Premium supplement company Thorne has launched Clear Focus, a targeted nootropic formulated with sage extract and L-tyrosine to support attention, information processing and cognitive performance.
The caffeine-free formula contains 333 mg of SageXtra — a patented extract of sage leaves, standardised to contain 2.5% rosmarinic acid (an antioxidant polyphenol) — and 500 mg L-tyrosine, an amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
SageXtra has been the subject of two clinical trials, one in young adults and a second in older adults.
Across the two unique, one-dose trials, it measurably improved word recall and short-term memory in young adults in one hour and improved information retrieval and accuracy in older adults after two and a half hours.
"We prioritise well-researched, effective ingredients and SageXtra is clinically validated for its impactful, fast-acting properties," Dr Kathi Head, ND, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Thorne, told Nutraceutical Business Review.
The combination of its highly targeted efficacy and rapid onset is what sets SageXtra apart, while many other cognitive options might require weeks of consistent use or a stimulant like caffeine to provide immediate, noticeable benefits.
She added that the fact SageXtra could achieve measurable results after a single dose "made it the clear choice for the foundation of this formula and a proven differentiator."
The formula was deliberately kept simple, with just two key ingredients, unlike other broad-spectrum nootropic blends.
Dr Head said that prioritising "two well-vetted, complementary ingredients" had allowed the company to focus fully on improving mental clarity without adding "unnecessary complexity."
Beyond caffeine: the rise of non-stimulating focus
Thorne joins a wave of brands looking to create low- and no-caffeine formulations, with consumers increasingly seeking caffeine alternatives such as nootropic blends.
"The decision to leave out caffeine stems from a clear distinction between stimulation and mental clarity," explained Dr Head.
"Caffeine may promote short-term energy, but it could negatively affect accuracy and cognitive control, which is what Clear Focus is truly designed for."
Offering a non-stimulating option also allows us to effectively support individuals, including those who may respond poorly to caffeine but are still looking for that extra boost of alertness.
She added that some consumers are finding that focus blends can disrupt sleep or leave them feeling "jittery and wired versus sharp."
At the same time, brain health is expanding well beyond its traditional audience of older adults managing cognitive decline — now, younger consumers and individuals dealing with high workloads, chronic stress, or digital fatigue make up a large and growing portion of this category.
"They’re not always looking for another long-term regimen, rather something they can feel working in the moment they need it. We saw an opportunity to meet that rising demand with a formula designed to address a specific consumer need."
Clear Focus is available now and positions Thorne within a growing segment of the nootropics market, betting that consumers want targeted, occasion-based cognitive support rather than daily stimulant use.
