By Amber S, CN Buyer & Supplements Education Coordinator
Ah, autumn in Cambridge. The students return, first in trickles and then in crowds. The campuses return to life: assistants shouting directions on move-in day; professors ambling across the quads with armfuls of papers; the libraries filling up with students gathered, heads bent over books. Whether you're a first-time student or returning to further your education, here's a quick primer on some of the most common vitamins and supplements you'll encounter in the wonderful world of cognitive health.
Perhaps no cognitive support supplement has as long and storied a history as ginkgo biloba. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, ginkgo is believed by TCM practitioners to increase blood flow to the brain, potentially aiding in memory support.
From a modern scientific perspective, it's also rich in antioxidants (compounds that protect your body's cells against damage) and has been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties as well. Some initial studies have also concluded that these same compounds may also ease headaches and stress -- another welcome bonus!
Bacopa (bacopa monnieri) is an herb that has been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for hundreds of years. It contains compounds known as bacosides, which have been shown in early studies to prevent free radical damage to cells. While research on this powerful herb is still in its early stages, it shows promise for improving the brain's ability to retain memories and learn new information. Along with several other supplements on this list, bacopa possesses anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its cognitive supporting ones.
In recent years, the supplements world has seen an influx of interest in medicinal mushrooms. Lion's Mane (hericium erinaceus) leads the pack when it comes to these mycological marvels. A frothy white fungus that resembles its namesake, lion's mane contains several compounds called hericenones and erinacines that stimulate the growth of brain cells. These compounds may also aid recovery after injuries to the brain or spinal cord according to recent research. And some promising new research suggest that extracts of lion's mane may reduce symptoms of memory loss as well as protecting the brain against damage caused by neuronal disease.
On the non-herbal side of cognitive support supplements, choline is a nutrient that the human body requires to perform various nervous system functions. It's found in foods such as meats and dairy, as well as vegetarian sources like rice and oats. However, the amount of choline found in food is generally not sufficient for the body's needs, so many people turn to dietary supplementation in order to increase their intake. Choline is responsible for producing acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter responsible for many different biological processes.
Magnesium L-Threonate is one of the newer cognitive support supplements on the market. It was patented in 2009 by a team of researchers at Cambridge's own Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), including Dr. Guosong Liu, one of the world's experts on cognitive health. Research suggests that this particular form of magnesium may play a role in the regulation of neurotransmitters, chemicals which send signals through the brain. It also may affect NMDA receptors, which are thought to regulate processes like memory and learning. And (unusual among supplements), magnesium l-threonate has been proven to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it very easy for the body to absorb.
A final supplement that's been generating a lot of buzz lately is Lithium. A new study by the Harvard Medical School found that low dosages of a particular type of lithium, known as lithium orotate (a common supplemental form) can protect brain cells and even reverse the damage done by age-related memory loss. This science offers hope to the thousands of people every year living with Alzheimer's Disease. Much of the research is still in the early stages, but biologists are optimistic about the potential for lithium to change the course of Alzheimer's therapies.
So whether you're an Ayurveda aficionado, a mineral maven, or a fungi fan, there's a cognitive support supplement for you. Come into our store in Porter Square, or check out our online shop!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bacopa-monnieri-benefits
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/07/metro/lithium-alzheimers-study-harvard-medical-school/
(Disclaimer: We are not doctors nor pharmacists and we can not diagnose nor prescribe. Nothing in this blog post constitutes medical advice. Always check with your medical professional before starting any new supplement.)