Cognitive Support Proprietary Formula - 1,000 MG
Bacopa Monnieri Powder
Bacopa monnieri extract is from an aquatic plant in the plantain family called bacopa. Native to certain tropical environments around the world, it has long been used in various different traditional medicines, as it is said to offer an extensive range of health benefits, specifically with regards to the human brain.
It is said to enhance your brain function and cognitive performance, relieve anxiety and stress, and help to prevent or treat a wide range of physical and mental health conditions (1).
The issue is, while the results admittedly do look promising, the research into all the effects of bacopa monnieri extract is still in the early stages and none of its benefits have yet been conclusively proven.
This can make it somewhat risky to put in nootropic supplements if it is not used properly, but it is very problematic in a supplement like Menotenz, where it is the most abundant ingredient. With no certainty it will enhance brain function or mental performance at all, it could negatively impact the whole formula.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract (24% Ginkgo Flavones, 6% Terpene Latones)
Ginkgo biloba extract comes from the leaves of a tree known as both a ginkgo biloba or maidenhair. It is native to China and has long been used in a range of different traditional Chinese medicines, due to the claims that it is rich in many antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and can offer a wide range of benefits.
Among its claimed benefits are an ability to prevent oxidative stress and neurotoxic effects and improve the health and function of the brain cells, eyes, and heart, causing you to experience improved memory, eye sight, circulation, blood flow to the brain, mental clarity, concentration, and brain performance (2).
There are a couple of issues with how it has been used here though. While ginkgo biloba extracts can be used to improve cognitive function in anyone, if it is used without many properly dosed supporting ingredients, which does appear to be the case here, it will really only be of benefit to elderly people.
Even if it is supported, it will only provide any brain benefits if you consume at least 120 mg per day, and the use of a proprietary blend means that we have no way of knowing if this amount is present or not.
You put all of this together, and it becomes highly unlikely that the presence of ginkgo biloba in Memotenz will be of any use at all.
Siberian Ginseng Extract
Siberian Ginseng extract comes from the roots of plants in the panax family and it has been used for centuries in various traditional medicines around the world. This is largely down to it being linked to an extensive range of beneficial effects for both the mind and body.
Research has proven that it can improve memory and brain and immune function, prevent mood issues and low testosterone levels, treat erectile dysfunction, boost your energy levels, and combat or lead to a lower risk of you developing issues like chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, and fibromyalgia.
However, in order for it to produce optimal results, you need to consume 400 mg of Siberian ginseng extract per day (3).
While the use of a proprietary blend makes it impossible to know the exact dose of Siberian ginseng extract that Memotenz contains, the overall weight of a the blend means in can't possibly contain enough to be of any use.
Alpha Lipoic Extract
Alpha lipoic acid is an organic compound that is structurally similar to a fatty acid. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, it is found in many of the cells throughout the human body and it can also be obtained from a variety of different food sources, such as red meat, fatty fish, and certain vegetables.
It is a common nutritional supplement ingredient as it offers numerous health benefits, including helping turn glucose into energy, preventing free radicals, inflammation, oxidative damage, cognitive decline, fat storage and alzheimer's disease, and boosting brain hormones, nerve signals and exercise performance.
As with virtually everything else in Memotenz though, the dosage present is an issue, as at least 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid must be consumed each day for it to produce any of its beneficial effects (4).
While the use of a proprietary blend means we do not know exactly how much is present, the weight of the blend and alpha lipoic acid's place in it mean that it is impossible for it to contain a useful amount, so its presence in the supplement will not benefit the human body in any way.
Phosphatidy Serine
Right off the bat, there is no such thing as phosphatidy serine. The compound they are talking about is phosphatidylserine or, at a push, phosphatidyl serine. Before we even get to discussing the ingredient, this lack of quality control should tell you all you need to know about this particular dietary supplement.
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance that is vital for helping the human body maintain optimal brain functions. It offers a range of positive effects that includes improving memory and focus, preventing cognitive decline and memory loss, boosting brain functions, and reducing stress and trouble sleeping.
The problem is, most studies show that these positive effects are produced far more prominently in the elderly, as most healthy individuals get enough in their diet to make taking it in supplement form unnecessary.
Even if healthy individuals are a little lacking in it though, you will want to take it in a supplement that contains at least 100 mg of phosphatidylserine and pairs it with numerous other optimally dosed, clinically proven ingredients (5).
While we do not know any of the exact dosages present in Memotenz, due to its use of a proprietary blend, it looks highly unlikely that it meets either of these criteria, let alone both, so the presence of phosphatidylserine in this dietary supplement is more than likely worthless.
Other Ingredients
Gelatin Capsule
Gelatin is a substance derived from animal hides and which is not used to enhance the efficacy of the supplement or the health or functions of your brain in any way. Instead, it is only present to create the capsule that the supplement's powder is held within and make it smooth and easy to take (6).
That said, it can also cause some serious side effects, such as bloating, diarrhoea, gas, heartburn, and nausea, while being made from animal products means that taking Memotenz is not suitable for vegans.
Vegetable Grade Magnesium Stearate
This form of magnesium is used only to improve the bulk, stability, and texture of the powder that is held within the capsules, and it will not benefit your mental or physical health or well being in any way.
However, it can again lead to some people experiencing negative side effects, such as bloating, gas, depression, diarrhoea, forgetfulness, headaches, increased blood pressure, vivid dreams, stomach pain, and low energy levels (7).
Rice Powder
Rice powder in another inactive ingredient that is widely found in many supplements but will not benefit your mental or physical health. It can again help to create the capsule, stabilise the powder held within it, or do both. However, unlike the other two ingredients, it is not linked to any potential side effects (8).
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