The history of phosphatidylserine

The discovery history of phosphatidylserine (PS) can be traced back to the 1940s, with its evolution from laboratory to public recognition outlined as follows:

Laboratory Discovery and Structural Elucidation

In 1942, American chemist Jodi Folch extracted and characterized phosphatidylserine from bovine brains. He hypothesized the binding of serine hydroxyl groups to phosphatidyl groups and confirmed the L-configuration of serine.

In 1952, American scientists Bell and Morukas clarified its basic chemical structure, which was later validated through chemical synthesis.

Preliminary Efficacy Research

In 1986, Delwaide PJ et al. first reported that phosphatidylserine products improved cognitive ability in patients.

In 1990, Italian researcher Maggioni conducted the first trial, finding that oral phosphatidylserine isolated from bovine brains improved depressive symptoms and various behavioral and cognitive functions in the elderly.

In 1991, American scientist Crook experimented on patients with probable Alzheimer's disease, showing that 100 mg/day of bovine-derived phosphatidylserine significantly improved cognitive performance.

Safety and Tolerance Studies

In 2002, B.L. Jolles' study showed that supplementing 600 mg/day of soybean PS for 12 weeks in elderly patients caused no biochemical or physiological changes, demonstrating excellent human tolerance to this phospholipid.

In 2003, American researcher McDaniel indicated that high-dose phosphatidylserine intake improved neuronal membrane status, increased receptor and dendritic spine counts, and stimulated neurotransmitter release.

Public Awareness and Market Promotion

In May 2006, the South Korean FDA allowed prominent labeling on PS-supplemented products, promoting their function of "preventing cognitive decline in the elderly."

In October 2006, the US FDA approved phosphatidylserine as a nutrient-fortified functional food ingredient for addition to yogurt, milk powder, bread, powdered beverages, etc., based on safety evaluations of food additives.

On October 21, 2010, China's Ministry of Health announced phosphatidylserine inclusion in the new resource food catalog.

In 2011, the European Union Commission approved soybean-derived PS for use in foods for special medical purposes.

These certifications and decisions gradually popularized phosphatidylserine, enabling its widespread application in food and health product sectors. Products claiming to improve memory, relieve stress, and prevent Alzheimer's disease further drove PS from laboratories to the mass market.