Neuriva Review: Examining Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine

Published: 7/6/2024

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Neuriva Review: Examining Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine

Neuriva is a popular over-the-counter brain health supplement marketed by Reckitt. It promotes benefits for focus, memory, learning, accuracy, and concentration, primarily based on two key ingredients: Coffee Cherry extract (branded as NeuroFactor™) and plant-derived Phosphatidylserine (PS). Available in various formulations (Original, Plus, Pro), Neuriva positions itself as a natural, stimulant-free option for cognitive support. This review examines the scientific evidence behind Neuriva's core ingredients and evaluates the strength of its claims for cognitive enhancement.

Core Ingredients in Neuriva

Neuriva's formula is relatively simple compared to many multi-ingredient nootropic stacks, focusing primarily on two patented or branded components:

1. NeuroFactor™ (Coffee Cherry Extract)

  • Source: NeuroFactor is a patented extract derived from the whole fruit (including the flesh or "cherry") of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica. This is distinct from the coffee bean itself, which is roasted to produce coffee beverage. Coffee fruit contains a unique profile of polyphenols, including chlorogenic acids and other compounds, different from roasted coffee beans.
  • Proposed Mechanism: The primary mechanism highlighted by Neuriva's marketing revolves around increasing levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is a crucial protein belonging to the neurotrophin family that plays a vital role in:
    • Neuronal survival and growth
    • Synaptogenesis (formation of new synapses)
    • Synaptic plasticity (LTP and LTD, the basis of learning and memory)
    • Overall brain health and resilience Low levels of BDNF are associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression, Alzheimer's disease, and age-related cognitive decline. NeuroFactor is claimed to significantly increase circulating BDNF levels after administration.
  • Evidence for NeuroFactor and BDNF: The main evidence comes from a study funded by the manufacturer of NeuroFactor (FutureCeuticals), published by Reyes-Izquierdo et al. (2013) in the British Journal of Nutrition. This small study involving healthy adults found that a single 100 mg dose of the whole coffee fruit concentrate significantly increased plasma BDNF levels by about 143% compared to baseline and placebo (regular coffee powder or grape seed extract) after 60 minutes.
  • Evidence Linking Increased BDNF to Cognitive Improvement (from NeuroFactor): This is where the evidence becomes less direct for Neuriva itself. While increasing BDNF is theoretically beneficial for brain health and plasticity, the Reyes-Izquierdo study primarily measured plasma BDNF levels, not direct cognitive outcomes. Translating a transient increase in peripheral BDNF into tangible, sustained cognitive improvements requires further evidence. While low BDNF is linked to cognitive issues, simply increasing peripheral BDNF with a single dose doesn't automatically equate to enhanced cognition in healthy individuals. More research, particularly long-term studies measuring both BDNF and cognitive performance after NeuroFactor supplementation, is needed. Some research explores the potential of enhancing synaptic density through other means, like specific magnesium forms, which also relates to plasticity.

2. Plant-Sourced Phosphatidylserine (PS)

  • Source: Neuriva uses plant-derived PS, typically from soy or sunflower lecithin. This contrasts with early PS research that used bovine (cow brain) derived PS, which carried theoretical risks (prion disease) and is no longer common.
  • Mechanism: As discussed in relation to other supplements like Alpha BRAIN and Youthful Brain, Phosphatidylserine is a critical phospholipid component of neuronal membranes. It plays essential roles in:
    • Maintaining membrane fluidity and integrity
    • Cell signaling processes
    • Neurotransmitter release (including acetylcholine)
    • Glucose metabolism in the brain PS levels may decline with age, potentially contributing to cognitive decline.
  • Evidence for PS and Cognition: Phosphatidylserine is one of the more researched nootropic ingredients. Numerous clinical trials, particularly in older adults with age-related cognitive decline or memory impairment (including early Alzheimer's disease), have shown that PS supplementation (typically 100-300 mg daily) can improve:
    • Memory (recall, recognition)
    • Learning
    • Attention and concentration
    • Executive function (planning, problem-solving)
    • Mood (reducing stress response/cortisol) Studies using both bovine-derived and plant-derived PS have shown benefits, although some suggest bovine PS might have been slightly more effective in older studies (potentially due to fatty acid composition differences). However, plant-derived PS is now standard due to safety and availability, and studies support its efficacy. The evidence for PS is generally considered stronger and more direct for cognitive outcomes than the evidence linking NeuroFactor's BDNF increase to cognitive benefits.

Other Ingredients (Vary by Formulation)

  • Neuriva Plus/Pro: May contain increased amounts of NeuroFactor and PS, and potentially added B vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) which support general brain health and energy metabolism, primarily benefiting those with insufficient dietary intake.

Evaluating Neuriva's Claims and Evidence Strength

Neuriva claims benefits across five key areas: Focus, Memory, Learning, Accuracy, and Concentration.

  • Phosphatidylserine Support: The inclusion of PS provides the strongest scientific backing for claims related to memory, learning, focus, and concentration, especially in the context of aging or mild cognitive impairment. The dosages used in Neuriva (typically 100 mg PS per serving) align with the lower end of ranges used in clinical trials showing efficacy.
  • NeuroFactor Support: The evidence here is less direct. While NeuroFactor demonstrably increases peripheral BDNF levels acutely, the link between this transient increase and clinically significant improvements in focus, memory, learning, accuracy, and concentration in healthy individuals taking Neuriva long-term is not robustly established by independent, peer-reviewed studies focusing on cognitive outcomes. BDNF is crucial, but the leap from a single-dose plasma BDNF study to broad cognitive claims requires more substantiation. The mechanism is intriguing but less proven for cognitive outcomes compared to PS.
  • Overall Efficacy: The combination might offer benefits, primarily driven by the PS component. Any additional benefit from NeuroFactor via BDNF modulation requires further validation through long-term cognitive studies. The simplicity of the formula means fewer potential interactions compared to complex blends like Dynamic Brain, which includes risky ingredients, but also potentially fewer synergistic effects targeted by more comprehensive stacks.

Marketing vs. Science: Neuriva's marketing heavily emphasizes the NeuroFactor/BDNF link. While scientifically interesting, the clinical evidence directly supporting cognitive improvement from NeuroFactor in the Neuriva product is less compelling than the evidence for PS. Consumers should be aware that the BDNF increase demonstrated in the key NeuroFactor study does not automatically translate to the five cognitive benefits claimed on the packaging without further specific evidence. This situation bears some resemblance to the controversy surrounding Prevagen's marketing based on limited study data, although the ingredients in Neuriva (PS, coffee fruit extract) are generally considered safe.

Safety, Dosage, and Considerations

  • Dosage: Typically one capsule daily. Users should adhere to the product label.
  • Safety Profile: Both NeuroFactor (coffee fruit extract) and plant-derived PS are generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
    • NeuroFactor: The key study reported no adverse events. As a fruit extract, allergic reactions are theoretically possible but unlikely. It contains negligible caffeine.
    • Phosphatidylserine: Well-tolerated in numerous studies. Mild, infrequent side effects can include digestive upset or insomnia (if taken too close to bedtime). Plant-derived PS avoids the risks associated with bovine sources.
  • Stimulant-Free: Neuriva is marketed as stimulant-free, making it suitable for individuals sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants. This contrasts with products based on caffeine or its relatives like theobromine found in chocolate.
  • Interactions: PS might theoretically have additive effects with blood thinners or cholinergic drugs, but significant interactions are rare. Coffee fruit extract interactions are not well documented but seem unlikely based on current data. Consultation with a healthcare provider is always prudent.
  • Cost: Neuriva is often priced as a premium supplement.

Conclusion: Plausible Benefits Driven Primarily by PS

Neuriva offers a simple, stimulant-free formula centered around NeuroFactor (coffee cherry extract) and Phosphatidylserine (PS). The strongest evidence for its claimed cognitive benefits (memory, focus, learning, concentration, accuracy) comes from the well-established effects of Phosphatidylserine, particularly in the context of age-related cognitive changes. The inclusion of PS at a clinically relevant dose (100 mg) makes cognitive improvements plausible, especially with consistent use.

The role of NeuroFactor is less clear regarding direct cognitive enhancement. While it demonstrably increases peripheral BDNF levels acutely, the translation of this effect into tangible, sustained cognitive benefits in Neuriva users requires more robust, long-term clinical validation focusing on cognitive outcomes, not just BDNF biomarkers. The marketing emphasis on NeuroFactor might overstate the current strength of evidence linking it directly to the claimed cognitive improvements.

Neuriva appears safe and well-tolerated for most users. It may be a reasonable option for individuals seeking a simple, stimulant-free supplement containing PS, particularly older adults concerned about age-related memory changes. However, users should have realistic expectations and understand that the evidence supporting the NeuroFactor component's contribution to cognitive enhancement is less direct than that for PS.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before using any dietary supplement, including Neuriva, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.

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