Cognigrape Red Grape Fruit Extract
Also known as: Cognigrape®, Red Grape Fruit Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Grape Polyphenols, Vitis vinifera fruit extract
Overview
Cognigrape® is a standardized extract derived from the fruit of *Vitis vinifera*, commonly known as the common grape. This extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds, specifically proanthocyanidins (typically >9% w/w) and anthocyanins (4–5% w/w malvidin-3-glucoside). It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement with the aim of enhancing cognitive function, particularly in healthy older adults. The beneficial effects are attributed to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to contribute to neuroprotection. Research on Cognigrape® and similar grape extracts is supported by several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, indicating a moderately mature evidence base. It is available in standardized capsule forms, ensuring consistent delivery of its active compounds.
Benefits
Cognigrape® supplementation has demonstrated significant cognitive benefits, particularly in healthy older adults. A primary effect observed is the improvement in cognitive performance, including executive function, memory, and motor skills. Clinical trials, such as one involving 250 mg daily over 12 weeks, showed statistically significant improvements in standardized cognitive tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) compared to placebo. For instance, MMSE scores increased by up to 8.9% after 84 days. These improvements can be observed as early as two weeks, with continued enhancement over three months. While less consistent, some studies suggest secondary benefits such as improvements in mood and reduced anxiety symptoms. Preclinical animal studies further support its potential neuroprotective effects by indicating a reduction in amyloid-beta accumulation and neuroinflammation, relevant to neurodegenerative conditions. The benefits appear most pronounced in older adults, with modest but statistically significant effect sizes.
How it works
Cognigrape® polyphenols exert their effects primarily through potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. They work by reducing oxidative stress and mitigating neuroinflammation within the brain, which are key contributors to cognitive decline. At a molecular level, these compounds are thought to inhibit amyloid-beta oligomerization, a process implicated in Alzheimer's disease, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, grape polyphenols may modulate neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine release, and enhance cerebral blood flow and neuronal signaling. While the bioavailability of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins is moderate, their absorbed and metabolized forms are believed to mediate these systemic and neuroprotective effects.
Side effects
Cognigrape® supplementation is generally considered safe and well-tolerated based on clinical trials. Studies have reported no severe adverse events, and the incidence of mild side effects is rare, showing no significant difference from placebo groups. There are no major drug interactions or contraindications that have been documented in the reviewed scientific literature. Safety has been confirmed in specific populations, such as healthy older adults, who have been the primary focus of research. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, although current evidence does not highlight specific risks.
Dosage
The effective dosage of Cognigrape® extract, as established in clinical trials, is 250 mg taken once daily. Cognitive benefits have been observed with supplementation durations ranging from as short as 2 weeks to up to 12 weeks. There is currently no established maximum safe dose from clinical data, but the 250 mg daily dose has been confirmed for its safety and efficacy. The timing of administration relative to meals has not been specifically reported as a critical factor. Cognigrape® is typically available in standardized capsule forms, ensuring a consistent content of its active polyphenolic compounds. Adherence to the recommended daily dose is important for achieving the observed cognitive improvements.
FAQs
Is Cognigrape® safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for up to 12 weeks. Longer-term studies are needed to fully assess its safety profile beyond this duration.
How quickly can cognitive benefits be expected?
Improvements in cognitive function may begin within 2 weeks of daily supplementation and continue to increase over 3 months.
Does it help with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
Preclinical data suggest potential neuroprotective effects, but human evidence is limited to healthy older adults, not individuals diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Are there any known interactions?
High-quality studies have not reported any significant drug interactions or contraindications with Cognigrape®.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00776/full – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 108 healthy older adults demonstrated that 250 mg/day of Cognigrape® significantly improved cognitive scores (MMSE, RBANS) compared to placebo over 12 weeks, confirming its safety and tolerability. The study provides strong evidence for the cognitive benefits of this specific grape extract.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11431441/ – This clinical trial, published in Foods (2024), supports previous findings by showing that grape extract significantly increased MMSE scores compared to placebo at various time points (14 to 84 days). While specific sample size details were not fully provided in the summary, it reinforces the consistency of cognitive improvements with grape extract supplementation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8829676/ – This systematic review synthesized findings from 7 RCTs involving 259 participants, concluding that grape interventions can improve executive function and motor skills. It also noted mixed results regarding mood improvements, highlighting the heterogeneity in study designs and populations across grape research.
- https://www.jpreventionalzheimer.com/3165-effects-on-cognition-of-berry-pomegranate-grape-and-biophenols-a-general-review.html – This preclinical review, focusing on animal models of Alzheimer's disease, indicated that grape seed polyphenols can reduce amyloid-beta accumulation and neuroinflammation, while also improving spatial memory. This research provides biological plausibility for the neuroprotective effects observed in human studies, though direct translation requires caution.