Gencor has announced the publication of its recent human clinical trial demonstrating its palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient, Levagen+, to be a safe, innovative and effective supplement for cognitive health enhancement.
PEA is a lipid mediator similar to an endocannabinoid, naturally produced in the body in response to injury or stress. It’s also found in lipid extracts of certain foods and plants, such as egg yolk, peanuts and soybeans.
Several pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that PEA can influence neurological functions through immune modulating and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
This study examined for the first time the effect of PEA supplementation on markers of cognitive function in a healthy population currently enrolled in a higher education or university degree course.
The randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over trial investigated the effects of a 6-week 700 mg/day course of Levagen+ versus a placebo in male and female participants.
It measured and compared serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels — an essential protein required for maintaining normal neuronal function. BDNF is also associated with improving memory, learning and cognitive function. Parameters of cognitive function were assessed via a validated, gold-standard cognitive test pre- and post-assessment.
PEA can influence neurological functions through immune modulating and anti-inflammatory mechanisms
The results demonstrated a significant increase in serum BDNF levels following PEA supplementation compared with the placebo (p = 0. 0057, d = 0.62). Additionally, the Levagen+ group showed improvement in memory in the Cognition Function Assessments (CANTAB) test through better first success (p = 0.142, d = 0.54) and fewer errors (p = 0.0287; d = −0.47) on the Paired Associates Learning test.
Professor M Gulrez Zariwala, Corresponding author and Director of the Centre for Nutraceuticals, said: “Cognitive function is an area of great importance to society from the perspective of healthy aging. This is an exciting area of research, but there are relatively few clinical studies examining the efficacy of supplements on cognitive function, particularly in young adults. This trial gives us interesting insights into the mechanisms by which supplements containing innovative bioactive ingredients such as Levagen+ may bring about their effects on cognition.”
Levagen+ is powered by LipiSperse delivery technology developed by Pharmako Biotechnologies. It offers a functional and bioavailable form of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) with superior absorption.
Levagen+ is a self-affirmed GRAS ingredient manufactured in cGMP facilities and has been clinically tested to support joint health, sleep, recovery, immunity, discomforts and inflammation. Levagen+ is applicable for dietary supplements, food and beverages and cosmeceuticals.
