Memory Pro is marketed as a broad spectrum memory support formula. According to Pure Encapsulations, the company which manufactures the formula, the supplement works by providing support for memory through a number of different mechanisms: some ingredients promote healthy acetylcholine levels and neuron cell function, while others offer healthy cerebral vascular blood flow and antioxidant protection.
The manufacturing company is Pure Encapsulations which manufactures high quality hypo-allergenic nutritional supplements. The company operates a GMP approved facility and claims to exceed the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Pure Encapsulations claims that its products currently participate in numerous clinical trials conducted at Stanford University, Michigan State and the Mayo Clinic. They’re also the same company behind PS 100.
Memory Pro is recommended to adults. Special precautions refer to individuals with bile duct obstruction, pregnant or lactating women.
1) What is Memory Pro?
Memory Pro is a combination of herbal standardized extracts, amino-acids and other nutrients designed to promote healthy memory function.
Acetyl L-Carnitine is an amino acid believed to increase the amount of L-Carnitine in the body. L Carnitine plays an essential role in energy production and has powerful anti-oxidant properties. Preliminary evidence shown that Acetyl-L-Carnitine might help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s (due to its antioxidant properties), relieve depression related to senility and other forms of dementia and improve memory in the older patients. It is considered safe for most adults. However side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and restlessness have been reported.
Memory Pro uses a standardized extract of Bacopa Monnieri, a plant traditionally used for thousands of years for its brain tonic qualities. Modern research revealed Bacopa it has the ability to increase mental alertness, focus, recall and memory and to promote mental relaxation.
Curcumin is found in the Turmeric Root extract, a plant also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin has shown antioxidant, antitumor, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties, especially in animal tests and in several in vitro tests. Its beneficial impact has been observed in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, colitis, high cholesterol, stomach ulcers and viral infections. Also its potential impact on Alzheimer’s disease is the topic of research. Side effects may include rashes, hives and diarrhea.
2) Memory Pro Ingredients
Memory Pro includes the following ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine 750mg, Phosphatidylserine 50mg (soy), Ginkgo Biloba Extract 60mg (leaf, standardized to contain 24% ginkgoheterosides and 6% terpene lactones), Vinpocetine 10mg, Bacopa Monnieri Extract 100mg (leaf, standardized to contain 20% bacosides A&B), Tumeric 250mg (Curcuma longa) extract (root, standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids), Lemon Balm 125mg (Melissa officinalis) extract (leaf, standardized to contain 5% rosemarinic acid), Resveratrol 100mg (polygonum cuspidatum) extract (root, standardized to contain 20% trans resveratrol), and vegetable capsule.
3) Is Memory Pro Right for You?
Acetyl L-Carnitine is an essential amino acid that helps the body turn fat into energy. It is most popular among body builders. Acetyl L-Carnitine also possesses antioxidant features thus liberating the body of free radicals which in part reduces the number of damaged cells. Studies suggest that Acetyl L-Carnitine might help when dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and memory impairment, however, when it was put to the test in larger and better-designed studies, it was found ineffective.
Bacopa Monnieri is an Indian herb mostly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Research suggests that it might have a positive effect on increasing memory and concentration. Although it was used for thousands of years in India as an ayurvedic herbal treatment for enhancing clear thinking and other mental functions, it started to the become increasingly popular in the last few years in the rest of the world. Studies show that Bacopa might have a protective role in the synaptic functions in the hippocampus.
Phosphatidylserine supposedly has a rejuvenating effect on the brain. It acts by increasing vigilance and attention, improve mood, intensify mental acuity and relieve depression regardless of age. Apparently, it works by enabling the brain cells to metabolize glucose thus releasing and binding with neurotransmitters and improving memory.
Vinpocetine seemed like a promising alternative for seniors experiencing age-related memory loss, however, the clinical trials that tried to prove its Effectiveness were rendered inconclusive.
Tumeric has been used for over 4000 years to treat various illnesses including cancers, infections, problems related to the digestive system and to reduce inflammation. Some studies revealed its antioxidant ability although most of them took place in test tubes and on animals, thus making this information not certain for humans. Also, most studies got conflicting evidence. However, turmeric has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat skin conditions, inflammations, liver problems, and wounds.
Ginkgo Biloba has also been used for quite an extended period in Eastern Asia and is widely touted as a “brain herb.” Studies trying to prove its efficacy regarding memory enhancement has gotten contradicting results, thus rendering them inconclusive. Some scientists argue that its blood thinning ability helps the brain receive oxygen in higher quantities and that this helps improve memory, while others state that in clinical trials there has been no difference between individuals taking ginkgo supplements and those that were on the placebo.
4) Memory Pro: Pros and Cons
- Standardized extracts of Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri, Turmeric and Lemon Balm (standardized extracts are usually demonstrated safe and used to conduct clinical tests)
- The main ingredients have been researched and proven to positively impact memory
- Vegetable capsules
5) Precautions of Memory Pro Use
- No consumer reviews available online
- Potential serious side effects associated to some ingredients
- Potential drug interactions for some ingredients
- Cautions recommended for pregnant and nursing women and people with bile duct obstruction (Curcumin may cause unwanted effects)
6) How Much Does Memory Pro Cost?
Memory Pro 60 is a rather expensive supplement sold in bottles of 60 capsules. If the recommended daily dosage is not exceeded, a bottle should last two weeks to 1 month. The product can be purchased from the manufacturer’s website or from other online retailers.
7) Memory Pro Directions
The recommended dosage is 3-6 capsules daily, in divided doses, with or between meals. Certain ingredients may cause gastrointestinal upset, mild headache or fatigue. The manufacturer warns that certain ingredients may be contraindicated with blood thinning medication and particularly mentions Phosphatidylserine as interacting with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticholinergic or cholinergic medications.
8) Our Bottom Line
Memory Pro is a dietary supplement based on combination of herbs and amino-acids advertised to provide memory support. Unlike many products similar in benefit claims and ingredient combination, Memory Pro’s manufacturer offers extensive information on potential side effects, drug interactions associated to the main ingredients and special precautions regarding certain categories of patients.
This gives the formula credibility and the consumer confidence to have access to all these details. Although there are no consumer reviews available to assess the degree to which the formula delivers on its benefit promises, we are inclined to believe the product will produce beneficial effects for some consumers.
Still, we strongly advise you to also ask the opinion of a healthcare provider prior to use.
