Cognitex without Pregnenolone and Neuroprotection Complex

Uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) is a phosphatide building block of RNA-DNA that is critical to optimal brain function and the health of neuronal cell membranes. Naturally found in the milk of nursing mothers, UMP is essential not only for the growth and development of infant brains, but also for healthy cognitive function in aging adults.

Blueberry anthocyanins are considered nature’s most potent antioxidants and have demonstrated properties that extend well beyond suppressing free radicals. Pterostilbene is another blueberry constituent that helps maintain healthy lipid and glucose levels in those already within normal range.¹ Importantly, through their unique biological effects; pterostilbene and anthocyanins may help support DNA structure.²

The Life Extension Cognitex formulas provide blueberry extracts standardized with both anthocyanins and pterostilbene.

A crucial building block in the brain is phosphatidylserine (PS). In fact, brain tissues are especially rich in this brain nutrient, but aging causes a decline in the PS content of cells throughout the body, which can lead to cognitive decline.* Phosphatidylserine 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.^3,4 Thus, replacing this brain food is essential.

Life Extension’s new generation Cognitex formulas now contain a rich PS compound that mimics the naturally occurring PS in the brain. SharpPS Gold^TMfortified with omega-3 fatty acids, delivers unique brain-health benefits to help retard the cognitive degeneration so often seen with advanced age. These unique brain nutrients have been extensively studied and may be of tremendous benefit for the aging brain.⁵

More protection against free radicals

The brain is a highly active organ that produces high levels of free radicals from normal metabolism. These free radicals can bombard the fatty membranes of neurons and other brain cells 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 now 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.

Bioavailable to the brain

Nutritional support for the brain is challenging as a barrier called the blood-brain barrier keeps out toxins as well as beneficial nutrients and drugs. Cognitex contains the grape seed extract Leucoselect® Phytosome™. By pairing one molecule of proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract with two molecules of phosphatidylcholine 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 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 to the brain by improving the tone and elasticity of blood vessels.

Molecular size matters

High levels of procyanidins from grape seed extract does 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 therapeutic activity as the larger molecules are discarded during the extraction process.

A difference you can feel

Taking dietary supplements can often be an act of faith as we often cannot feel what they are doing. Cognitex provides the patented, nonstimulant phytonutrient called Sensoril®. Sensoril® is a proprietary standardized extract of ashwagandha, also know as “Indian ginseng,” and used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine for boosting brain function and alleviating mental fatigue. Advanced extraction practices now allows for a highly concentrated yet balanced brain nutrient. The effects can often be felt immediately with greater alertness and focus but without the jitteriness of stimulants.

Sensoril® also helps modulate the stress response resulting in cortisol excretion. Stress can be very damaging to the brain, especially memory function, and cortisol stimulates the body to release sugar (glucose) into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of glucose can accelerate aging and increase fat storage leading to weight gain, especially in the abdomen. In addition, the stress-modulating abilities of Sensoril® can help stress overeaters especially when it comes to carbohydrate cravings.

Advanced inflammation protection

Cognitex also contains a NeuroProtection Complex designed to provide highly concentrated standardized extracts of hops, ginger and rosemary – known anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Perluxan™ is a phytonutrient derived from the hops plant that is beginning to be used in nutritional formulas for chronic inflammatory conditions.

Circulation is key to cognitive health

Brain cells such as neurons are fed by blood vessels. Some of these microcapillaries can be so small that red blood cells carrying oxygen have difficulty passing through them. Neurons are the key structure for cognitive functions including memory. Vinpocetine enhances blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity. Vinpocetine enhances cerebral metabolism by helping to maintain healthy blood flow and glucose levels in those already within normal range, which enhances oxygen utilization by neurons.

Additional Advanced Brain Nutrients

L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (A-GPC) is naturally present in all the body’s cells. Its importance to life and safety as a supplement are evidenced by its substantial presence in human breast milk.^6,7 Acetylcholine is an essential neurotransmitter involved in muscle control, sleep, and cognition. Its decline coincides with advancing age, and is a hallmark of neurodegenerative decline. Cognitex provides A-GPC as a crucial building block for the production of acetylcholine in the brain.^8,9

Cognitex is available with pregnenolone. Concentrations of this critical hormone are much higher in the brain, and studies show that this hormone has numerous mental benefits.

All these ingredients work synergistically to promote optimal cognitex function.

Note: For some, taking Cognitex can cause hours of alertness so it may not be advisable to take near bedtime. Also, Sensoril® is an “adpatogenic” herb and like all adaptogens is effective by bringing balance within the body. Someone who is mentally exhausted and needs rest may find that initial use of this product may bring on a feeling of needing to sleep. This is normal and the body is responding to the need for rest. Continued use of the product will bring on mental reinvigoration.

References
1. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 May 4;53(9):3403-7.
2. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb 5;535(1):103-15.
3. Mech Ageing Dev. 2001 Nov;122(16):2025-40.
4. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2000;37(4):302-7.
5. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Dec;10(4):268-93.
6. Neurochem Res. 1995 Jan;20(1):1-9.
7. J Neurosci Res. 2001 Oct 15;66(2):266-71.
8. J Neurosci Res. 1991 Nov;30(3):555-9.
9. Eur J Pharmacol. 1992 Jul 21;218(1):117-21.

Supplement Facts
Serving size: 3 softgels
Servings per container: 30
Amount per serving
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (A-GPC)	600 mg
Phosphatidylserine [SharpPS Gold™ Conjugated Phosphatidylserine-DHA (std. to 45% PS and 8% DHA) and phosphatidylserine]	100 mg
Vinpocetine	20 mg
Phosphatidylcholine-Grape Seed Extract [Contains 50 mg of Leucoselect® Phytosome™ grape seed extract (95% polyphenols) bound to100 mg of phosphatidylcholine from soy]	150 mg
VitaBlue® Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) 130:1 Extract (fruit) [std. to 14% Total Phenolics (21 mg), 4.9% Total Anthocyanins (7.35 mg), 660 ppm Pterostilbene (0.1 mg)]	150 mg
Sensoril® Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Extract (root and leaves) [standardized to 8% with anolide glycoside conjugates (10 mg) and 32% oligosaccharides (40 mg)]	125 mg
Uridine-5'-Monophosphate (disodium)	50 mg
Proprietary NeuroProtection Complex Blend	125 mg
Perluxan™ Hops Extract (Humulus lupulus) (standardized to 30% alpha and iso-alpha acids) Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract (root) (standardized to 5% gingerols by HPLC) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Extract (leaves) (standardized to 20% diterpenic compounds)
Other ingredients: rice bran oil, gelatin, glycerin, soy lecithin, silicon dioxide, rosemary extract, purified water, carob color. Contains fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod) and soybeans. Contains rice. This product contains NO milk, egg, peanuts, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, or corn. Contains NO sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Leucoselect® is a registered trademark of Indena S.p.A.
Phytosome™ is a trademark of Indena S.p.A.
Perluxan™ is a trademark of Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.
Sensoril® is protected under US Patents Nos. 6,153,198 and 6,713,092 and is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.
VitaBlue® is a registered trademark of VDF Futureceuticals, Inc.
SharpPS Gold™ is a trademark of Enzymotec Ltd.

Dosage and Use

Take three softgels in the morning with or without food.
Some people may take three softgels twice daily or as recommended by a health care practitioner.

Note

For some, taking this new Cognitex can cause hours of alertness so it may not be advisable to take near bedtime. Also, Sensoril® is an “adpatogenic” herb and like all adaptogens are effective by bringing balance within the body. Someone who is mentally exhausted and needs rest may find that initial use of this product may bring on a feeling of needing to sleep. This is normal and the body is responding to the need for rest. Continued use of the product will bring on mental reinvigoration.

Caution If you are taking Warfarin (Coumadin®), consult with your physician before using this product.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
If you have a bad reaction to this product, discontinue use.
When using nutritional supplements, please inform your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

Warning: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Some of these products are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

This page was last modified on Wednesday July 30, 2008