Cognitex is formulated to take advantage of the latest
developments and ingredients for cognitive health. The latest ingredient in the
Cognitex formula is uridine-5’-monophosphate, a critical brain nutrient.
Uridine-monophosphate (UMP) is a basic building block of RNA and
DNA as well as of phosphatides such as phosphatidylcholine that are critical to
optimal brain function and the health of neuronal cell membranes. Naturally
found in the milk of nursing mothers, UMP is essential for the growth and
development of infant brains. Animal
studies suggest that dietary supplementation with UMP may increase brain
acetylcholine and phosphatide levels, and enhance some cholinergic functions.
The Cognitex formula provides other critical extracts that
support healthy brain function, such as blueberry standardized for both
anthocyanins and pterostilbene.
Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, are considered one of
nature’s most potent antioxidants and have demonstrated properties that extend
well beyond suppressing free radicals.
Research suggests that Pterostilbene, another blueberry constituent, may
help maintain healthy lipid and glucose levels.
Through their unique biological effects, anthocyanins may help support
DNA structure.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a crucial building block in the brain. In fact, brain
tissues are especially rich in this nutrient. However, aging causes a decline in
the PS content of cells throughout the body including brain cells, which can
lead to cognitive decline. hosphatidylserine helps the brain use its fuel
efficiently. By boosting glucose metabolism and stimulating production of
acetylcholine, supplemental phosphatidylserine has been shown to improve the
condition of patients experiencing age-associated memory impairment or cognitive
decline. Thus, replacing this brain
food is essential.
Cognitex contains a compound that mimics the naturally occurring
PS in the brain. Sharp-PS® GOLD, fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, delivers PS
to the brain to help maintain youthful cognitive function. These unique
nutrients have been extensively studied and may be of tremendous benefit for the
aging brain.
The brain is a metabolically active organ that produces high
levels of free radicals. These free radicals can bombard the cell membranes of
neurons causing premature loss of function. Cognitex contains a number of
phytonutrient-based antioxidants that work best in a lipid (fat) rich
environment like the brain.
While antioxidant nutrients provide essential free radical
protection, many have limited capacity once they have spared an electron to
balance a free radical. Cognitex contains a novel rosemary extract that is rich
in carnosic acid, which provides multi-step protection against free radicals in
a process called the carnosic acid cascade.
At each step of free radical interaction a new compound is formed, which
in turn is a powerful antioxidant in itself.
Nutritional support for the brain can be challenging because the
“blood-brain barrier” can keep out not only harmful substances but beneficial
nutrients and drugs as well. Cognitex contains a grape seed extract called
Leucoselect® Phytosome™. By pairing proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract
with phosphatides from soy lecithin in the Phytosome™, the uptake and
distribution to target tissues of the grape seed polyphenols is enhanced.
Once in the brain, the grape seed polyphenols trap dangerous
hydroxyl free radicals that turn fat rancid. These fats make up the outer lipid
membrane of trillions of brain cells. These polyphenols also protect blood
circulation and oxygen flow by improving the tone and elasticity of blood
vessels.
High levels of procyanidins from grape seed extract do not
ensure an extract is going to have a beneficial effect on the brain. Polyphenols
with higher molecular weight cannot be absorbed. Leucoselect® Phytosome™
contains smaller size molecules for advanced neurological activity.
Taking dietary supplements can seem like an act of faith since
we often cannot feel their effects. Cognitex provides a patented, nonstimulant
phytonutrient called Sensoril®. Sensoril® is a proprietary standardized extract
of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as “Indian ginseng,” which is
used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine for boosting brain function and
alleviating mental fatigue. Advanced extraction practices allow for a highly
concentrated yet balanced brain nutrient. The effects can often be felt
immediately with greater alertness and focus but without jitteriness.
Stress can be very damaging to the brain, especially memory
function. Sensoril® also helps modulate cortisol secretion, which positively
influences the stress response.
Cognitex provides a NeuroProtection Complex onsisting of highly
concentrated standardized extracts of hops, ginger, and rosemary that help
suppress inflammatory cytokines.
Brain cells, such as neurons, are fed by blood vessels. Some of
these (for example, microcapillaries) can be so small that red blood cells
carrying oxygen pass through them very inefficiently. Vinpocetine enhances blood
flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity. Vinpocetine
enhances cerebral metabolism by helping to maintain healthy blood flow, which
enhances oxygen utilization.
L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC), a precursor to
the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, is naturally present in all the body’s
cells. A decline in acetylcholine levels coincides with advancing age and is a
hallmark of neurodegeneration. Cognitex provides Alpha-GPC as a crucial building
block for the production of acetylcholine in the brain.
The safety and importance to life of Alpha-GPC is evidenced by its
substantial presence in human breast milk.
Proper acetylcholine function is essential to muscle control, sleep, and
cognition. Alpha-GPC plays a key role in both the synthesis and the catabolic
recycling of phospholipids. Alpha-GPC supplementation may result in enhanced
phospholipid synthesis, including synthesis of the phosphoinositides available
for signal transduction at central nervous system level.
Pregnenolone is a neuroactive hormone that may be especially
beneficial to the brain yet the
body’s production of it declines with age.
