Cognitex has been reformulated and changed from a softgel to a hard capsule to take advantage of new developments and ingredients for cognitive health. The previous Cognitex formulas provided premium levels of phospholipid nutrients (GPC and PS), vinpocetine and pregnenolone (option). This has been maintained while adding “next generation” nutrients and more vinpocetine for advanced brain protection.

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.

Ingredients that work hard for you

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 multistep 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 more challenging as a barrier called the blood-brain barrier keeps out toxins but also competing 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 level of procyanidins from grape seed extract does not ensure an extract is going to have a beneficial effect on the body. 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 contains GPC and phosphatidylserine that improve neural function at the functional level over time. New to Cognitex is 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.

Mind your brain and body

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 and safe inflammation protection

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

IsoOxygene® is a new phytonutrient derived from the hops plant, that is beginning to be used in nutritional formulas in high dosages for inflammatory conditions. Cognitex uses a lower dose to address the low-grade inflammation occurring in the brain. How IsoOxygene® stands out from a myriad of anti-inflammatory compounds, including drugs, is that it is highly selective to COX-2 inhibition versus COX-1. The COX-2:COX-1 ratio for IsoOxygene® is 30:1 compared to about 2:1 for the majority of botanical and drug COX inhibitors. Studies on IsoOxygene® are on-going to determine levels of 5-LOX inhibition.

Circulation Is Key To Memory

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 improving blood flow, increasing glucose and oxygen utilization by neurons and concentration of neurotransmitters involved in memory formation.

Since 1982 when Cognitex was introduced to Life Extension members, the formula has been modified several times reflecting the results of new studies to promote optimal health in the aging brain. The newest version of Cognitex includes nutrients to protect the brain from a wide range of age-related insults.

It seems the aging brain is susceptible to inflammation from enzymes known as COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase 2) and 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase). To inhibit the actions of these destructive enzymes, Nexrutine® and 5-Loxin extracts have been added to the new Cognitex formula.*

Nexrutine®, from a plant called Phellodendron amurense, inhibits the production of the inflammation causing COX-2 enzyme, without interfering with the beneficial enzyme COX-1 that plays a part in protecting the mucosal lining of the stomach.*

5-Loxin is a derivative of b-boswellic acid, a resin from the Boswellia serrata tree. 5-Loxin acts as a specific inhibitor of the inflammatory agent 5-LOX. Newer research indicates that levels of 5-LOX increase with age and may trigger cell death in the brain.*

Working synergistically, the combination of Nexrutine® and 5-Loxin may provide maximum effectiveness through a dual inflammatory pathway blockade. In fact, a 5-LOX inhibitor such as 5-Loxin may actually improve the effectiveness of COX-2 inhibitors.*

The addition of water-soluble quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, etc., diminishes thrombotic risk and therefore may enhance the cerebral circulation.*

Acetylcholine is an essential neurotransmitter involved in muscular control, sleep, and cognition. Acetylcholine levels are reduced with advancing age, resulting in neurodegeneration. L-Alpha glycerylphosphoryl choline (GPC) is an acetylcholine precursor derived from soy that not only boosts acetylcholine levels, but also helps to protect neuronal structure.* GPC is a key ingredient in the Cognitex formula.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a natural and integral component of every cell membrane. It is so important that the body manufactures it in order to ensure its continual supply. PS helps the brain use fuel more efficiently and by boosting neuronal metabolism and stimulating production of acetylcholine, PS may be able to improve the condition of patients in cognitive decline. An added benefit is its ability to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.*

Vinpocetine, another important ingredient, is a semi-synthetic derivative of the periwinkle plant that is widely used by European doctors. Vinpocetine enhances oxygen utilization and improves circulation to the brain by allowing cerebral arteries to relax.*

Pregnenolone is a natural hormone that decreases with age. It is considered the “mother hormone” because the body converts it into a variety of other important hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. These hormones may be especially beneficial to the aging brain.* The new Cognitex is available with or without pregnenolone. People with hormone-sensitive cancers should not take pregnenolone.*