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Brain Protex w/Huperzine A Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Synopsis | Ingredients | Pros & Cons | Cautions | Cost | Suggested Use | Bottom Line

Brain Protex w/Huperzine A is formulated to give brain protection against free radical damage. Particularly, the manufacturing company Nature’s Sunshine claims the formula’s combination of ingredients work to support circulation throughout the body including the brain and to protect capillaries and strengthen the blood-brain barrier.

Nature’s Sunshine Products was founded in the 1970’s and is located in Utah, United States. Over the past 40 years, the company has expanded their business which currently comprises a 600.000 retailer network in more than 30 countries worldwide. The company manufactures a large variety of health products, energy and fitness formulas, weight management, personal care and home products and other nutrition and cleansing formulas.

Brain Protex w/Huperzine A is designed for adults who desire extra support for brain health, nerve function and alertness.

Synopsis

1) Brain Protex w/Huperzine A at a Glance

Brain Protex w/Huperzine A is a combination of herbal extracts and antioxidants.Huperzine A has been used in China for centuries to assist with swelling, bruising and blood disorders. There are several research studies which claim it enhances memory, hence it is studied for potential benefits in memory impairment conditions such as Alzheimer’s. However research is still limited

Much of Huperzine’s action is attributed to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter involved in memory building and learning. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, more acetylcholine becomes available the brain to stimulate neurons. Alzheimer’s disease patients are known to have low levels of Acetylcholine.

The Ginkgo Biloba leaf contains more than 40 chemical compounds, of which two were especially found to influence brain health and memory: the Flavone glycosides and the Terpene lactones. These two active ingredients have powerful antioxidant effect (directly protecting cells from free radical damage) as well as blood enhancing properties. Both these properties benefit the brain, making Ginkgo Biloba extremely used in fighting memory loss and age related memory impairment conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Although an exact connection and degree of effectiveness is yet to be established, Ginkgo’s benefits are confirmed by thousands of consumers all around the world. Side effects of Ginkgo Biloba are rare and include headache and dizziness. Also, Ginkgo Biloba has blood thinning properties and may interact with anticoagulant drugs.

Ingredients

2) Details on Brain Protex w/Huperzine A Ingredients and Uses

Brain Protex w/Huperzine A includes the following ingredients: Proprietary blend: Soybean lecithin complex (phosphatidyl-serine, phosphatidyl-choline, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and phosphatidyl-inositol), Ginkgo biloba Leaves, Lycopene, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chinese Club Moss whole plant extract (Huperzia serrata)(providing 50 mcg Huperzine A), Maltodextrin, magnesium silicate, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable), silicon dioxide (powdered silica), cellulose (plant fiber), gelatin, and water.

Huperzine is also found in premium nootropic formulas like Neora EHT Brain Formula.

3) Does Brain Protex w/Huperzine A Work?

This formula is a dietary supplement that uses a large pallet of ingredients, both with a long and proven history as well as some ingredients that need more research to obtain a fair assessment of their therapeutic value. Soybean lecithin complex is a controversial substance that is said to have some positive effect on the brain; however, some research suggests that the consumption of soybean lecithin can prove dangerous for the brain. Other studies show this substance to be good for treating Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as memory disorders, like short- and long-term memory loss or cognitive disorders.

Another ingredient found in this compound is Lycopene, an antioxidant that gives the red color to vegetables and fruit. Research has shown that Lycopene can play a role in the prevention of degenerative diseases that are related to aging, including nervous system decay, circulatory problems, kidney disease, or vision loss.

As mentioned above, some of the ingredients need more research to prove their values, while others have regular and precise results that support the manufacturer’s claims that this formula protects brain capacity, improves and protects nerves, as well as memory and alertness.

No side effect are mentioned or have been reported, but caution is advised when taking medication or suffering from a medical condition, a consult from a physician can clarify the situation and is highly recommended before starting the cure. The recommended dosage per day is two capsules twice a day with a meal and a glass of water. Testimonials regarding this product mention the following:

  • It helped me feel alerted at home and while at work

  • I managed to stay more concentrated while taking this product

Pros & Cons

4) Brain Protex w/Huperzine A: Pros and Cons

  • All core ingredients are extensively researched
  • The main ingredients have proven effective in the main benefit areas of the formulation, as mentioned by the manufacturer
Cautions

5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Brain Protex w/Huperzine A

  • Some ingredients may interact with drugs or interfere with underlying conditions
  • Rather expensive product (approximately $35 for a month’s supply, no promotions or discounts offered)
Cost

6) Brain Protex w/Huperzine A Cost

This supplement is a slightly expensive one because two bottles will supply a user for one month, as each bottle contains 60 capsules. Brain Protex w/Huperzine A can be bought in stores across the world, including from various online retailers that can offer a variety of options depending on the amount purchased. The manufacturer’s website offers a substantial discount to members that create an account, standard national and international shipping rates are applied. No free trials or money back guarantee are found at this time, but some research before purchase may reveal otherwise and is advised.

Suggested Use

7) Suggested Use

No product reviews for Brain Protex w/Huperzine A are available online, whereas the manufacturer mentions no potential side effects for the supplement. The recommended daily dosage is 2 capsules taken with a meal.

Bottom Line

8) Our Bottom Line

Brain Protex w/Huperzine A supports brain health and nerve function through a blend which features powerful brain enhancing ingredients: Ginkgo Biloba, Huperzine A and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Although the manufacturer brings no evidence to support the benefit claims nor are there any consumer testimonials to validate its effectiveness, we are inclined to assume the formula will work for some consumers. We base our assumption on the fact that the main ingredients have been proven to positively impact the brain, through various mechanisms of action: Ginkgo enhances blood flow; Huperzine A promotes availability of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, etc.

Still, sometimes unwanted effects may appear. Given that each patient is different, we strongly recommend you use the formula at a specialist’s recommendation.

4/5 - (1 vote)
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Kent E. Brewer

The first time I saw this formula, I was on a field trip with my colleagues and two of them where discussing this very formula, as soon as I arrived home I ordered a bottle, best thing ever.