Phosphatidylserine and sulforaphane in cognitive health research

01

Phosphatidylserine: a membrane component that helps signaling

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid in cell membranes. Phospholipids form a double layer, with water facing heads on the outside and lipid tails meeting inside. PS is mainly in the inner layer facing the cytoplasm.

The membrane separates inside from outside and brings signaling proteins together. Negatively charged PS helps some proteins bind to the membrane. In 2011, Huang and colleagues studied how PS supports membrane binding and activation of Akt in cell experiments.

Sources [5]

02

Phosphatidylserine guidance and human research

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recognizes PS as an ingredient that may help improve cognition diminished by aging.

In 2010, Kato-Kataoka and colleagues recruited 78 adults aged 50–69 who reported memory complaints. Participants received 100 mg or 300 mg PS per day or placebo for six months; 73 completed the study.

Across all participants, test scores improved similarly in each group, including placebo. In the subgroup with lower memory scores at baseline, delayed verbal recall and other measures improved from baseline with PS.

Sources [1][2][6]

03

Sulforaphane forms when precursor and enzyme meet

Glucoraphanin in broccoli sprouts is a precursor to sulforaphane. Myrosinase is the enzyme that starts its conversion.

When plant tissue is broken, precursor and enzyme meet and sulforaphane can form. If plant myrosinase activity is low, the gut microbiome’s conversion capacity also matters. A 2015 human study by Fahey and colleagues examined higher sulforaphane availability when active myrosinase was present.

Sources [4]

04

Different roles in membranes and defense genes

One pathway studied for sulforaphane is KEAP1–NRF2. A change in KEAP1 regulated NRF2 breakdown can allow NRF2 to accumulate in the nucleus and regulate genes for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. This helps cells prepare proteins that respond to stress.

PS participates in membrane structure and signaling protein activity; sulforaphane participates in regulation of cellular defense through KEAP1–NRF2.

Sources [5][7]

05

Reading cognition tests alongside cellular markers

In 2022, Nouchi and colleagues ran a 12 week placebo controlled trial in 144 healthy adults aged 60–80. The intake group took a supplement providing 30 mg glucoraphanin daily, a precursor to sulforaphane.

Processing speed improved versus placebo on the Symbol Search test, which asks participants to find target symbols quickly. Other cognitive tests did not show statistically clear differences. Blood markers related to defense, including HO-1 and GST, did not change significantly.

Sources [3]