WHY THESE SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS?
The result is a very carefully curated formulation that meets these unparalleled standards:
Absolutely zero pseudo-sciences, facts, or false marketing. Pure science in every serving
Each ingredient is in its most potent, bioavailable form. Really nothing else can outperform these brain-boosting compounds.
Effective dosages in each and every serving. 6 capsules a day is everything you need to help reverse cellular dysfunction and supercharge your mental capacity
THE PERFECT FORMULATION
15 Premium, carefully sourced ingredients in effective dosages.
RHODIOLA ROSEA
Stabilizes mood
Reduces anxiety and depression
Improves cognitive performance
Reduces feelings of exhaustion, irritability, and burnout
Increases resilience (resistance to stress)
Functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Fast-acting
Rhodiola is a neuroprotective, cognitive enhancing, and mood stabilizing herb that promotes neuronal regeneration, functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, facilitates neurotransmission, and regulates several key mediators of the stress response [1–3].
The effects are rapid. In adults with chronic work- and life-related stress, rhodiola significantly reduced feelings of exhaustion, irritability, and anxiety in as little as three days [4].
In a study of working adults suffering from burnout, a third of whom had been unsuccessfully treated for their stress in the past, rhodiola improved every aspect of quality of life and perceived stress after just 1 week, with further improvements seen after 12 weeks [5].
In adults with chronic fatigue syndrome, rhodiola improved every aspect of fatigue after just 1 week, with further improvements seen after 8 weeks [6]. Ultimately, 83% of the participants reported “very much” or “much” improved conditions, with every aspect of fatigue, stress, and global impairment being cut in half.
Improvements in perceived stress, mental fatigue, cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression have also been noted in medical students [7], military cadets [8], and adults with stress-related fatigue [9], mild anxiety [10], and mild-to-moderate depression [11,12].
LION'S MANE POWDER
Reduces anxiety and depression
Helps improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function
Promotes nerve growth and regeneration in the brain
Reduces inflammation
Stabilizes mood
Restores key neurotransmitters
Lion’s mane mushroom (Yamabushitake or Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that has been extensively studied for its neurohealth properties [13,14].
Stimulates the production of nerve growth factor [15–17], which promotes neuronal growth, development, and regeneration [18].
Stimulates the production of brain derived neurotrophic factor [19], which has neuroprotective effects, plays a role in neuronal development, and helps in the formation of neuronal connections important for memory and cognition [20].
Restores levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine levels in the brain that can be suppressed due to chronic stress [19].
Reduces neuroinflammation [19,21]
Clinical trials have shown that lion’s manse improves cognitive function by 12% compared to placebo in older adults with mild cognitive impairment [22], and reduces symptoms of anxiety (by 27%) and depression (by 39%) in adults with obesity [23].
ALPHA-GPC
Protects neurons in the brain and supports neurotransmission
Increases dopamine and serotonin signaling in the brain
Decreases risk of vascular dementia
More effective than Alzheimer drug (Aricept) at improving cognition
Alpha-glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC) is a highly bioavailable source of choline for the brain [24], which plays a critical role in neuronal plasticity, membrane stability, signaling events, and neurotransmission [25].
Having adequate brain choline concentrations is neuroprotective against a variety of brain diseases [26], and numerous clinical trials have found that alpha-GPC improves cognitive function and memory in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, vascular dementia, and stroke — even being more effective than the standard drug therapy for Alzheimer’s disease [27].
CHOLINE (COGNIZIN®)
Promotes the health of cell membranes
Improves memory and overall brain cognition
Improves motor function
Increases focus and reduces impulsive behavior
Improves neuroplasticity (helps the brain adapt to new situations)
CDP-choline is a bioavailable source of choline for the brain and the direct precursor for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine [28,29], one of the most abundant and important structural components of cell membranes. Supplementation has been confirmed in humans to increase phosphatidylcholine synthesis within the brain [30,31].
A Cochrane Systematic Review of 14 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving older adults with cognitive deficits like dementia reported that CDP-choline was able to improve memory, correct abnormal behaviors, and increase the global impression that physicians have towards the participants [32].
Other studies have found that CDP-choline slows the deterioration of cognition in those with Alzheimer’s disease [33,34], improves motor function and attention in adolescents [35], and improves attention in healthy women [36].
BACOPA
Enhances short-term and long-term memory
Enhances learning, visual processing, cognitive performance
Improves mood and reduces depression and anxiety
Reduces oxidative stress
Neuroprotective
Reduces β-amyloid deposits
Enhances communication between neurons
Increases blood flow
Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic swamp plant (Brahmi) traditionally used for the enhancement of memory and cognition, as well as a general brain tonic. Its bioactive constituents, the bacosides, have numerous biological effects within the brain that facilitate this use [37–41]:
Reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity
Reduces inflammation
Neuroprotective
Reduces β-amyloid deposition
Increases the growth of nerve endings to enhance neuronal communication
Increase blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients
Numerous clinical trials have found that bacopa supplementation improves working memory, attention, learning rate, information processing, and a variety of other cognitive outcomes in healthy elderly adults [42–44], healthy middle-aged adults [45,46], young medical students [47], and adults with Alzheimer’s disease [48].
GINKGO BILOBA
Neuroprotective
Improves memory and cognitive performance
Works as an antioxidant
Counteracts cognitive impairment
Improves neuroplasticity
Preserves brain receptors in aging adults
Ginkgo biloba possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant effects that preserve brain receptors susceptible to age-related loss, counteract cognitive impairment, enhance neuronal plasticity, and improve memory [49].
A systematic review of 12 meta-analyses found that ginkgo biloba improves cognitive performance, activities of daily living, and clinical global impression in the treatment of dementia [50], provided that at least 240 mg was used daily for several months [51].
COFFEE FRUIT (COGNATIQ™)
Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
Powerful antioxidant
Improves neuroplasticity
Helps to grow new neurons and prevent neurodegeneration
Improves long-term memory
CognatiQ™ is a patented extract of the whole coffee fruit, including both the coffee bean and the fruiting body surrounding it, which contains many powerful antioxidant compounds [52,53].
Clinical studies in healthy adults have shown that CognatiQ™ nearly doubles concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after 1–2 hours [54,55], beating out other forms of coffee bioactives, caffeine, and the phytochemical-rich grape seed extract.
BDNF is a key protein involved in brain health, well established to be critical for:
Neuroplasticity (helps the brain adapt to new situations) [56].
Neurogenesis (the growth, regeneration and creation of new neurons and synapses) [57,58].
Long-term memory [59].
Prevention of neurodegeneration [60].
HUPERZINE A
Promotes learning
Used for centuries to treat brain-based illnesses
Improves cognition, especially in people with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia
Naturally occurring acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (primary class of drugs for treating Alzheimer’s and dementia)
Huperzine-A is a naturally occurring acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which functions to inhibit the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for learning new information [61].
A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials found that huperzine A supplementation improves cognitive function, daily living activity, and global clinical assessments over 8–36 weeks [62]. Other meta-analyses have reported that huperzine A improves cognition in those with vascular dementia [63], as well as in those with major depression [64].
ACETYL-L CARNITINE
Improves brain function, especially memory and attention
Reduces oxidative stress
Protects against β-amyloid neurotoxicity
Reduces mental and physical fatigue
Reduces depression – more effective than antidepressant drugs! (And with far fewer side effects)
Reduces pain and increases nerve conduction
Prevents progression of brain-related disease
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a special form of carnitine that achieves two goals: (1) it supplies the carnitine your mitochondria need to produce energy, and (2) it provides an acetyl moiety that your mitochondria use to remain youthful and healthy.
ALCAR easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and preserves mitochondrial function within the brain that otherwise deteriorates with aging [65–69]. Notably, ALCAR concentrations slowly decline as cognitive impairment progresses, ultimately being 36% lower in Alzheimer’s patients than healthy adults [70].
A meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease found that ALCAR significantly improved cognitive function and prevented the progression of Alzheimer’s after as little as 3 months [71].
In elderly adults suffering from excessive fatigue, ALCAR improved cognitive function by 15%, reduced mental and physical fatigue by 43–52%, and improved the ability to function in daily life by 24% [72].
A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found 3 g/d of ALCAR to significantly reduce depressive symptoms with an efficacy similar to antidepressant drugs, but with far less side effects [73].
SAFFRON EXTRACT
As effective as prescription drugs (with less side effects) in:
Reducing depression
Treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Improving cognitive function
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Neuroprotective
Saffron is one of the most well-researched antidepressant compounds available, with three separate meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials indicating that 30 mg/d has a potency comparable to prescription drugs but with less side effects [74–76].
Other studies have shown that saffron is as effective as prescription drugs for treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) [77], and boosts cognitive function to the same extent as prescription drugs in those with Alzheimer’s disease [78,79].
L-THEANINE
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea that alters neurotransmitter signaling within the brain. After consumption, it crosses the blood-brain barrier, interferes with excitatory glutamate signaling, stimulates dopamine release, and promotes inhibitory neurotransmission, thereby helping promote a state of relaxation [80,81].
Electroencephalography (EEG) studies have shown that theanine shifts brain waves towards alpha oscillatory patterns indicative of a relaxed state, particularly in those with high levels of baseline anxiety [82–86]. Accordingly, several studies have found that theanine supplementation improves feelings of relaxation, tension, calmness, and anxiety in the hours following [87,88].
AGMATINE SULFATE
Important neurotransmitter
Improves learning and memory
Reduces anxiety and depression
Protects neurons and enhances cell growth
Protects mitochondria
More effective at relieving pain than conventional medications
Agmatine is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator (affects neurotransmission of entire neurons) that has anti-seizure, anti-pain, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant effects; modulates some of the processes involved in learning and memory; and interacts with the mechanisms of drug withdrawal [89].
Preliminary research has shown that agmatine supplementation causes a “total/incontrovertible remission of depression” without apparent adverse effects in those who were not responsive to conventional treatments [90].
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of individuals with back pain from herniated lumbar discs, agmatine reduced pain by 25–28% and improved parameters of general health by 65–76% after just two weeks [91].
POLYGALA TENUIFOLIA
Improves memory and combats forgetfulness
Supports neurotransmitters required for learning, memory, and mental health
Promotes growth of new neurons in the brain
Increases neuroplasticity and cognitive function
Polygala tenuifolia is one of the fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, used to improve memory and combat forgetfulness with aging [92], which it does by:
Inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, neurotransmitters required for learning new information, memory storage, and overall mental health [93,94].
Increasing the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is fundamental for neuroplasticity and neurogenesis [95].
Promoting the growth of new neurons in the brain [96].
In a clinical trial of healthy adults, Polygala tenuifolia improved spatial, verbal, and working memories [97]. In a separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of elderly adults, Polygala tenuifolia improved cognitive function by 5–10% [98].
N-ACETYL-L-TYROSINE
Critical for stress management
Boosts cognition, alertness, and information processing
Improves memory and mental health
L-tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino acid that serves as the precursor molecule from which we create the catecholamines: dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Your brain needs a steady supply of tyrosine to make the catecholamines and keep your mental health at its peak [99,100], particularly if you are under a lot of stress [101].
Several clinical trials have shown that L-tyrosine supplementation boosts cognition, alertness, and memory in stressful and demanding situations in otherwise healthy adults [102,103], such as those who skimp on their sleep [104], undergo intense physical training [105], or those who endure extreme temperatures [106].
MAGNESIUM TAURATE
Over 300 enzymes require magnesium to function properly!
Required for optimal nerve transmission
Protects against cell death
Prevents mitochondrial dysfunction
Prevents migraines
Improves anxiety and depression
Slows development of and severity of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Reduces risk of stroke
Magnesium is required for over 300 enzymes to function properly [107]. Within the brain and nervous system, magnesium is required for optimal nerve transmission and protection against excitotoxicity (excessive excitation leading to cell death) [108,109].
A systematic review of magnesium’s role in neurological disorders found that it plays an important role in the prevention of migraines, treatment of anxiety and depression, severity of Parkinson’s disease, development of Alzheimer’s disease, and protection against stroke [110].
But, not all forms of magnesium are the same. Magnesium taurate demonstrates a superior ability to enter into the brain and increase the brain’s magnesium status compared to other forms [111,112].
