June 03, 2024

Demystifying cognitive supplements - which one is right for you?

The world of brain enhancing herbs can be mystifying when we try to figure out which is the most suitable for our needs. There are a wide range of herbs and nutrients available to support optimal brain function, memory, alertness and concentration. Let’s take a look at the benefits of these powerful medicinal mushrooms,  herbs and superfoods, what makes them unique, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

1. SFERA LION’S MANE is truly the Rolls Royce of medicinal mushrooms, and has become one of the most valuable choices for brain health that provides support for a healthy active mind. 

Lion’s Mane:

  • supports healthy brain function, mental clarity, focus and memory
  • supports the nervous system and immunity
  • ensures that the myelin sheath is strong and healthy for conducting brain activity
  • crosses the blood brain barrier, and does a powerful job of growing, repairing and protecting neurons in the brain
  • assists with memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and declining brain function
  • is a brain tonic that combats depression, stress, burnout, and anxiety
  • helps to manage feelings of sadness, pessimism, hopelessness and loss of interest in life
  • improves the ability to concentrate and make decisions
  • oxygenates the brain and reduces inflammation
  • fruiting body contains the active chemical compounds that support optimum brain health!

Lion’s Mane in Traditional Chinese medicine is known as Hou Tou Gu. It is the best kept secret of Asian medicinal superfoods. In Japan, Lion's Mane is known as Yamabushitake - giving you nerves of steel and the memory of a lion!

 

2. SFERA AYURVEDIC BACOPIN is an Ayurvedic herb used for more than 3 000 years with an outstanding reputation as a potent brain tonic for enhancing memory and retention of vast amounts of information while studying. This herb is a boon for those struggling with ADD and ADHD symptoms. Bacopin is also a great support in times of coping with mental stress and trauma. 

Bacopin:

  • helps to support healthy brain function, concentration, attention, focus and memory
  • improves learning and the ability to retain large amounts of information
  • may help reduce ADD and ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness
  • studies show reduced symptoms of restlessness, poor self-control, inattention, and impulsivity
  • may alleviate anxiety and stress by protecting the brain from day-to-day stress and trauma
  • improves your mood and reduces high levels of cortisol linked to stress
  • significantly assists in protecting against advanced diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease and severe memory loss.

 

3. SFERA PHOSPHATYDILSERINE WITH PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE. Although you might struggle pronouncing the name of this unusual supplement, it is definitely worth looking into the powerful brain fortifying benefits - from childhood to old age. These vital nutrients play a key role in keeping your brain functioning at peak performance!

Phosphatidylserine:

  • is a fatty substance that protects brain cells and helps with transmission of information in the brain
  • improves memory, brain function, the ability to study, sharp attention and focus
  • supports healthy brain cells as you get older, as phosphatidylserine levels decrease with age, leading to memory loss
  • low levels are associated with ADD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and autism
  • improves brain function in children with mild or high functioning autism spectrum
  • is good for managing anxiety, regulating mood, relaxation and the balancing of cortisol levels
  • helps relieve stress, anxiety and depression
  • improves your sleep cycle

Phosphatidylcholine:

  • is a member of the B-Complex group and is an important neurotransmitter required for brain function
  • helps your memory, attention and ability to learn
  • has the ability to reduce brain fog, improve cognitive function and retention of information

 

4. SFERA MEMORYCARE is a comprehensive formula that has all the key ingredients in one bottle! It improves cognitive function and memory in adults and children. 

MemoryCare:

  • Helps with clarity, focus, concentration and memory
  • Promotes relaxation, calms anxiety and stress
  • Lion’s Mane promotes memory, clarity, focus and concentration
    • High in antioxidants that protect the brain
  • Bacopa Improves learning and the ability to retain large amounts of information
    • Can improve attention, memory and ability to learn
    • Exerts a positive influence on mood, motivation, and memory
    • Helps reduce stress and anxiety
  • Centella benefits cognitive health, memory
    • May assist with nerve function and growth of neurons
    • Relaxation, mood, mental fatigue, anxiety and stress
    • Enhances blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain
  • Ginkgo Biloba may assist cognitive function and memory
    • Supports blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain
    • Increase energy production in brain cells
    • Improves learning and short term memory
  • Boswellia may help slow progression of degeneration in the brain
    • Enhances cognitive activity and reduces inflammation
    • Improve learning and memory
    • Can have a calming and relaxing effect and enhance mood
  • L-Theanine promotes focussed relaxation and calm attentiveness
    • Helps with stress and anxiety
    • Supports healthy sleep and relaxation
    • Research has shown L-Theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier within  30 minutes up to 5 hours it is able to provide a calming effect

These herbs and nutrients can be taken on their own or together in combination to best suit your needs.

 

References

Lion’s Mane References

  • https://www.forij.co/blogs/mushrooms/lions-mane-mushroom-adhd
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982118/
  • https://drugsafetynews.com/2017/10/27/unusual-mushroom-put-dent-big-pharmas-ill-gotten-gains/
  • https://encyclopedia.pub/566-
  • SAHPRA Complementary Medicines – Health Supplements Safety and Efficacy. (7.04 June20)
  • Sfera Lions’s Mane Extract Patient information leaflet
  • Canadian Monograph: Lion’s Mane
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982118/
  • https://drugsafetynews.com/2017/10/27/unusual-mushroom-put-dent-big-pharmas-ill-gotten-gains/

Bacopin References

  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34254371/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20590480/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18683852/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32252235/

Phosphatydilserine With Phosphatidylcholine References

  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org › health › drugs › 25129.
  • com
  • sciencedirect.com
  • webmd.com › ingredientmono-992 › phos...
  • https://www.webmd.com › vitamins-and-supplements
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC2503954
  • com
  • https://www.bestsourcenutrition.com › blogs › news › ph.
  • https://www.bestsourcenutrition.com/blogs/news/phosphatidylserine-and-cortisol-how-are-they-related#:~:text=Phosphatidylserine%20helps%20in%20controlling%20and,testosterone%20levels%20in%20the%20body.

Memory Care References

  • SAHPRA Complementary Medicines – Health Supplements Safety and Efficacy.
  • Sfera Memorycare Patient information leaflet
  • Canadian Monograph: Cognitive Health
  • Canadian Monograph: Ginkgo Biloba
  • Canadian Monograph: L-Theanine

L-Theanine References

  • com https://www.sciencedirect.com › science › article › pi
  • sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453021001324
Written by Vernon Joyce