Support Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Several plant extracts have been found to benefit brain health and boost cognitive function in human studies.^1-5

In a clinical trial of older adults, taking a specific sage extract led to a roughly 60% improvement in measures of memory and a 2.5-fold enhancement in accuracy of attention, compared to a placebo.⁶

Scientists have combined this extract with other compounds to support optimal brain function and potentially ward off neurological dysfunction.

Defend the Brain

Mild cognitive impairment is common with advancing age, and can progress to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.⁷

Researchers have found nutrients that may improve and defend brain health, providing resources the brain needs to function optimally.

In particular, the Mediterranean herb sage can influence biological mechanisms that benefit brain health. Studies have shown promising memory^1,6,8,9 and cognition-enhancing effects of sage in human adults.^6,8,9

Optimizing Sage Extract

Sage has long been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is rich in compounds with known benefits, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and luteolin.⁹

In preclinical studies rosmarinic acid has been shown to increase  brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a regulator of neuronal growth and function.⁹

Several studies demonstrate health benefits of sage and its extracts.^1,9

Researchers zeroed in on a standardized sage extract from a source of the herb farmed in England.¹⁰

This sage extract was tested against others in animal models. It was found to prolong lifespan in roundworms by 12%, while other sources of sage did not.¹¹

Human Studies

Several studies have documented that sage extract has a significant impact on human brain health.

In acute effects studies of healthy subjects, consuming sage extract led to a boost in mental performance, with improved mood,^8,12 less anxiety, and improvements to memory and attention.¹² In one of these studies participants even reported less mental fatigue.⁸

In a randomized placebo-controlled trial of acute effects of sage extract, 20 healthy older adults were given a standardized extract of sage at doses ranging from 167 mg to 1,332 mg. The participants took single doses separated by seven-day washout periods.

The 333 mg dose of standardized sage extract from England led to about 60% improvement in a composite measure of memory and 2.5-fold enhancement in accuracy of attention, compared to a placebo.⁶

Remarkably, these improvements were seen just hours after taking the extract.

Studies that used different types of sage extract achieved similar findings in older adults with cognitive dysfunction.^13,14

For instance, in patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, a different sage extract was administered daily for four months and resulted in better cognitive function assessment scores than in those who took a placebo.¹³

How Sage Works

Sage helps defend the brain and boost its function in multiple ways, including:

• Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Preclinical⁹ and clinical^l8,12 research has shown that sage inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

  Low levels of acetylcholine are tied to cognitive deficits and are seen with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.¹⁵

  In one clinical study of patients with Alzheimer’s, blocking acetylcholinesterase with drugs was found to be associated with more than 20% lower mortality overall.¹⁶ Cholinesterase inhibitors are one of the available medication options for cognitive support and delay in the progression of dementia.¹⁷

• Reducing beta-amyloid buildup. In preclinical studies, sage and its components have demonstrated an ability to reduce aggregation of beta-amyloid, a protein that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients.^9,18,19 This has improved cognitive function and prevented cognitive dysfunction in animal models.⁹
• Supporting neurotrophin levels. Lab experiments have shown rosmarinic acid in sage helps support healthy levels of neurotrophins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).^9,20 Neurotrophins are regulating compounds that support brain structure and function. Lower levels of BDNF are seen in patients with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment.^9,21
• Anti-inflammatory activity. Amyloid brain deposits in Alzheimer’s are widely believed to be contributors to cognitive decline. Amyloid may also cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Compounds in sage possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.⁹ Both neuroinflammation and oxidative stress may occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and cause damage to brain cells.²²

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Better Brain Health

Brain function typically declines with age, in many cases leading to cognitive impairment and dementia.

In an acute effects clinical study of healthy older adults, a standardized sage extract boosted performance of memory tasks by about 60% and improved attention 2.5-fold compared to a placebo.

A different sage extract also boosted cognitive function scores in adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Combining sage extract with other compounds and extracts was shown to support brain health and may improve cognitive function.

Other Brain-Supporting Compounds

In addition to sage, other nutrients have been shown to support brain health, including:

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid component of nerve cell membranes, which carry nerve impulses in the brain. It is also a vital part of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers, making their conduction more efficient and rapid.²³

Supplementing with phosphatidylserine can help maintain optimal cognitive function. A meta-analysis of human studies concluded that phosphatidylserine intake ranging from 100 to 300 mg daily improved memory in older adults with cognitive decline.²

Ashwagandha

Used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries, the herb ashwagandha²⁴ is best known for improving mood and reducing stress.^4,24,25 Preclinical as well as some clinical research shows that ashwagandha extract protects neurons from neurodegenerative processes associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases.²⁶

In human studies, ashwagandha extract has also been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.^27-29 In a study of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, ashwagandha intake improved memory, attention, and executive function, our reasoning and decision-making ability.²⁸

Blueberry Extract

Anthocyanins, polyphenols with wide-ranging health benefits, are concentrated in dark-colored fruits like blueberries.

Human trials have found that blueberry intake leads to improved cognitive performance in older adults,^3,30-33 including enhanced memory, and faster processing speeds. Blueberry juice intake has been shown to significantly improve mood in children and younger adults.³⁴

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine, a compound derived from the periwinkle plant, shows benefits for the nervous system in animal and cell studies, including improving blood flow in the brain.³⁵

In a clinical trial of patients with ischemic stroke, 12-week oral supplementation with vinpocetine improved the cerebrovascular reserve capacity and improved cognitive status and general condition of patients with chronic hypoperfusion.³⁶

Uridine 5’-Monophosphate

Loss of synapses occurs with age and neurodegeneration. Synapses are the structures where brain cells communicate with another part of our neural network.

Uridine 5’-monophosphate is a compound that supports the formation of synapses, the structures where brain cells communicate. Loss of synapses occurs with age and neurodegeneration.^37,38

Studies show that patients with Alzheimer’s disease may have low levels of uridine 5’-monophosphate.^39,40 Supplemental intake of uridine has been shown to be beneficial for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.³⁸

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is a hormone that helps modulate nervous system function.

In preclinical studies, pregnenolone demonstrates neuroprotectant activity with benefits to mood, memory, and other cognitive functions. In human trials it has shown significant improvements in well-being, psychomotor activities (cognition and motor performance), and learning.⁴¹

Taking these compounds together with sage may help maximize brain health benefits and improve memory and cognition.

Summary

Millions of older adults suffer from cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.

A standardized sage extract has been shown to improve cognitive function in a clinical trial.

Combining this extract with other ingredients shown to support brain health may boost cognitive function and help protect against degenerative decline.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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