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-5'-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.
