracts are primarily sold to support blood flow and cognitive function, but as detailed below, large, controlled studies have not proven benefit in preserving memory or preventing cognitive decline.

Main uses:

Memory and cognitive function: Ginkgo biloba is widely marketed for improving memory, but large, rigorous clinical studies have found no benefit. The largest study (the GEM study, published in JAMA in 2008, ~3,000 older adults, ~6-year follow-up) found that Ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease and does not slow cognitive decline.
Antioxidant (proposed mechanism): Ginkgo biloba is attributed with antioxidant activity, but benefit in protecting the brain from neurodegenerative diseases has not been demonstrated in human studies.
Blood flow: Ginkgo biloba has been studied in the context of blood flow in the brain and body, including conditions like Raynaud's syndrome, but the evidence is limited.

Dosage:

The recommended dosage of Ginkgo biloba varies depending on the purpose of use and health condition. It is recommended to consult with a doctor before taking Ginkgo biloba as a supplement.

Side effects:

Ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe for use, but mild side effects may occur, such as stomach pain, nausea, and headaches.

Important to note:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking Ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgo biloba may affect the activity of other medications. Consult with a doctor before taking it alongside other medications.

Supplements:
Recommended products on the shelf; (Links to IHERB include 5% discount on the entire shopping cart – discount code KBZ701)
https://il.iherb.com/pr/now-foods-ginkgo-biloba-60-mg-120-veg-capsules/116911?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/now-foods-ginkgo-biloba-double-strength-120-mg-200-veg-capsules/583?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/life-extension-ginkgo-biloba-certified-extract-120-mg-365-vegetarian-capsules/47805?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/nature-s-answer-ginkgo-leaf-fluid-extract-alcohol-free-2-000-mg-1-fl-oz-30-ml/5437?rcode=KBZ701

*It is always recommended to review the reviews.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is a natural compound found in the moss of the plant Huperzia serrata, used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. In recent years, Huperzine A has gained significant interest in the West, primarily due to its potential effect on brain health and memory.

Main uses:

Memory and cognitive function: Huperzine A has been studied in the context of memory and cognitive function, but human studies are small and of low quality, and the evidence for benefit is limited and has not yet been confirmed in large, rigorous studies.
Alzheimer's: It has been tested as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's, but a Cochrane review found that the evidence is insufficient and of low quality, so it cannot be recommended for this purpose.
Brain injuries (preclinical research only): Protective benefit in brain injury conditions has so far been observed only in animal studies (mice), and there is no evidence supporting this in humans.

Mechanism of action:

Huperzine A inhibits the activity of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in the brain. As a result, acetylcholine levels in the brain increase, which may improve brain function and memory.

Dosage:

The recommended dosage of Huperzine A varies depending on the purpose of use and health condition. It is recommended to consult with a doctor before taking Huperzine A as a supplement.

Side effects:

Huperzine A is generally considered safe for use, but mild side effects may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches.

Important to note:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking Huperzine A.
Huperzine A may affect the activity of other medications. Consult with a doctor before taking it alongside other medications.
It is recommended to start with a low dose and increase it gradually, while monitoring for side effects.

Supplements:
Recommended products on the shelf; (Links to IHERB include 5% discount on the entire shopping cart – discount code KBZ701)
https://il.iherb.com/pr/california-gold-nutrition-huperzine-a-250-mcg-90-veggie-capsules/112135?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/source-naturals-huperzine-a-200-mcg-120-tablets/6335?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/evlution-nutrition-huperzine-a-200-mcg-30-tablets/117379?rcode=KBZ701
https://il.iherb.com/pr/nutricost-huperzine-a-200-mcg-240-capsules/128954?rcode=KBZ701

*It is always recommended to review the reviews.