A newly published study in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Nutrition reports that Brainberry, a standardised aronia extract developed by Solabia Nutrition, delivers measurable benefits for spatial working memory alongside changes in brain vascular function.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted by Solabia Nutrition’s internal R&D team in collaboration with researchers at Maastricht University.
It evaluated the effects of Brainberry supplementation in adults considered at increased risk of cognitive impairment.
Brainberry is derived from the Aronia 'Nero Eggert' variety and is standardised to contain 25% cyanidins.
The ingredient is positioned as a science-backed solution for brain health, with previous human clinical trials demonstrating improvements in psychomotor speed and attention.
In the six-week intervention, 30 healthy older adults (mean age 65 ± 6 years) with overweight or obesity (mean BMI 28.3 ± 2.7 kg/m²) received either Brainberry providing 40 mg anthocyanins per day or a placebo, followed by a washout period of at least six weeks before crossing over to the alternate treatment.
A key strength of the study was its use of gold-standard methodologies to objectively assess both cognitive performance and brain vascular function.
Cognitive outcomes were measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), a widely validated tool used in clinical and academic research.
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlighting the technical rigour of the trial.
Results showed that Brainberry supplementation led to a statistically significant 20% reduction in errors on the CANTAB spatial working memory test compared with placebo (p=0.006).
Spatial working memory plays a critical role in navigation, recognition and problem-solving and is particularly sensitive to age-related cognitive decline.
In addition, regional CBF decreased in a cluster within the right insular cortex compared with placebo (p=0.004).
The researchers suggest this change may reflect altered inhibitory control related to emotional processing, motivation and stress responses.
Together, the findings strengthen the evidence base for Brainberry as a clinically validated nutraceutical ingredient for cognitive health formulations, supporting the industry’s shift toward evidence-based brain health solutions.