Two-phase study discovers and tests nootropic botanical extracts for cognition support in older adults

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In a February 25, 2025, press release¹, Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, announced results from a study² on its nootropic formulation Mindrevive. The study helped select the current botanical combination with the best cognitive support: Sage extract (Salvia officinalis) and Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica). It also tested its ability to support healthy cognitive aging in older adults. The two-phase study, “Development of a Herb-Based Dietary Ingredient with Potential Nootropic Properties: From Bench to Bedside,” was published in Applied Sciences in December 2024.

In the in vitro stage of the study, the nootropic and neuronal functions of nine plant extracts were analyzed: bilberry, blueberry, bacopa, sage, saffron, rhodiola, ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng roots, gotu kola, and Japanese pagoda tree. Overall, tests on sage resulted in the most significant results, with positive results in suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Out of all the extracts, it was the only one to significantly increased expression of all three trophic factors: nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that supports neuronal function; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which helps circulate oxygen and nutrients to the brain; and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Next, sage in combination with rutin (Sophora japonica) demonstrated a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, which inhibits neurotransmission, was also decreased.

"The nine botanicals selected for analysis are widely recognized for their antioxidant properties and role in supporting cognitive function, with extensive documentation in scientific research," stated Jonathan Jones, chief scientific officer, at Monteloeder, in the press release. "Some of these ingredients have been evaluated in clinical studies exploring cognitive health. Sage, in particular, has often been overlooked in discussions about cognitive support, yet it stood out in our screening trials. In fact, sage was the only extract to increase the expression of all analyzed factors associated with neuronal function and antioxidant defenses. When combined with rutin, we observed significant enhancements in the production of BDNF, a key molecule involved in brain signaling and cognitive processes. Specifically, it is the major growth factor implicated in memory processes and learning. Research suggests that maintaining optimal BDNF levels is important for overall brain health."

In the clinical phase of the study, 121 participants ages 50-65 with mild cognitive impairment were assigned into three groups: the placebo group, the sage/rutin (Mindrevive) at 250 mg group, the sage/rutin (Mindrevive) at 400 mg group. Participants were instructed to take one oral capsule daily after breakfast, with evaluations completed on day 0, at 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the first ingestion. Compared with placebo, both sage/rutin groups improved compared to their baseline on the cognition questionnaires. Significant improvement was seen with the MoCa test (assessing short-term memory recall, visuospatial memory, executive function, attention/concentration, language, abstract reasoning and orientation in time and place) with the 400 mg dose when comparing weeks 6 and 12, particularly with abstract reasoning. Compared with placebo, both doses were shown to improve scores on the ADAS-Cog test (assessing memory and new learning, language, and praxis) after 12 weeks.

"Cognitive function naturally changes with age," explained Mariana Ortega, science marketing manager of SuanNutra. "Mindrevive is formulated with clinically studied ingredients to help maintain cognitive performance and support brain health. This is especially relevant for older adults who are proactively looking for natural solutions to preserve mental sharpness and overall well-being."

References

1. Monteloeder. Two-Phase Study Leads to Monteloeder's Newest Nootropic for Cognitive Performance https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/two-phase-study-leads-to-monteloeders-newest-nootropic-for-cognitive-performance-302384620.html (accessed 2025-02-27).
2. Navarro, P.; Meissner, J.; Mullor, JL.; Caturla, N.; Jones, J. Development of a Herb-Based Dietary Ingredient with Potential Nootropic Properties: From Bench to Bedside. Appl. Sci. 2024. DOI: 10.3390/app142411869.