Cereboost American Ginseng Extract
Also known as: American ginseng, Cereboost™, Cereboost American Ginseng Extract, Panax quinquefolius L.
Overview
Cereboost™ is a proprietary extract derived from the root of Panax quinquefolius L., commonly known as American ginseng. This extract is specifically standardized to contain a high concentration of ginsenosides, particularly Rb1, which are bioactive saponins believed to be responsible for its beneficial effects. Primarily utilized as a cognitive enhancer, Cereboost™ aims to improve aspects of memory, attention, and mood. It is also being investigated for its potential neuroprotective properties. While research on Cereboost™ is still emerging, it includes both preclinical studies in animal models of neurodegeneration and randomized controlled trials in healthy human subjects. The evidence quality ranges from mechanistic animal studies to small-to-moderate sized placebo-controlled trials in healthy adults, though comprehensive systematic reviews specifically on Cereboost™ are currently limited.
Benefits
Cereboost™ has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cognitive function and mood. It has shown significant improvements in working memory and mood in healthy adults, with effects observed acutely within hours and sustained with daily use. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) indicated that 200 mg daily for 14 days improved cognitive performance and mood, with effects measurable at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-dose. Furthermore, preclinical research in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model suggests neuroprotective effects, where Cereboost™ protected against amyloid-beta induced cognitive impairment by enhancing acetylcholine synthesis through the upregulation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene expression, thereby restoring synaptic proteins and acetylcholine levels. While some studies hint at mood improvements potentially linked to gut microbiome modulation, this area requires further confirmation. The current evidence is predominantly from healthy young adults and animal models, with limited clinical data available for elderly or cognitively impaired populations.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Cereboost™ involves the enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission. It achieves this by increasing the synthesis of acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter for learning and memory, through the upregulation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), an enzyme vital for acetylcholine production. Its neuroprotective effects, particularly observed in AD models, may stem from the restoration of synaptic proteins like synaptophysin and microtubule-associated proteins, counteracting the toxicity induced by amyloid-beta. Additionally, there is a potential role for the modulation of the gut microbiome, which might improve the bioavailability and metabolism of ginsenosides, thereby contributing to the observed cognitive and mood benefits. The active molecular targets are believed to be ginsenosides, such as Rb1, which influence various neuronal signaling pathways.
Side effects
Cereboost™ appears to be generally safe and well-tolerated based on available clinical trials. No significant adverse effects have been reported in healthy adults when administered at doses of 200 mg daily for up to 14 days. The current literature does not document any serious side effects or contraindications. However, long-term safety data and comprehensive information regarding drug interactions are limited. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals who are currently taking cholinergic medications or other neuroactive drugs, as potential interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. While no specific safety concerns have been identified for special populations, the evidence is insufficient to make definitive statements regarding its safety in these groups. Users should be aware of the limited long-term data and consult a healthcare professional if they have underlying health conditions or are on other medications.
Dosage
Clinical studies investigating Cereboost™ have consistently utilized a daily dosage of 200 mg of the standardized extract. This dosage has demonstrated cognitive and mood benefits within a 14-day period of supplementation. Acute cognitive effects have been observed within hours following a single dose. While 200 mg/day has shown efficacy, the optimal dosing beyond this amount or for durations longer than 14 days requires further research. In studies, the timing of administration was typically postprandial, meaning after meals. Currently, no specific cofactors or absorption enhancers have been identified as necessary to improve its efficacy. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the studied 200 mg/day, and users should adhere to the recommended dosage until more extensive research becomes available.
FAQs
Is Cereboost™ safe for daily use?
Current short-term studies indicate good safety at 200 mg/day in healthy adults, with no significant adverse effects reported. Long-term safety data are still limited.
How soon do effects appear?
Cognitive benefits can be observed acutely within hours of a single dose. These benefits may further improve with consistent daily supplementation over approximately two weeks.
Does it help Alzheimer’s disease?
Preclinical animal data suggest neuroprotective potential by reversing cognitive deficits in AD models. However, human clinical evidence specifically for Alzheimer’s disease is currently lacking.
Is it better than other ginseng extracts?
Cereboost™ is standardized for a high content of ginsenoside Rb1, which may confer specific cognitive benefits. However, direct comparative studies with other ginseng extracts are limited.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27112419/ – This preclinical study in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model found that Cereboost™ reversed amyloid-beta induced cognitive deficits. It achieved this by enhancing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression and acetylcholine levels, and by restoring synaptic proteins, suggesting neuroprotective potential. The study highlights a potential mechanism for Cereboost™'s effects on cognitive function.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8783888/ – This randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy young adults investigated the effects of 200 mg Cereboost® daily for 14 days. The study reported significant improvements in working memory and mood, with effects observed acutely at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-dose. It also suggested a potential role for gut microbiome modulation in its effects, providing human clinical evidence for cognitive and mood benefits.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/91a981d10e342269c3e1dd22f1925d18d8a384ee – This study, which supports the findings of the second source, also demonstrated improved working memory and mood following Cereboost™ administration in healthy adults. While specific details on sample size and duration are limited in the provided context, it reinforces the evidence for the cognitive benefits of Cereboost™ in human subjects.
