Lion’s Mane, a non-psychoactive mushroom, also known as “bearded tooth fungus” or “hedgehog mushroom”, has been recognized as a powerful superfood that can enhance brain function and help with a number of other ailments—possibly even reducing incidence of cancer.

Lion’s Mane helps stimulate nerve growth factor production, or NGF, which is a neuropeptide that helps maintain neurons—the cells responsible for helping your brain process and transmit information. Studies have shown that not only is it effective for improving cognitive function for those with mild cognitive impairment; it also helps preserve photographic and short-term memory. The NGF- enhancing action of Lion’s Mane has also been shown to support the autonomic nervous system, the primary system  involved in the body’s flight or fight response. Lion’s Mane can reduce feelings of irritability and anxiety, suggesting it may also relieve mild symptoms of depression.

Those who supplement with Lion’s Mane alone have reported that it can also provide a steady boost of energy, without the negative symptoms that can come with stimulants like caffeine. This is because the mushroom is rich in antioxidants that support overall cellular health. Since energy transport takes place between cells, the more antioxidants in your diet, the easier it is for the body to produce energy.

By increasing NGF, the neuropeptide needed to prevent nerve cell damage, Lion’s Mane can also help alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, etc). It’s even been shown to regenerate damaged cells.

Studies have shown that supplementing with Lion’s Mane can help improve insulin sensitivity, and may help manage type 2 diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances.

The natural antibacterial properties of Lion’s Mane acts as a protectant in the gut, working against digestive conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, while its anti-inflammatory properties can help with IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, and colitis. In addition, Lion’s Mane can reduce risk factors for heart disease.

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen, glucose, and nutrients to perform properly and maintain cognitive function. Steady and adequate blood circulation to the brain is what delivers these essentials. Weakened blood flow to the brain can result in dizziness, irritability, lack of concentration, and deteriorating memory. Vinpocetine is a herbal extract that improves blood flow to the brain, supporting a variety of brain functions, including memory. Studies show that Vinpocetine may improve blood flow and glucose uptake in areas of the brain that have been compromised by stroke.

In six healthy men, an infusion of 20 mg vinpocetine resulted in a 7% increase in blood flow to the brain [1].

Vinpocetine also improved brain oxygenation in 700 individuals with brain circulation issues. It improved blood flow without altering their average blood pressure [2, 3, 4].

This enhanced blood flow is linked with cognitive protection, based on 2 studies on 46 people recovering from brain strokes [5, 6].

Vinpocetine may also increase microcirculation in the brain, as seen in a pilot study on 30 people. It probably does so by enhancing red blood cell flexibility and, therefore, reducing blood viscosity [7, 8,9].

This product uses a Huperzine A 1% extract.

Huperzine A (HupA) is an alkaloid compound extracted from club moss (Huperzia serrata).

Huperzine A is thought to be beneficial for problems with memory, loss of mental abilities (dementia), and the muscular disorder myasthenia gravis because it causes an increase in the levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of the chemicals that our nerves use to communicate in the brain, muscles, and other areas.

In a study of teenage students, a small dose of huperzine A (50 mcg) taken twice daily for 4 weeks improved several aspects of memory and learning performance. Huperzine A has also received significant research attention for supporting memory and cognitive performance during aging.

Pine bark extract, or Pycnogenol, comes from the bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, which commonly grows in Europe. It has been praised for its medicinal properties since the 4th century B.C. when Hippocrates noted that it could reduce inflammation.

Pine bark is a good source of vitamin C as well as numerous phytochemicals, natural plant compounds that support better health. The stars of the group are proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidant compounds (more potent than Vitamin C and E) that provide a wealth of added health benefits.

Pine bark extract may help manage symptoms of ADHD. A study in 2006 discovered that children who took the supplement daily for four weeks had significantly reduced hyperactivity levels, improved concentration and visual motor skills.

Another study in 2013 suggests that pine bark extract may help to decrease nerve cell damage after traumatic brain injury. More research is needed to understand pine bark extract’s role in decreasing damage resulting from head trauma. However, the results of the study showed improvement in cognitive functioning and short term memory among patients.

Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound. It is neither a vitamin nor a mineral.

Choline is an essential nutrient, meaning it’s required for normal bodily function and human health. Though your liver can make small amounts, you must obtain the majority through your diet.

However, it is often grouped with the vitamin B complex due to its similarities. In fact, this nutrient affects a number of vital bodily functions. It impacts liver function, healthy brain development, muscle movement, your nervous system and metabolism.

Choline is required to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating memory, mood and intelligence.It’s also needed for the process that synthesizes DNA, which is important for brain function and development. Choline intake is associated with improvements in brain function.

Bacopa monnieri, also called brahmi, water hyssop, thyme-leaved gratiola, and herb of grace, is a staple plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Bacopa as been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for centuries for a variety of purposes, including improving memory, reducing anxiety, and treating epilepsy.

Preliminary evidence suggests that bacopa may have antioxidant properties. The herb contains saponin compounds such as bacosides and bacopasides, which may enhance the communication of brain chemicals involved in cognition, learning, and memory, and inhibit inflammation in the brain.

Animal and human studies show that Bacopa monnieri may help improve memory, attention, and the ability to process visual information.

Several studies indicate that bacopa may help preserve memory and enhance cognitive function. In a report published in the Journal of Ethnophamacology in 2014, researchers analyzed nine previously published studies assessing the effect of bacopa on cognitive function. In their conclusion, researchers stated that bacopa has the potential to improve cognition.

A 12-week study in 46 healthy adults observed that taking 300 mg of Bacopa monnieri daily significantly improved the speed of processing visual information, learning rate, and memory, compared with the placebo treatment (1).

Another 12-week study in 60 older adults found that taking either 300 mg or 600 mg of Bacopa monnieri extract daily improved memory, attention, and the ability to process information, compared with the placebo treatment (2).