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20 ingredients that support brain health through neurons and nourishment
Formulators should view cognitive health through a new lens, thinking neurotransmitter support, neuroprotection and nourishment.
5 Min Read
Cognition is the ability to think, learn and remember, thus forming the basis for an individual’s capacity for perception, reasoning, acts of creativity, problem-solving and possibly intuition.
Cognitive health concerns are not new, yet only recently have botanicals risen to the forefront of formulation possibilities due to new and exciting research. In most cases, indigenous people have used botanicals for thousands of years, and now current medicine is supporting their safety and efficacy. Expanding beyond botanicals, other novel ingredients are also demonstrating modern health benefits.
When formulating a plan to improve focus, concentration and cognitive health, understanding the underlying physiology of cognitive health is paramount. Some critical areas to focus on (pun intended) include:
• Neurotransmitter support: Protects the production and maintenance of the critical neurotransmitters involved in cognition.
• Neuroprotection: Protects the brain from harmful environmental and body-produced toxins.
• Nourishment: Provides critical nutrients needed for overall brain and cognitive health.
Neurotransmitters and cognitive health
Five neurotransmitters play a role in cognitive health: norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin. Norepinephrine and dopamine are linked to cognitive and working memory, while acetylcholine is involved in learning and short-term memory. GABA supports cognition by calming stress-related cognitive problems, and serotonin supports learning and memory.
The following ingredients offer established neurotransmitter effects:
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, as Ceraboost from Naturex): Enhances acetylcholine levels while providing neuroprotective benefits.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Benefits cognition by supporting multiple neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin and dopamine.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri, as BacoMind from Natural Remedies): Like ashwagandha, bacopa has multiple mechanisms of action regarding supporting neurotransmitters involved in cognition. Of these, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin are on the list. Bacopa is often looked at for its neuroprotective benefits, too.
Blueberry (Vaccinium species): Studies show that blueberry positively affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels affected by stress. It also benefits neuronal signaling and is neuroprotective.
Green oats (Avena sativa, as Cognitaven from Anklam Extrakt GmbH): Research shows that green oat positively impacts PDE-4 and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). PDE-4 supports norepinephrine and serotonin, while MAO-B supports dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and serotonin.
Sage (Salvia officinalis, as Cognivia from Nexira): Studies with sage show its impact on acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down this neurotransmitter, and also point to sage for its high content of polyphenols and their neuroprotective benefits.
Saffron (Crocus sativus, as affron from Pharmactive Biotech): Studies show it impacts serotonin, dopamine and GABA and is neuroprotective.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata, as Neumentix from Kemin): Like many other botanicals, spearmint positively influences acetylcholine and provides neuroprotective benefits.
Neuroprotection and cognitive health
Neuroprotection is crucial for cognition because it involves safeguarding neurons from injury, degeneration and death, thereby preserving cognitive function. Neuroprotection is essential for cognition for many reasons:
• Prevention of neurodegenerative conditions: Neuroprotection plays a vital role in protecting neurons. It can also help maintain cognitive functions such as memory, learning and reasoning.
• Reduction of oxidative stress: Neuroprotective strategies often involve antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that reduce oxidative damage, thereby preserving cognitive abilities.
• Support for synaptic plasticity: Neuroprotection supports synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time. This plasticity is fundamental for learning and memory. Protecting neurons helps maintain the integrity of synaptic connections, ensuring that cognitive processes such as learning and memory are retained.
• Enhancement of neurogenesis: Neuroprotective strategies can enhance neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory formation.
Several ingredients covered in the neurotransmitter section also provide neuroprotective benefits. These include American ginseng, bacopa, blueberry, sage, saffron and spearmint. Additional examples of neuroprotective ingredients with cognitive health indications include:
CoQ10/ubiquinol: CoQ10 has been studied for its potential to protect brain cells from damage and support mitochondrial function.
Curcumin (Curcuma longa): Derived from the golden Indian spice turmeric, curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. A study completed with HydroCurc from Gencor Pacific showed that the combination of HydroCurc plus elemental iron significantly increased BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels.
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus): Perhaps the most popular mushroom on the market today, lion’s mane has research showing its potential in neurogenesis and cognitive function improvement.
Magnesium: The master mineral magnesium is involved in many biochemical reactions in the brain and is important for nerve function. It may help protect against excitotoxicity, which can lead to neuronal damage.
Resveratrol: The red wine molecule resveratrol is an antioxidant that may protect the brain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
There are 7 additional ingredients, for nourishment and cognitive health — covering aspects such as energy production, neurotrnsmitter synthesis, inflammation control, neurogenesis and brain plasticity, and more. To see what they are, download the free SupplySide Supplement Journal digital magazine here.
Putting a bow on cognitive formulating
As we continue to explore the intricate workings of cognitive health, clearly a holistic approach encompassing neurotransmitter support, neuroprotection and nourishment is essential for optimizing brain function.
Integrating time-honored botanicals with modern, scientifically backed ingredients offers promising avenues for enhancing cognitive abilities and protecting against cognitive decline. By understanding and addressing the various factors that influence cognitive health, we can develop more effective strategies to support focus, memory and overall mental well-being, ultimately empowering individuals to maintain their cognitive vitality throughout life.
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