Phosphotidylcholine

This is one of the most abundant phospholipids in the brain. It not only makes up the bulk of the membrane’s lipid structure, but also is vital for the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is strongly associated with memory and learning. There is a constant turnover in this phospholipid, especially with injury and disease. Feeding phosphotidylcholine to patients with brain injuries and strokes has been shown, in some studies, to not only speed up their recovery, but to make their recovery more complete. It is especially important for the developing brain.

Phosphotidylethanolamine

This is another phospholipid found in the brain and is important for brain cell membranes and synaptic connections which allow brain cells to communicate. Studies have shown that as we age the level of phosphotidylethanolamine decreases in the brain and supplementing with this phospholipid can improve memory and reduce depression.

Phosphotidylinositol

This brain phospholipid is also vital to proper brain function and becomes depleted with aging, injury, strokes, and with neurodegenerative diseases. It also plays a very important role in some of the brain’s most complex functions, especially behavior and memory. For instance, low levels in children are characteristic of ADHD.

Mixed Tocopherols (D-alpha-tocopherol and D-gamma-tocopherol)

The natural tocopherols, better known as vitamin E, play a vital role in protecting the brain lipids from oxidation (called lipid peroxidation). Because vitamin E is lipid soluble, all of its components are dissolved in the phospholipids, preventing them from oxidizing. The gamma-tocopherol also powerfully inhibits brain inflammation.

Ultra Pure DHA/EPA (DHA Concentrate, Docosahexaenoic Acid and EPA)

Many omega-3 oil products contain a mixture of DHA and EPA that provides the brain with the improper ratio of N-3 lipids. That is, they have far too high a level of EPA which can cause immune suppression and bleeding risk. The brain mainly uses DHA which is critical to brain development, brain plasticity (growth and repair), and neurotransmitter function. The oil is highly purified to remove toxic metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.

Tocotrienols

These are also in the vitamin E group and have been shown to have even a more powerful ability to inhibit phospholipid oxidation. Together with the tocopherols, they provide the highest levels of brain protection against lipid peroxidation.

Curcumin

This flavonoid, extracted from the spice turmeric, is being shown to be a leader in brain protection. It is a very powerful anti-inflammatory, a potent and versatile antioxidant, and prevents many of the changes seen with Alzheimer’s disease. Extensive research is now being conducted to see if it can prevent Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Because all neurodegenerative diseases are caused by chronic brain inflammation, it holds great promise in all inflammation-related neurological disorders. Curcumin is best absorbed when dissolved in oil, which makes this capsule superior to other forms of curcumin.

Ginger

Ginger extract is also a potent anti-inflammatory. In addition, it reduces stomach irritation.

Quercetin

Like curcumin, quercetin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and versatile antioxidant. It also prevents lipid peroxidation, thus protecting delicate brain membranes and connections. There is also evidence that quercetin, found commonly in fruits and vegetables, may block the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have shown that it is much more effective in protecting DNA and other critical cell structures than is vitamin C.

CoQ10

A small amount of CoQ10 was also added to synergistically enhance the protection of brain cells and to enhance cell energy production.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, the functional form of vitamin D, has been included in the formula because of a compelling amount of research showing that it acts as a powerful and critical immune modulator. This means that it prevents immune overactivation and inflammation, which can lead to autoimmune and bystander damage to the nervous system. Recent studies have also shown that it combats viruses, bacteria and fungi by stimulating the body to produce antimicrobial peptides, and that the higher the dose of the vitamin D3, the more of these protective peptides that are produced. It also acts as an anti-oxidant as well. A number of studies have shown that vitamin D3 inhibits the development and growth of several types of cancer.

Vitamin K

Most of us are familiar with vitamin K playing a role in blood clotting. What is less well known by the lay public is that it also plays a critical role in energy production by cells, especially brain cells. In fact, it is part of a number of nutrients that are used to treat mitochondrial diseases in which there are severe deficiencies in brain cell energy production. Most neurodegenerative diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease, are characterized by defective brain energy production, which often occurs decades before symptoms develop. In addition, low brain cell energy levels dramatically increase damage by excitotoxicity, the major mechanism of damage in these disorders.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

People suffering from dementia and other impairments of mental ability often have low levels of this vital energy vitamin. For example, alcoholics have very low brain thiamine levels which can result in severe dementia and replacing this vitamin can reverse this dementia. Deficiencies, even subclinical ones, can increase sensitivity to excitotoxicity.

Riboflavin (As Riboflavin-5 phosphate)

This is also one of the energy-controlling B vitamins and, like thiamine, helps protect the brain from energy failure and excitotoxicity. The body uses the metabolic form, called riboflavin-5 phosphate, which is used in this supplement. People with chronic diseases and many older people cannot properly utilize riboflavin itself and require the metabolic form-riboflavin-5 phosphate.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal-5 phosphate)

This B vitamin not only plays a role in energy production by brain cells, but also regulates the production of a number of neurotransmitters and lowers elevated levels of glutamate, the powerful excitotoxin. Again, it is in the form used by the brain so as to maximize its effectiveness.

Niacinamide

This B vitamin also plays a role in brain cell energy production and plays a role in regulating the brain’s level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is critical in preventing depression, anxiety, and anger. In this form it does not cause the itching or liver damage associated with higher doses of niacin.

Folinic Acid

You may know this vitamin better by its other form – folic acid. In the form used in my supplement, it has the highest absorption and utilization by the brain. This B vitamin is also used in a great number of biochemical reactions in cells, the most important of which is methylation reactions. These reactions play a critical role in DNA repair and in lowering homocysteine, a powerful excitotoxin. Levels of this vitamin frequently fall with aging and can be quite low in the elderly.

Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin)

Several studies have shown that both folic acid and vitamin B12 are frequently low in the elderly and that these two vitamins may begin to fall much earlier in life. Likewise, a number of studies have shown that vitamin B12 levels are universally low in those with Alzheimer’s disease; much lower than we see in normal elderly. The body uses a form called methylcobalamin, as is used in my supplement. Many supplements use a form called cyanocobalamin, which is bound with the powerful poison-cyanide. The brain poorly utilizes cyanocobalamin.

Special Brain Protectants

Carnosine – This is a compound found naturally in the body and is known to play a vital role in a number of organs, especially the brain. Studies have shown that it can: dramatically reduce seizures; prevent oxidative damage to the brain; neutralize one of the most commonly found lipid peroxidation products (4-HNE), normally found in very high concentrations in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s dementia; prevent zinc damage to brain cells; prevent DNA and protein crosslinking, something commonly seen in neurodegenerative diseases; reduce glycation, and directly protect against excitotoxicity. Recent studies have shown significant improvement when used in cases of autism. It has a very high safety profile.

Acetyl-L Carnitine

This naturally occurring compound has been shown to nurture the brain, raise the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, promote brain fiber growth, and protect against excitotoxicity. It also improves brain cell energy levels which protect against excitotoxicity. A number of studies have also shown benefit in reducing the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and in reducing depression. Like carnosine, it has a very high margin of safety.

Trans-ferulic Acid

This is a natural substance found in many fruits. Many studies have found a cancer inhibiting effect for trans-ferulic acid. More recent studies have shown that taking trans-ferulic acid over a long period of time significantly protects the brain against excitotoxicity and microglial activation, both central mechanisms in the production of a great number of neurological diseases. In one animal study it was shown to reduce the buildup of dangerous amyloid plaque, associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Trans-resveratrol

This is a natural compound found in a number of foods, with the highest levels being found in the skin of grapes. Grapes grown in higher altitudes have higher levels of this powerful flavonoid. A great number of studies have shown that trans-resveratrol has powerful anti-cancer effects, but of growing interest is the finding of equally powerful brain protecting properties. This compound has been shown to reduce brain inflammation by suppressing microglial activation and inhibiting inflammatory biochemical pathways in cells. It also reduces the changes seen in the Alzheimer’s brain, such as a buildup of beta-amyloid. Of real interest is the discovery that resveratrol, when fed to rats on a high calorie diet, provides the same level of protection we see with low-calorie diets. High calorie diets drastically increase one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease and low-calorie diets are protective.

White Tea Extract

A number of studies have shown that green tea extract can reduce one’s risk of several forms of cancer, reduce inflammation, protect against excitotoxicity, and suppress excessive brain microglial activation, all things that protect the brain. The compounds in green tea, called catechins, include epigallocatechin galate (ECGC), epicatechin gallate (ECg), epicatechin (EC), and a number of other compounds, the most effective being EGCG. White tea has much higher concentrations of these protective compounds than does green tea. White tea also has the advantage of having much lower levels of harmful fluoride and aluminum than green tea.

Milk Thistle Extract (Silymarin and Silybin)

You may be aware that milk thistle extract has been shown to powerfully protect the liver from a number of toxins and to promote detoxification and liver healing. Of equal importance is the finding that silymarin and silybin are powerful protectors of the brain, even in low concentrations. In fact, silymarin has been shown to suppress overactive microglial in the brain, even when given in relatively low concentrations. The combined benefit of improved liver health, enhanced detoxification ability, antioxidant effects, and reduced brain inflammation makes this component of the formula very beneficial for brain health.

Curcumin

This flavonoid ingredient is being shown to be one of the most powerful brain protectants now known. Not only does curcumin prevent a great number of cancers, but it also protects mice genetically prone to Alzheimer’s-like disease from ever developing the disorder and may do the same thing in humans. Studies are now being conducted to see if it will. One of the ways curcumin protects the brain is by powerfully suppressing inflammation. In fact, it is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory flavonoids known and it also suppresses brain microglial hyperactivity and blocks excitotoxicity in the brain.

Hesperidin

This is also a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many citrus fruits. Like curcumin, it reduces inflammation in the brain and protects brain cells and their connections. It also powerfully increases the strength of blood vessels in the brain, which help protect against aneurysms, strokes, and brain hemorrhages. Hesperidin has been shown to prevent bone loss, lower cholesterol, and even lower elevated blood pressure in animal studies. It also calms anxiety and kills harmful germs. Also important to good brain health is the finding that it improves glucose control, that is, it prevents insulin resistance.

R-Lipoid Acid

This is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in the body and is considered one of the most important antioxidants in cells. It is unique in that it regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and C when they are oxidized. It also increases the cell’s level of another very important antioxidant called glutathione. In addition, R-lipoic acid increases the cell’s energy level and protects the brain against mercury poisoning. The R-form of lipoic acid is the most potent.

CDP-choline

This is a natural compound used by the brain in producing important brain lipids called phosphatides. Several studies in both humans and animals have shown benefit in cases of strokes and age-related memory loss. Animal studies have shown that mice raised without the stimulation of good surroundings (impoverished) improved to normal if given CDP-choline. The beneficial effects of this compound on the brain are many and include an increase in brain choline (needed to make the memory-related neurotransmitter, acetylcholine), increased synthesis of phosphotidylcholine, and suppression of a number of reactions harmful to brain cells. Excitotoxicity is known to dramatically lower brain choline levels and damage cell membranes. CDP-choline has been shown to repair the damage to the cell membrane, which is essential for normal brain function. Stroke studies in animals, in which strokes are intentionally induced, have shown that those receiving CDP-choline have much smaller strokes as well as better and faster neurological recovery. Some human studies have shown the same effectiveness