Phosphatidylserine improves cognitive function

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid substance present in cell membranes, particularly abundant in the membranes of brain neurons. Its role in improving cognitive function has been confirmed by numerous studies, involving complex molecular mechanisms, while showing broad application prospects in the medical and health fields.

I. Molecular Mechanisms for Improving Cognitive Function

Maintaining Neuronal Membrane Structure and Function

Phosphatidylserine is a key component of neuronal membranes, influencing neuronal function by regulating membrane fluidity, permeability, and stability. It enhances the transport efficiency of ions (e.g., calcium ions) and neurotransmitters across the membrane, promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine from presynaptic membranes, and increases the sensitivity of postsynaptic membrane receptors—thereby strengthening synaptic transmission efficiency, which is the core molecular basis for cognitive processes like learning and memory. For example, phosphatidylserine can enhance synaptic connection strength by increasing the expression of postsynaptic density proteins (e.g., PSD-95) in the hippocampus, improving the ability to form memories.

Regulating Neurotransmitter Balance

Phosphatidylserine modulates the synthesis, release, and metabolism of various neurotransmitters. In the cholinergic system, it activates the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to promote the synthesis of acetylcholine (a key memory-related neurotransmitter); it also inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity to reduce acetylcholine degradation, maintaining its effective concentration in the synaptic cleft. Additionally, phosphatidylserine influences the balance of the glutamatergic system by regulating the activity of glutamate receptors (e.g., NMDA receptors), reducing excitotoxic damage to neurons, and protecting the integrity of neurons in cognition-related brain regions (e.g., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex).

Inhibiting Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are important triggers of cognitive decline (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive impairment). Phosphatidylserine can reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β) by inhibiting excessive activation of microglia, alleviating neuroinflammatory responses. Meanwhile, it enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), scavenges excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, reduces lipid peroxidation damage to neurons, protects mitochondrial function, and maintains the energy metabolism balance of neurons.

Regulating Neuroendocrine and Stress Responses

Phosphatidylserine influences the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing excessive cortisol secretion under stress. High cortisol levels damage hippocampal neurons, leading to memory impairment, while phosphatidylserine inhibits the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), reducing cortisol synthesis and thus alleviating the negative impact of stress on cognitive function. For example, in chronic stress models, supplementation with phosphatidylserine significantly improves spatial learning ability in rats and reduces hippocampal neuron apoptosis.

II. Application Prospects

Intervention in Cognitive Decline-Related Diseases

Phosphatidylserine shows potential therapeutic value in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Clinical studies indicate that mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients supplemented with phosphatidylserine (100–300mg daily) exhibit significant improvements in memory scores, language ability, and daily living skills compared to the control group after 6–12 months, with good safety. Additionally, for age-related cognitive decline (e.g., memory loss in the elderly), it can delay neuronal aging and enhance synaptic plasticity, playing a role in prevention and improvement.

Cognitive Enhancement in Children and Adolescents

For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning difficulties, phosphatidylserine supplementation can improve attention, information processing speed, and learning efficiency by regulating neurotransmitter balance (e.g., enhancing dopaminergic system function). Some studies show that its combination with Omega-3 fatty acids has a more significant effect on improving children’s cognitive function.

Alleviation of Stress-Related Cognitive Impairment

In high-stress populations (e.g., students, professionals), phosphatidylserine can alleviate memory decline and inattention caused by anxiety and fatigue by regulating the HPA axis and reducing cortisol damage. Additionally, it has an auxiliary effect on improving sleep quality, which is an important guarantee for maintaining cognitive function.

Cognitive Maintenance in Healthy Populations

For healthy adults, appropriate phosphatidylserine supplementation (approximately 100mg daily) can enhance working memory, logical reasoning ability, and information acquisition efficiency, particularly suitable for people engaging in high-intensity mental activities.

Phosphatidylserine improves cognitive function through multiple molecular mechanisms, including maintaining neuronal structure, regulating neurotransmitters, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, and balancing neuroendocrine. Its application prospects in neurodegenerative disease intervention, children’s cognitive enhancement, alleviation of stress-related cognitive impairment, and cognitive maintenance in healthy populations are broad. Moreover, phosphatidylserine from natural sources (e.g., soybeans, bovine brain extracts) has high safety, providing strong support for its development in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical fields.