INTRODUCTION
Globally, increasing life expectancy has placed greater emphasis on maintaining cognitive health into older age. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people aged over 60 years is expected to double by 2050, increasing the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Although occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing, preserving memory, attention, processing speed and executive function has become a major public health priority.
Scientific research has demonstrated that cognitive ageing is influenced by numerous factors including genetics, cardiovascular health, physical activity, sleep quality, chronic stress, education and nutrition. Unlike genetic predisposition, many lifestyle factors are modifiable, providing opportunities to support long-term brain health through preventative strategies.
Nutrition has emerged as one of the most promising areas of cognitive research. The brain accounts for approximately 2% of total body weight yet consumes around 20% of the body's resting energy expenditure. To function efficiently it requires a constant supply of oxygen, glucose, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Inadequate nutrition, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can gradually impair neuronal function, reducing the efficiency of communication between brain cells.
Alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep, interest has grown in naturally derived supplements that may support healthy cognitive function. Botanical extracts, medicinal mushrooms and essential fatty acids have been used for centuries in traditional systems of medicine, long before the biological mechanisms responsible for their effects were understood. Modern neuroscience has begun to investigate these traditional remedies using controlled laboratory experiments, epidemiological studies and randomised clinical trials.
Among the most extensively researched ingredients are Ginkgo biloba, Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C and E, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Shilajit. Although each differs considerably in origin and chemistry, they share a common feature: each influences one or more of the biological processes associated with healthy cognitive function, including cerebral blood flow, neuroplasticity, oxidative balance, inflammation and mitochondrial energy production.
GINKGO BILOBA
Maintains healthy blood flow to brain and protects nerves
LIONS MANE
Supports growth and maintenance of nerve cells and neurons
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Builds healthy brain cell membranes and supports memory
ROSEMARY
Designed to deliver effective and consistent outcomes.
SHILAJIT
Designed to deliver effective and consistent outcomes.
VITAMIN A,C AND E
Designed to deliver effective and consistent outcomes.
Ginkgo Biloba – The Ancient Memory Tree
A History Dating Back Millions of Years
Ginkgo biloba is often referred to as a "living fossil" because it is one of the oldest surviving tree species on Earth, with ancestors dating back more than 200 million years. Native to China, the tree has been cultivated for thousands of years and has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support circulation and mental clarity. Today, Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most extensively researched herbal supplements for cognitive health.
How Does Ginkgo Biloba Work?
Researchers believe Ginkgo supports cognitive function through several mechanisms, including:
- Helping maintain healthy blood circulation to the brain
- Providing antioxidant protection against free radicals
- Supporting healthy mitochondrial function
- Helping protect nerve cells from oxidative damage
- The plant contains naturally occurring flavonoids and terpene lactones, compounds believed to be responsible for many of its biological effects.
What Does the Research Say?
Clinical studies suggest Ginkgo Biloba may help support memory and cognitive performance, particularly in older adults experiencing mild age-related cognitive changes. While results vary between studies, its long history of traditional use and extensive scientific investigation have made it one of the world's most popular brain health supplements.
How Does Ginkgo Biloba Work?
- Helping maintain healthy blood circulation to the brain
- Providing antioxidant protection against free radicals
- Supporting healthy mitochondrial function
- Helping protect nerve cells from oxidative damage
Lion's Mane Mushroom – Supporting Brain Regeneration
Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Neuroscience
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been used in China, Japan and Korea for centuries as both a food and medicinal mushroom. Traditionally, Buddhist monks were believed to consume Lion's Mane to improve focus during long periods of meditation.
In recent years, scientists have become increasingly interested in Lion's Mane because of its unique effects on nerve growth.
How Does Lion's Mane Work?
Unlike many herbal supplements, Lion's Mane contains compounds known as hericenones and erinacines, which appear to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
NGF is a naturally occurring protein that plays an essential role in:
- Growth of new nerve cells
- Maintenance of existing neurons
- Learning and memory
- Brain plasticity
This makes Lion's Mane one of the most exciting natural ingredients currently being studied for cognitive support.
How Does Lions Mane Work?
- Supports Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production
- Promotes neuroplasticity – By supporting the formation and maintenance of neural connections
- Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection
- Supports healthy brain cell communication
- May support healthy cognitive ageing
Current Evidence
Although human studies remain relatively small, research has shown promising improvements in memory, concentration and cognitive performance among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Animal studies have also demonstrated potential benefits for neuroprotection and nerve regeneration.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: History, How They Work and Current Research
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most extensively studied nutrients in modern nutritional science and are recognised as essential for normal brain, eye and cardiovascular health. Unlike many herbal supplements, Omega-3s are not medicines or botanical extracts but essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot produce in sufficient quantities, meaning they must be obtained through the diet or supplementation.
How Does Lion's Mane Work?
Omega-3 fatty acids support brain function through several complementary biological mechanisms. DHA is incorporated directly into the phospholipid membranes surrounding every brain cell, helping to maintain membrane flexibility, structural integrity and efficient communication between neurons. Healthy neuronal membranes allow neurotransmitters to move more effectively between cells, supporting learning, memory and cognitive performance. Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new neural connections throughout life—which underpins learning, memory formation and adaptation to new experiences. EPA is particularly important for regulating inflammation, serving as a precursor to specialised compounds known as resolvins and protectins that help maintain a balanced inflammatory response within the brain. Chronic low-grade neuroinflammation is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to age-related cognitive decline, making the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 an area of considerable scientific interest.
- Growth of new nerve cells
- Maintenance of existing neurons
- Learning and memory
- Brain plasticity
This makes Lion's Mane one of the most exciting natural ingredients currently being studied for cognitive support.
How Does Lions Mane Work?
- Supports Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production
- Promotes neuroplasticity – By supporting the formation and maintenance of neural connections
- Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection
- Supports healthy brain cell communication
- May support healthy cognitive ageing
Current Evidence
Although human studies remain relatively small, research has shown promising improvements in memory, concentration and cognitive performance among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Animal studies have also demonstrated potential benefits for neuroprotection and nerve regeneration.
