Natural cognitive enhancers - nourish the brain to think clearer

The brain represents around 2 percent(around 3 pounds) of a person’s weight but uses 20 percent of the body energy.[1] It’s a super complex organ that consists of around 86 billion neurons.[2] With the help of new technologies(e.g., imaging techniques), the knowledge about the brain is progressing significantly. The good news is that brain can grow at any age. However, there are still vast unknowns to be explored.

To enhance cognition function, a holistic approach is crucial for all ages. This can be achieved by a lifestyle plan, referring to an acronym—NEURO—covering the most important lifestyle elements. “N” for Nutrition, “E” for Exercise, “U” for Unwind (stress management), “R” for Restorative Sleep, and “O” for Optimizing mental and social activity.[3] It’s worth mentioning that dementia, unfortunately, is the fastest-growing epidemic in developed nations. Therefore, these preventative interventions are especially important for everyone to live life to the fullest in this era.

Brain tonic, or so-called nootropic, functions as ‘cognitive enhancers’, which improves cognitive function, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals.[4] Although the term nootropic is relatively recent, herbal practitioners have been using plants as a source of rejuvenation for the brain and nervous system for thousands of years.[5]Natural extract contains antioxidants that can eliminate free radicals that may damage the brain. It also aids brain cell regeneration and supports neural blood flow.

Nowadays, almost everyone has used brain tonic, namely caffeine in coffee and tea. Food as a clean source is believed to be the best way to obtain nutrients, thus, caffeine is not included in the recommended ingredient list.

Brain tonic

Note:

1) Country of origin: China. Except for raw material of Bacopa Monnieri being imported from India, other raw materials of

these botanicals are cultivated in China.

2) Other grades may be available after consultation. Third-party test reports are possible upon your request.

3) Standard packaging is 25kg/drum and shelf-life is 24 months.

4) L-Theanine has another source(i.e., 98.0% ~102.0%, HPLC) that originates from L-Pyroglutamic acid.

5) Regarding sage, Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulaefolia and S. miltiorrhiza are particularly notable for their reputed beneficial

effects on cognitive function. [6][7][8]

Note:

Bacopa monnieri has been used for more than 3000 years in Indian Ayurvedic

medicines and is traditionally known for its memory-enhancing properties as well as

reducing anxiety. [15][16]

Bacopa monnieri contains alkaloid brahmine, nicotinine, herpestine, bacosides A and

B, saponins A, B and C, triterpenoid saponins, stigmastanol,etc. [17]

Selected research studies: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri

extract(Kongkeaw et.al.2014)[17]

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria with data of 518 subjects. This meta-analysis suggests that Bacopa monnieri has the potential to improve

cognition, particularly speed of attention.

Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind

placebo-controlled randomized trial(Stough et.al. 2008) [18]

107 healthy participants(aged 18 to 60 years) participated in this study with administration of Bacopa monniera (2 × 150 mg) or placebo for 90

days. The treatment group exhibited significantly improved performance on the ‘Working Memory’ factor, more specifically spatial working

memory accuracy.

 

Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) is described as the “king herb” and it has shown positive

effects on improving cognition function [19] . It is native to the Far East (most notably

China and Korea). [20]

The active constituents of the Panax spp. are ginsenoside saponins, which are divided

into Panaxadiol, Panaxatriol, and oleanolic acid groups. The Panaxadiol and Panaxatriol

groups are studied to increase the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. [21]

Selected research studies: Ginseng for cognition(Geng et.al. 2010) [22]

The study accesses five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, pooling data of 289 participants, investigating the effects of

ginseng on healthy participants. Results suggest ginseng improves some aspects of cognitive function, behavior and quality of life.

Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental

activity(Reay et.al. 2005) [23]

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover design, 30 healthy young adults consumed a single-dose of placebo, 200mg or

400mg of Panax ginseng. Overall, these data exhibits that Panax ginseng can improve cognitive performance and subjective feelings of mental

fatigue during sustained mental activity

 

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays an important role in neural function, such as

memory and attention. [24][25] Fatty fish is an excellent dietary source of omega-3 and

other omega-3-rich dietary sources include vegetables, nuts, and seeds. [26]

Omega-3 fatty acids(contain EPA and DHA), a more commercially available form, are

also well known for their positive effects on heart and cardiovascular function. [27]

Selected research studies: DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a

randomized controlled trial(Stonehouse et.al.2013) [24]

176 healthy adults enrolled in a 6-month randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind intervention in which they consumed 1.16 g DHA/d or a

placebo. DHA supplementation shows improved memory among young adults whose habitual diets were low in DHA.

Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7–9 years: a randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB

Study)( Richardson et.al.2012) [28]

A total of 362 healthy children aged 7–9 who were underperforming received 600 mg DHA/day or a matching placebo for 16 weeks. DHA

supplementation significantly improved reading. While no significant effects on memory were exhibited.

 

L-Theanine, an amino acid found abundant in tea leaves, which has been shown to

affect brain functions by relieving stress disorders, improving mood, and maintaining

normal sleep.[29][30]

Apart from L-Theanine, other major constituents of green tea also have substantial

benefits on cognitive function, namely tea catechins(primarily EGCG) and caffeine,

which typically account for 30–42% and 2-5% of dry weight of brewed green tea,

respectively. [31]

Selected research studies: Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy

adults: a randomized controlled trial(Hidese et.al. 2019) [32]

30 individuals (age: 48.3 ± 11.9 years) received L-theanine (200 mg/day) or placebo tablets for four-week administration. The results of cognitive

functions showed an improvement indicated by verbal fluency and executive function, as well as potential to promote mental health.

Effects of L-theanine on cognitive function in middle-aged and older subjects: A randomized placebo-controlled study(Baba et.al.

2021) [33]

69 Japanese men and women aged 50–69 took one capsule per day of placebo or 100.6 mg L-theanine for 12 weeks. The results suggest that L

theanine may contribute to improving attention, thus enhancing working memory and executive functions.

 

Traditionally, Lion’s mane has been used to fortify the spleen, nourish the gut, as well

as an anticancer drug. [34] Lion’s mane grows in forests of Asia, North America and

Europe and it’s used as both food and medicine in parts of Asia.

The mostly researched bioactive compounds of Lion’s mane are Hericerin,

Erinacines, Erinacerin, Glycoprotein, Polysaccharides, Sterols, Vitamin B12[c

lactone].[35]

Selected research studies: Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive

impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial(Mori et.al. 2009) [36]

30 subjects (50 to 80-year-old) Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment took 250 mg tablets (96% dry powder) or

placebo three times a day for 16 weeks. The results suggest that lion’s mane is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment.

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus(Saitsu et.al. 2019) [37]

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparative study, 31 participants above 50 years old with intact cognition

consumed 4 capsules (0.8 g each) of lion’s mane/day for 12 weeks. Significant improvement in cognitive was demonstrated in the lion’s mane

group compared to placebo.

 

Salvia plants are traditionally noted for their antioxidant effects and ability to

enhance ‘head and brain’ function, improve memory, quicken the senses, and delay

age-associated cognitive decline. [38] Many species of Salvia are native to

Mediterranean Europe and there are over 900 species of sage growing throughout

the world. [39]

Salvia plants are a rich source of polyphenol compounds with over 160 identified

polyphenols, comprising an array of phenolic acids and flavonoids. [39]

Selected research studies: An extract of Salvia (sage) with anticholinesterase properties improves memory and attention in

healthy older volunteers(Scholey et.al. 2008) [40]

The study is randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced, five-period crossover. 20 volunteers (>65 years of age) received four active

doses of extract (167, 333, 666 and 1332 mg) and a placebo. The overall pattern of results is consistent with a dose-related benefit to processes

involved in efficient stimulus processing and/or memory consolidation rather than retrieval or working memory efficiency.

Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor

battery(Kennedy et.al. 2006) [41]

30 healthy participants received placebo, 300 mg or 600 mg dried sage leaf on three separate days, 7 days apart. The findings indicate that the

lower dose reduces anxiety and the higher dose increases ‘alertness’, ‘calmness’ and ‘contentedness’.

 

Pine bark is long being used for scurvy and wound healing and now it’s a by-product

of timber industry. [42] Pines are native to the Northern Hemisphere and various pine

species grow in other parts of the world, such as North America, China, Russia, etc.

Maritime pine extract, for instance, contains 65%–75% oligomeric procyanidins and

polyphenolic monomers, phenolic, or cinnamic acids and their glycosides. [43]

Selected research studies: Improved cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with a Pinus radiata bark extract

formulation(Pipingas et.al. 2008) [44]

42 males aged 50–65 years participated in this double-blind, controlled study for 5 weeks, supplemented with either with Enzogenol® plus vitamin

C, or with vitamin C only. The findings from the treatment group demonstrated a beneficial effect on cognition in older individuals.

Pycnogenol® improves cognitive function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills in healthy professionals

age 35–55(Belcaro et.al. 2014) [45]

60 subjects (range 35-55 years) took Pycnogenol®(i.e.,pine bark extract) (150 mg/day) in conjunction with a health plan or placebo for 12 weeks.

The study suggests pine bark supplementation appears to improve cognitive function and oxidative stress in healthy professionals.

 

 

Regulation:

 

• Novel food status:

- Lion’s mane( Hericium erinaceus mushroom) is not clear and Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus dehydrated mycelium

powder) is novel food.

- All the other above-mentioned ingredients are non-novel food in Europe. L-Theanine extracted and isolated from

green tea(Camellia sinensis) is not novel only in food supplements. L-Theanine from other sources is novel food.[46][47]

• EFSA authorized health claims:

- Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA): 1)DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function. 2) DHA contributes to the

maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels. 3) DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. 4)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age.

5) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and

breastfed infants.

- A few health claims of the above-mentioned ingredients were summited and recorded in the file of consolidated list

of Article 13 health claims list of references received by EFSA.[48]

 

 

Commercial examples:

 

 

 

Clutch cognition(around € 2.8/Bottle)

Brand: Clutch cognition

Serving size 330 ml

 

Ingredients

Green tea extract, sage extract, green OAT* extract,

Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, carbonated water, isomaltulose

(6 %), guar bean fiber (0,9 %), natural lemon and

mango flavouring, acidity regulator (citric acid), natural

flavouring.

 

 

 

Mind Lab Pro(€44,25/bottle)

Brand: Opti-Nutra Europe

Serving size 2 capsules | Serving per container 30

 

Nutritional Information	Per serve	% NRV
Vitamin B6(from NutriGenesis®)	2.5 mg	179
Vitamin B9(from NutriGenesis®)	100 mcg	50
Vitamin B12(from NutriGenesis®)	7.5 mcg	300
Citicoline	250 mg	-
Bacopa Monnieri(as full spectrum extract 24% bacosides with 9 bioactives)(aerial parts)	150 mg	-
Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom(full spectrum)(fruit)	500 mg	-
Phosphatidylserine(as Sharp-PS® Green from sunflower lecithin)	100 mg	-
A-Acetyl L-Tyrosine	175 mg	-
L-Theanine(as Suntheanine®)	100 mg	-
Rhodiola Rosea(3% rosavins, 1% sadidrosides)(root)	50 mg	-
Maritime Pine Bark Extract(95% proanthocyanidins)	75 mg	-
- NRV not established

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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