The evidence

Below is a list of evidence, compiled from research studies showing the benefit of each ingredient in Brain Cake. 

Here are some common terms you will come across in this article. There are 3 types of studies mentioned below:

Randomised control trials (RCT): This is a gold-standard study, where people are randomly assigned to either receive the treatment being tested or a placebo (like a sugar pill). This random assignment helps prove whether any effects are truly from the treatment and not from chance or other factors. A significant findings indicates a clear benefit of the product tested.

A Meta-analysis: This is a powerful statistical review that combines the results from many separate RCTs on the same topic. By pooling this data, it provides a clearer, more reliable answer about whether a treatment works than any single study can on its own. This is often referred to as the highest level of evidence.

A Systemic review: A systematic review comprehensively finds, appraises, and summarises all existing research on a topic.

 

 


Bacopa Monnieri (50% Bacosides)

 

Bacopa Monnieri has been used for well over 1000 years as a traditional Ayurvedic herb, also commonly known as water hyssop. It is primarily used and studied for its potential to enhance memory. 

  • A Meta-analysis was performed looking at a total of 9 studies with a total of 518 participants. The evidence suggested that Bacopa Monnieri improves cognition, particularly speed of attention. (1)                                                                                                                                                  
  • A RCT with 66 participants showed that Bacopa Monnieri decreases the rate of forgetting of newly acquired information. (2)                                                                   
  • A RCT with 54 participants showed improvement in delayed word recall memory scores relative to the placebo group. The Bacopa group also showed a reduction in anxiety (3)                                                                                                                            
  • A Systemic review of 6 RCTs suggest that Bacopa improves memory free recall (4)

 

Average study length- 12 weeks+

Dosage used 300mg-450mg

Brain Cake dose: 300mg

 

 

 

Panax Ginseng (10% Ginsenosides)

 

Panax ginseng, also known as Korean or Asian ginseng, is a popular herbal root used for centuries in traditional medicine as an adaptogen to boost energy, improve cognitive function, fight stress, and enhance overall well-being, containing active compounds called Ginsenosides that give it its health effects.

  • A Metanalysis of 9 RCTs with 671 participants showed that Panax Ginseng has a significant effect in improving memory. (5)                                                                         
  • A RCT of 30 healthy participants showed taking a 400 mg dose improved calmness and mental arithmetic within 8 days. (6)                                                                           
  • A Systemic review evaluated 10 studies looking for the effects of Panax ginseng on reducing fatigue. The review concluded that Panax ginseng may be a viable treatment for fatigue in people with chronic illness. (7)

 

Average study length: 1 day-12+ weeks (Short and long-term benefits)

Doses used: 200mg-9g+

Brain Cake dose: 400mg (10% Ginsenosides)-equivalent to 4gs of raw Ginseng root

 

 

 

Pyrroloquinoline quinone salt (PQQ)

 

PQQ is a naturally occurring powerful antioxidant, used in supplements primarily for its role in supporting mitochondrial health and cellular energy production.

  • A RCT with 56 participants showed an improvement in memory, attention, judgment, and cognitive function in healthy individuals taking 20mg of PQQ salt daily for 12 weeks. Participants were middle aged and older adults who felt they had become more forgetful due to aging. (8)                                                                                                                              
  • A RCT with 17 participants taking 20mg of PQQ salt daily for 8 weeks showed significant improvement in sleepiness at awakening, sleep onset and maintenance, and sleep duration. (9)                                                                                                          
  • A RCT with 70 participants showed PQQ improves cognitive functions of cognitive flexibility and executive speed within 8 weeks in young adults aged 20–40 years. Cognitive functions of composite and verbal memories are improved after 12 weeks in adults aged 20–65 years. (10)

 

Average study length- 8-12 weeks

Dosage used: 20mg

Brain Cake dose: 20mg

 

 

 

L-theanine

 

L-Theanine is found naturally in tea leaves. It is well absorbed from the intestine and can cross the blood brain barrier. Biological benefits include relaxation and cognitive enhancement. The rationale is that L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves in the brain, which is associated with relaxation and selective attention.

  • A RCT of 69 middle aged and older participants studied the effects of 100mg of L-Theanine. Participants were given 100mg once daily for 12 weeks. They concluded that L-Theanine may contribute to improving attention, thus enhancing working memory and executive functions. (11)                                                                                                                                                                                                          
  • A RCT with 45 participants taking green tea extract and L-theanine for 16 weeks improved selective attention assessed by a Stroop test. (12)                                                                                                                                                              
  • A RCT of 18 young healthy university students prone to have high anxiety took L-Theanine 200mg once daily. The study showed a clear and pronounced effect on attention performance and reaction time response. (13)                                                                                                                                                                         
  • A RCT studied the effects of  L-Theanine 200mg once daily given to 16 healthy volunteers. The findings suggest L -Theanine may have some relaxing effects under resting conditions. (14)

 

Average study length- 8-16 weeks

Dosage used: 100-200mg

Brain Cake dose: 200mg

 

 


Lion's Mane

 

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a distinctive, white mushroom used in traditional medicine. It contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), potentially boosting memory, focus, and mental clarity by supporting brain cell growth, repair, and survival.

 

  • A RCT of 41 healthy participants aged 18-45 showed daily supplementation of Lion's mane (1.8 g Hericium erinaceus) showed improved speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy young adults. Analysis revealed that following a single dose of, participants performed quicker on the Stroop task at 60 minutes post dose. (15)                                                                                                                 
  • A Systemic review was performed using data from five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 15 laboratory studies, three pilot clinical trials (PCTs), one cohort study. The review concluded that Lion's mane is effective in neuroprotection, enhancing cognitive function, promoting gut health, and improving symptoms of anxiety and depression. (16)                                                                                                                                                                                          
  •  A RCT studying 30 participants aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment for 16 weeks shows significant improvement in cognitive function with daily supplementation of 3g of Hericium erinaceus. Notably improvement reduced after stopping the supplement. (17)                                                                                                                                                                             
  • A RCT with 30 participants showed taking 500mg of Hericium erinaceus daily showed reduction in levels of anxiety and depression after 4 weeks (18)                    

Average study length- 1 day-16 weeks

Dosage used: 500mg- 4000mg

Brain Cake dose: 250mg (15:1 extract)- equivalent to 3750mg of raw mushroom

 

 

 

Vitamin D3 & K2

 

Vitamin D plays several key roles in the body. Recently it has been increasingly recognised for It's crucial role in cognitive function. It's receptors are found in key brain regions involved in memory and learning, where it helps protect neurons, reduce inflammation, and support overall brain health; deficiency is strongly linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

  • A Systemic review of 8 studies looked at Vitamin D supplementation in older adults. It concluded that Vitamin D supplementation shows potential in improving cognitive function in older adults, especially those with insufficiency or impairments. (19)                                                                                                                     
  • A Systemic review and Meta-analysis of 37 studies suggest that lower Vitamin D concentrations are associated with poorer cognitive function and a higher risk of Alzheimer's dementia (20)                                                                                                                                                         
  • A review on Vitamin D supplementation concluded that a daily Vitamin D supplementation with 2000 IU (50 µg) may be considered a simple, effective, and safe dosage to prevent and treat Vitamin D deficiency in the adult general population. (21)

 

Average study length: 12-24 weeks

Studied dose: 800-4000IU

Brain Cake dose: 2000IU

 

 

 

Citicoline 

Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a naturally occurring compound in the body that serves as an essential intermediate in the production of phosphatidylcholine, a key building block for brain cell membranes. Its role in cognitive enhancement stems from this dual action: it both supports the structural integrity of brain cells and provides the raw material (choline) for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter for memory, learning, and focus.

  • A RCT with 100 participants showed that dietary supplementation of Citicoline for 12 weeks improved overall memory performance, especially episodic memory, in healthy older males and females with age related memory impairment. The findings suggest that regular consumption of Citicoline may be safe and potentially beneficial against memory loss due to aging. (22)                                                                                                             
  • A Meta-analysis evaluated seven studies including patients with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or post-stroke dementia. All the studies showed a positive effect of Citicoline on cognitive functions. (23)

 

Average study length: 4-12 weeks

Studied dose: 250-1000mg

Brain Cake dose: 250mg

 

 

Summary 

 

The existing research on Brain Cake ingredients is highly promising, suggesting significant potential benefits for cognitive improvement and overall health. The documented use of these ingredients over hundreds of years in traditional medicine systems provides strong, practical reassurance regarding their efficacy and tolerability. This rigorous, modern and historical validation of its ingredients allows Brain Cake to confidently stand out as a premium leading nootropic; purposefully designed to elevate your mind.


 



References:

 

1. Chuenjid Kongkeaw, Piyameth Dilokthornsakul, Phurit Thanarangsarit, Nanteetip Limpeanchob, C. Norman Scholfield. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract,Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 151, Issue 1, 2014,Pages 528-535.

2. Roodenrys S, et al. Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) on human memory. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002 Aug;27(2):279-81

3. Calabrese C, Gregory WL, Leo M, Kraemer D, Bone K, Oken B. Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jul;14(6):707-13. 

4. Pase MP, Kean J, Sarris J, Neale C, Scholey AB, Stough C. The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Jul;18(7):647-52. 

5. Zeng M, Zhang K, Yang J, Zhang Y, You P, Yan L, Weng Y. Effects of Ginseng on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phytother Res. 2024 Dec;38(12):6023-6034. doi: 10.1002/ptr.8359. Epub 2024 Oct 30. PMID: 39474788.

6. Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010 Aug;25(6):462-71. doi: 10.1002/hup.1138. PMID: 20737519.

7. Arring NM, Millstine D, Marks LA, Nail LM. Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue: A Systematic Review. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jul;24(7):624-633. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0361. Epub 2018 Apr 6. PMID: 29624410.

8. Shiojima Y, Takahashi M, Takahashi R, Moriyama H, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Akanuma M. Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022 Nov-Dec;41(8):796-809

9. Nakano, Masahiko & Yamamoto, Tetsuro & Okamura, Hisayoshi & Tsuda, Akira & Kowatari, Yasuyuki. (2012). Effects of Oral Supplementation with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep. Funct. Foods Health Dis. 2. 307-324. 10.31989/ffhd.v2i8.81. 

10. Tamakoshi, Masanori & Suzuki, Tomomi & Nishihara, Eiichiro & Nakamura, Shinichiro & Ikemoto, Kazuto. (2023). Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults. Food & Function. 14. 10.1039/D2FO01515C. 

11. Baba Y, Inagaki S, Nakagawa S, Kaneko T, Kobayashi M, Takihara T. Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. J Med Food. 2021 Apr;24(4):333-341. 

12. Park SK, Jung IC, Lee WK, Lee YS, Park HK, Go HJ, Kim K, Lim NK, Hong JT, Ly SY, Rho SS. A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine improves memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Med Food. 2011 Apr;14(4):334-43.

13. Akiko Higashiyama, Hla Hla Htay, Makoto Ozeki, Lekh R. Juneja, Mahendra P. Kapoor,
Effects of l-theanine on attention and reaction time response, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 3, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 171-178, ISSN 1756-4646.

14. Kristy Lu, Marcus A. Gray, Chris Oliver, David T. Liley, Ben J. Harrison, Cali F. et al. The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans. Human Psychopharmacology ISSN: 08856222, Volume: 19, Issue: 7, Pages: 457 - 465 Article2004EID: 2-s2.0-5744222751 DOI: 10.1002/hup.611

15. Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 20;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842. PMID: 38004235; PMCID: PMC10675414.

16. Menon A, Jalal A, Arshad Z, Nawaz FA, Kashyap R. Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review. Front Nutr. 2025 Sep 1;12:1641246. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1641246. PMID: 40959699; PMCID: PMC12434001.

17. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Hericium erinaceus on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372

18. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7. doi: 10.2220/biomedres.31.231. PMID: 20834180.

19. Ayuningtyas, Intan & Maharani, Radiasti & Hijrianti, Risca & Seikka, Charles. (2025). The Analysis Study of Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation to Cognition in Older Adults : A Comprehensive Systematic Review. The International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research. 9. 18-34. 10.70070/wrh0zh53. 

20. Cynthia Balion, PhD, Lauren E. Griffith, PhD, Lisa Strifler, BSc et al. Vitamin D, cognition, and dementia A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology, September 25, 2012 issue 79 (13) 1397-1405 https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e31826c197f

21. Pludowski P, Grant WB, Karras SN, Zittermann A, Pilz S. Vitamin D Supplementation: A Review of the Evidence Arguing for a Daily Dose of 2000 International Units (50 µg) of Vitamin D for Adults in the General Population. Nutrients. 2024 Jan 29;16(3):391. doi: 10.3390/nu16030391. PMID: 38337676; PMCID: PMC10857599.

22.Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Nutr. 2021 Aug 7;151(8):2153-2160. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab119. PMID: 33978188; PMCID: PMC8349115.

23. Bonvicini M, Travaglini S, Lelli D, Antonelli Incalzi R, Pedone C. Is Citicoline Effective in Preventing and Slowing Down Dementia?-A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 12;15(2):386. doi: 10.3390/nu15020386. PMID: 36678257; PMCID: PMC9866349.