Cereboost American Ginseng Root Extract
Also known as: American ginseng, Cereboost®, American ginseng root extract, Panax quinquefolius
Overview
Cereboost® is a standardized extract derived from the root of *Panax quinquefolius*, commonly known as American ginseng, a plant indigenous to North America. This extract is specifically formulated to be rich in ginsenosides, particularly Rb1, which are believed to be the primary active compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects. It is primarily utilized as a botanical supplement aimed at enhancing cognitive function, providing neuroprotection, and improving mood. Research indicates its potential to modulate cholinergic neurotransmission, a key system involved in learning and memory, and to influence the gut microbiota, suggesting a broader impact on brain health. While the research on Cereboost® itself is moderately developed, including several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and mechanistic animal studies, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically focusing on this proprietary extract are limited. However, the existing evidence, including well-designed RCTs, supports its efficacy and safety profile.
Benefits
Cereboost® offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cognitive function and mood. It has been shown to improve learning, memory, and executive function. Preclinical studies, specifically in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model, demonstrated that Cereboost® can restore cognitive deficits induced by amyloid-beta peptides by enhancing acetylcholine synthesis through the upregulation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), indicating strong neuroprotective potential. In human trials, a 2021 randomized controlled trial involving healthy young adults (n=60) reported significant improvements in mood and cognitive performance following both acute and 14-day daily supplementation with 200 mg of Cereboost®. This study also suggested potential links between these benefits and gut microbiome modulation. While effect sizes are not always explicitly reported, human studies indicate statistically significant improvements in various cognitive tests and mood scales. Benefits can manifest within hours of a single dose and appear to be enhanced with consistent daily supplementation over approximately two weeks.
How it works
Cereboost® primarily exerts its effects by enhancing acetylcholine synthesis, a crucial neurotransmitter for cognitive processes, through the upregulation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). This mechanism directly contributes to improved learning and memory. Furthermore, it demonstrates neuroprotective properties by preserving essential synaptic proteins, such as synaptophysin, and microtubule-associated proteins in models of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The extract also modulates the gut microbiome, potentially increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to influence brain function via the gut-brain axis. The active compounds, mainly ginsenosides like Rb1, are absorbed and metabolized, with their bioavailability potentially influenced by the individual's gut microbiota composition.
Side effects
Cereboost® appears to have a favorable safety profile, with human clinical trials reporting it as generally safe and well-tolerated. No serious adverse events have been consistently documented in the reviewed literature. Common side effects are rare or minimal, with no significant adverse effects (defined as occurring in more than 5% of participants) consistently reported across randomized controlled trials. Currently, there are no known significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically documented for Cereboost®. However, as a general precaution with ginseng products, individuals on anticoagulant medications or those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare professional. While animal models suggest potential benefits without toxicity in neurodegenerative conditions, further dedicated studies are needed to fully assess its safety and efficacy in special populations, such as the elderly or individuals with pre-existing neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the available evidence suggests a low risk of adverse effects at the recommended dosage.
Dosage
The effective dosage of Cereboost®, as established in human randomized controlled trials, is 200 mg daily of the standardized extract. Acute cognitive and mood benefits have been observed within 2 to 6 hours following a single dose. For more sustained and potentially enhanced benefits, chronic supplementation over a period of 14 days or longer is suggested. There is currently no established maximum safe dose beyond the studied 200 mg per day; therefore, higher dosages would require further safety evaluation and are not recommended without professional guidance. To optimize absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort, it is generally advised to take Cereboost® with or after meals. Adherence to the recommended 200 mg daily dose is crucial, as the long-term effects and safety profile of higher doses have not been adequately studied.
FAQs
Is Cereboost® safe for long-term use?
Current research primarily supports the short-term safety of Cereboost®. While no serious adverse events have been reported in studies up to 14 days, long-term safety data beyond this period are limited and require further investigation.
How soon do benefits appear?
Acute cognitive and mood benefits can be observed within 2 to 6 hours after a single dose of Cereboost®. For more pronounced and sustained effects, consistent daily supplementation over approximately two weeks is recommended.
Does it work for Alzheimer’s disease?
Preclinical studies using animal models of Alzheimer's disease show promise for Cereboost® in reversing cognitive deficits. However, human clinical trials specifically investigating its efficacy in patients with Alzheimer's disease are currently lacking.
Are there interactions with medications?
No significant drug interactions have been specifically reported for Cereboost® in the reviewed literature. However, caution is generally advised when combining any ginseng product with cholinergic drugs or anticoagulants, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27112419/ – This preclinical study investigated the effects of Cereboost® in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model and in vitro. It found that Cereboost® reversed amyloid-beta-induced cognitive deficits by upregulating choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and exhibiting neuroprotective properties, suggesting a mechanistic basis for its cognitive benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8783888/ – This randomized controlled trial involving 60 healthy young adults demonstrated that 200 mg of Cereboost® improved cognitive function and mood after both acute and 14-day supplementation. The study also suggested a potential role for gut microbiome modulation in these observed effects, providing strong human evidence for its efficacy.
- https://www.casi.org/node/1462 – This source provides a general overview and summary of research related to American ginseng, including its cognitive and mood benefits. While not specific to Cereboost®, it supports the broader efficacy of Panax quinquefolius extracts, offering contextual evidence for the benefits of standardized American ginseng products.