As cognitive performance becomes an increasingly important health marker in aging populations, the ability to accurately measure changes in memory and executive function is critical. For the nutraceutical industry, clinically validated, natural solutions that demonstrate measurable effects on cognition are key to advancing evidence-based brain health formulations.

A newly published, peer-reviewed clinical study in Clinical Nutrition reports that Brainberry® supplementation positively affects cognitive performance – specifically spatial working memory.

The study was conducted by Solabia Nutrition’s internal R&D team in collaboration with Maastricht University researchers.

Brainberry®: the superberry for brain fitness 

Brainberry® is a clinically validated extract from the Aronia Nero Eggert Variety, standardized for 25

The Study:

Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation affects brain vascular function and cognitive performance: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in older adults with overweight or obesity – full text available here.

Study Overview

This six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study evaluated the effects of Brainberry® on cognitive performance in adults at increased risk of cognitive impairment.

Participants received Brainberry® (40 mg anthocyanins per day) or placebo for six weeks, separated by a washout period of at least six weeks.

Methods

Thirty healthy older adults (mean age 65 ± 6 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI 28.3 ± 2.7 kg/m²) participated in the study. A key strength of the study design was the direct and objective assessment of both brain vascular function and cognitive performance using highly validated, gold-standard methodologies. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that requires substantial technical expertise and investment, underscoring the rigor and seriousness of the clinical approach. 

Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), a widely recognized, computer-based testing platform that has been extensively validated in academic and clinical research and is considered a reference standard for measuring specific cognitive domains.

Results Cognitive Performance

Brainberry® supplementation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in spatial working memory measured by the CANTAB memory test – errors were reduced by 20

Brain Vascular Function

Regional CBF decreased in one cluster located in the right insular cortex (p=0.004), compared to placebo. Possibly, a reduced CBF in this brain region might relate to an inhibitory control towards insular cortex-related functionalities, such as motivational decision-making, emotional processing and stress responses.