Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that forms part of the basic constituents of cell membranes, the dynamic site of most life processes; it plays an important role especially in the transmission of stimuli between nerve cells. 

Phosphatidylserine is in fact a widespread phospholipid in brain tissue where it is much more abundant than anywhere else in the body, especially in neurons (the cells of the brain). Its presence means that phosphatidylserine supports many cellular functions that are particularly important for the brain, chief among these being the maintenance of optimal cell permeability necessary for the entry of nutrients and the expulsion of waste materials. (1,2)

There are several studies confirming the virtue of phosphatidylserine in restoring memory capacities due to ageing, but it is also capable of increasing mental capacities even in normal subjects. (3,4)

Phosphatidylserine is mainly obtained from soy lecithin, which is very rich in it and ensures that it is entirely vegetable-based. (5)

Biochemistry of phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine belongs to the phospholipid family, which are fats similar to triglycerides.

Due to their peculiar structure, phospholipids are responsible for many tasks that do not stop at the structure of cell membranes but actively participate in its functionality. (5)

What does Phosphatidylserine do?
Results of in vitro studies on nerve cell cultures indicate that phosphatidylserine confers protection against free radicals. Researchers therefore suggest that phosphatidylserine has an antioxidant effect. (6)

This effect adds up to the main effect of improving a whole range of aspects related to brain function and helps us understand how phosphatidylserine acts:

• promotes the restoration of orientation and other adaptive behaviour; (5)

• improves the efficiency of glucose utilisation (the brain's sugar) and the efficiency of synapses (the point at which one brain cell 'joins' another); (7)

• improves abnormal traces of electroencephalograms; (5)

• promotes slowing down the structural decline of the nerve network; (3,4)

• enhances the effect of neurotransmitters, those substances that enable nerve cells to 'talk' to each other. (7)

These single-cell health-enhancing effects are probably the cause of the improved cognitive performance; in fact, clinical studies have shown that phosphatidylserine content improves memory and cognitive functions. (8)

Bibliography

1.Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4 ed. New York: Garland Science; 2002.

2 were identified. Kidd PM. PS (PhosphatidylSerine), Nature's Brain Booster, 2nd ed. St. George, UT: Total Health Communications; 2007.

3.Toffano G. The therapeutic value of phosphatidylserine effect in the aging brain. In: Hanin L, Ansell GB, eds. Lecithin: Technological, Biological and Therapeutic Aspects. New York: Plenum Press; 1987:137-46.

4.Nunzi MG, et al. Therapeutic properties of phosphatidylserine in the aging brain. In: Hanin I, Pepeu G, eds. Phospholipids: Biochemical, Pharmaceutical and Analytical Considerations. New York: Plenum Press; 1990:213-8.

5.Samson JC. The biological basis of phosphatidylserine pharmacology. Clin. Trials J. 1987;24:1-8

6 were identified. Hashioka S, Han YH, Fujii S, Kato T, Monji A, Utsumi H, Sawada M, Nakanishi H, Kanba S. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine-containing liposomes inhibit amyloid beta and interferon-gamma-induced microglial activation. Free Radic Biol Med. 2007 Apr 1;42(7):945-54.

7 were identified. Borghese CM, Gómez RA, Ramírez OA. Phosphatidylserine increases hippocampal synaptic efficacy. Brain Res Bull. 1993;31(6):697-700.

8 were identified. Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:70-84.