Solabia Nutrition, a nutraceutical ingredients specialist, has published novel clinical data on the effect of Brainberry in supporting cognitive function, showing a significant improvement in psychomotor speed and BDNF levels after 1 week of supplementation.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Nutrition.
This is the second clinical study with positive results for Brainberry, an active ingredient from Aronia melanocarpa, standardised for cyanidin galactoside.
The extract is made from Nero Eggert variety fresh berries, which naturally contain high concentrations of cyanidin glycosides — a flavonoid widely recognised for their antioxidant capacity and ability to protect vascular function.
Brainberry was the first Aronia melanocarpa extract clinically tested in an earlier double-blind placebo controlled trial. In the first trial, Brainberry intake resulted in significant improvement in focus and psycho-motor control and an increase in cognitive flexibility.
The study
The first clinical trial with Brainberry was performed in middle-aged or elderly individuals. The research aim was to determine whether Aronia supplementation could improve the main cognitive domains such as memory and psychomotor speed in young individuals (2).
35 young adults took part in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. They were provided with Brainberry capsules daily for the duration of one week. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Cambridge Neurophysiological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), the gold standard for precise and objective measures of specific cognitive processes.
Additionally, mechanistic markers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured at baseline and after one week.
Psycho-motor control ... improved by 4.8%
The results
All participants demonstrated excellent compliance with the protocol and tolerance of Brainberry. Psycho-motor control, defined as the time from release of the response button to selection of the target was significantly improved by 4.8%.
Moreover, serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher with 5.7% in the intervention group after one week of Brainberry supplementation (p<0.05).
BDNF is a protein responsible for neuronal survival and growth, essential for learning and memory (4) and highly relevant for the purpose of this research. Its increase showcases Brainberry’s potential to support young adults in their daily activities such as learning and working.
This study demonstrates the potential of Brainberry in supporting brain fitness for all ages, more specifically psychomotor speed and cognitive performance in young adults. By adding Brainberry to a nutritional supplement, consumers will benefit from a science-based support for brain functions and neuronal protection.