Our latest clinical study reinforces Brainberry®’s position as a leading natural nootropic, now supported by clinical evidence demonstrating improvements in short-term memory.
Solabia Nutrition announces the release of our latest peer-reviewed clinical study. It is published in the international journal “Clinical Nutrition”. The manuscript is authored by our internal R&D scientists in collaboration with Maastricht University,
This six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study evaluated the effects of Brainberry® on cognitive performance in adults at increased risk of cognitive impairment.
Brainberry®: the superberry for brain fitness
Brainberry® is a clinically validated extract from the Aronia Nero Eggert Variety, standardized for 25% Cyanidins. Previous human clinical trials have demonstrated benefits for cognitive performance, including improvements in psychomotor speed and attention, supporting its positioning as a science-backed ingredient for brain health applications.
The Study:
Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation affects brain vascular function and cognitive performance: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross- over study in older adults with overweight or obesity.
As cognitive performance becomes an increasingly important health marker in aging populations, the ability to accurately measure changes in memory and executive function is critical. For the nutraceutical industry, clinically validated, natural solutions that demonstrate measurable effects on cognition are key to advancing evidence-based brain health formulations.
Study Design and Methods
Thirty healthy older adults (average age 65 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI 28.3 kg/m²) participated in this six-week clinical study. A central strength of the research was its use of gold-standard, objective assessments to evaluate both brain vascular function and cognitive performance.
Brain vascular function was measured using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with arterial spin labeling (ASL-MRI), a non-invasive, highly precise technique that requires specialized expertise and significant investment. This approach underscores the rigor and credibility of the study design.
Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), a globally recognized, computer-based platform that is widely used in academic and clinical research. CANTAB is considered a reference standard for measuring key cognitive domains, including working memory and executive function, and is especially relevant for assessing age-related cognitive changes.
Key Findings
Cognitive Performance:
Brainberry® supplementation led to a statistically significant improvement in spatial working memory. Participants made 20% fewer errors on the CANTAB spatial working memory test compared to placebo (p = 0.006). Spatial working memory is crucial for everyday tasks such as navigation, object and word recognition, and problem-solving, and is known to decline with age. These results demonstrate Brainberry®’s potential to support short-term memory and executive function in adults at risk of cognitive decline.
Brain Vascular Function:
The study also observed a decrease in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in a cluster of the right insular cortex compared to placebo (p = 0.004). This localized change may reflect enhanced inhibitory control in insular cortex functions, which are involved in motivational decision-making, emotional processing, and stress responses.
