Phosphatidylserine on Brain Hippocampus Function

The Positive Effects of Phosphatidylserine on Hippocampal Function  

Ⅰ.Enhancing Memory  

1. Promoting Neurotransmitter Transmission:  

The hippocampus plays a key role in memory formation, storage, and retrieval. Phosphatidylserine helps regulate the fluidity and permeability of neuronal cell membranes, facilitating the proper release and transmission of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and glutamate. These neurotransmitters are crucial for signal transmission between hippocampal neurons. Their optimal function strengthens neuronal communication, thereby improving the encoding and storage of memory, making it easier to retain new information.  

2. Increasing Synaptic Plasticity:  

Synapses are the key structures that enable communication between neurons, and their plasticity is closely linked to memory formation. Phosphatidylserine modulates intracellular signaling pathways, promoting the formation and development of synapses, increasing their number and functionality. Research has shown that phosphatidylserine supplementation can enhance long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus—an important synaptic plasticity mechanism associated with memory storage. This means that neuronal connections are strengthened, allowing memory-related information to be transmitted and stored more efficiently within neural networks.  

Ⅱ.Improving Cognitive Function  

1. Protecting Hippocampal Neurons:  

With aging or certain neurological disorders, hippocampal neurons may suffer damage or die, leading to cognitive decline. Phosphatidylserine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect hippocampal neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation-related damage. It activates cellular antioxidant enzyme systems, reducing the accumulation of oxidative stress products, while also inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors. This protective mechanism helps maintain the structural integrity and function of hippocampal neurons, supporting better cognitive performance.  

2. Promoting Neurogenesis:  

Recent studies have discovered that the adult hippocampus possesses a certain degree of neurogenesis—the ability to generate new neurons. Phosphatidylserine can stimulate this process by activating key signaling pathways, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into mature neurons. This leads to an increase in the number of new hippocampal neurons, which can integrate into existing neural circuits and enhance cognitive functions such as learning, attention, and problem-solving skills.  

Ⅲ.Reducing Stress and Anxiety  

1. Regulating the Neuroendocrine System:  

The hippocampus is closely connected to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a key neuroendocrine system responsible for regulating the body's stress response. Under stress, the HPA axis is activated, leading to the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. Chronic elevation of cortisol levels can damage the hippocampus and impair its functions. Phosphatidylserine modulates HPA axis activity, reducing excessive cortisol secretion under stress, thereby protecting the hippocampus from cortisol-induced damage. As a result, it helps individuals better manage stress and anxiety, allowing the brain to maintain focus and optimize its cognitive and memory functions.  

2. Stabilizing Neuronal Membrane Potential:  

As an essential component of neuronal cell membranes, phosphatidylserine helps stabilize membrane potential, ensuring neurons remain in a balanced state. Under stress or anxiety, neuronal excitability can fluctuate, leading to emotional and cognitive disruptions. By maintaining membrane stability, phosphatidylserine helps regulate neuronal excitability, allowing the hippocampus to process and integrate emotion-related information properly. This mechanism reduces the negative impact of anxiety on brain function, promoting mental clarity and emotional stability.