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The memory improving and circulation enhancing properties of Memory Boost consist of the following ingredients:

Niacinamide is a supplement form of Vitamin B-3, is used to lower harmful blood lipids, namely cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins and to raise HDL (good cholesterol).

Pantothenic Acid is a key brain vitamin better known as Vitamin B-5. It is used in the manufacture of red blood cells, hormones, and acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for carrying signals between nerve cells in the brain.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency results in impaired nerve function, that can cause impaired mental function. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common in the elderly and may be a contributing factor in depression. Left untreated, Vitamin B-12 deficiency may lead to impaired neurological and cognitive function.

Manganese is an essential trace mineral primarily found in the bone, liver, pancreas, and brain. Manganese deficiency has been traced to abnormalities in brain function. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that Manganese superoxide dimutase, an antioxidant enzyme containing manganese, protects brain cells from the type of damage seen in stoke and Alzheimer's disease.
Huperzine A is an ancient Chinese remedy used for fever and inflammation. Modern scientific investigation has found a new use for this moss plant (Huperzia serrata) to treat Alzheimer's disease. Huperzine A, an alkaloid isolated from the plant increases memory by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine by inhibiting the responsible enzyme (acetyl-cholinesterase). Conventional medicine utilizes other drugs such as Tacrine and Donepezil to inhibit the same enzyme, but Huperzine A is more selective and much less toxic than the synthetic acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in conventional medicine. Clinical studies indicate that Huperzine A is safe and beneficial for memory deficits.

Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient Chinese herb. It was brought to Europe in the 1700's and is currently a commonly prescribed drug in France and Germany. Abundant controlled clinical studies supports its use to improve memory. Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, especially the cerebellum, thereby enhancing neurotransmitters by increasing oxygen levels. Enhanced blood circulation to the brain improves short and long-term memory, increases reaction time, and increases mental acuity. Clinical uses of Ginkgo include treating early stroke and senility, vertigo, tinnitus, embolism, and some eye disorders including macular degeneration and diabetic vascular disease. Studies indicate that Ginkgo also increases alertness and mental responsiveness in healthy people.

Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) is a category of fat-soluble substances called phospholipids found in high concentrations in the brain. It may help preserve or even improve memory loss, improve learning, and increase concentration. Numerous double blind studies on PS indicate that it can also benefit depression and stress with no adverse side effects.

DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is an acetylcholine precursor. Studies indicate that DMAE can reduce lipofusican (cellular garbage) in brain cells, and increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Double blind studies have shown significant benefits of DMAE for people suffering with Alzheimer's disease. Studies also indicate that DMAE plays a role in promoting a prolonged level of attentiveness. In general, DMAE is associated with mental focus, memory, and mood enhancement. DMAE is nontoxic and there have been no reported side effects with doses of less than 1,600 mg per day.

Acetyl Choline (ACh) is produced from Choline and Pantothenic Acid. It is one of the principal brain neurotransmitters. Without ACh, no messages would be amplified for delivery throughout the central nervous system. ACh enables the brain to change the synaptic strength in response to stimuli that leave a memory trace. It is critical for cognitive development and for the normal development of the brain.

L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. It is a protein building block that is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also a precursor of several neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and L-dopamine. Studies indicate that L-Tyrosine, along with other amino acids, is beneficial for people affected by dementia including Alzheimer's disease.

Gotu Kola has been an important herb in the medicinal systems of Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka it was purported to prolong life, increase energy, and boost mental processes. Recent studies have shown that Gotu Kola has memory enhancing properties. Gotu Kola is also used to keep veins strong, and reduce symptoms of connective tissue diseases.

References:

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Crook TH, Tinklenberg J, Yesavage J, et al. Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment. Neurology; 41:644-649; 1991.

Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer's disease. Am J Psych; 138:970-72, 1981.

Itil T. Martorano D. Natural substances in psychiatry (Ginkgo biloba in dementia). Psychopharmacol Bull; 31(1): 147-58, 1995.
Cenacchi T, Bertoldin T, Farina C, Fiori MG, Crepaldi G. Cognitive decline in the elderly: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration. Aging (ITALY) 5:123-133, 1993.

Meyer JS, Welch KMA, Deshmuckh VD, et al. Neurotransmitter precursor amino acids in the treatment of multi-infarct dementia and Alzheimer's disease. J Am Ger Soc; 7:289-98, 1977.

Patocka J. Huperzine A--an interesting anticholinesterase compound from the Chinese herbal medicine. Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove); 41(4): 155-7, 1998.