A newly published clinical study in Frontiers in Aging reveals that BrainPhyt™, a natural microalgae extract developed by Microphyt, significantly enhances memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance while reducing stress in healthy aging adults. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrates
BrainPhyt’s unique potential to naturally support brain health by preserving essential cognitive functions as we age.
The six-month study involved 66 healthy adults aged 55–75, who received either a daily dose of BrainPhyt— a proprietary extract from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum Mi136.a — containing 4,4 mg of fucoxanthin, or a placebo. BrainPhyt is naturally rich in marine bioactives including fucoxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids,
and phycoprostanes, and is sustainably produced in France using Microphyt’s patented hydro-biomimetic technology.
“BrainPhyt offers a clinically supported, natural solution for maintaining cognitive function during aging,” said Dr. Jonathan Maury, Clinical Research Program Manager at Microphyt and co-author of the study. “These results show real promise for improving memory and attention in healthy seniors, while also helping to balance inflammatory markers such as C Reactive Protein (CRP).”
Clinical Study Design and Results
The study was conducted by Atlantia Clinical Trials and the recruitment and follow-up of participants took place on their capabilities in Cork. The study used the COMPASS Assessment System to evaluate cognitive function. Blood samples were analyzed to assess biomarkers related to stress and inflammation. Mental health indicators—including mood, sleep, and stress—were measured at baseline, week 12, and week 24 using standardized questionnaires.
- Improved Memory. Participants supplemented with BrainPhyt showed a 53% improvement in episodic memory performance compared to placebo.
- Enhanced Executive Function. The BrainPhyt group demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in attention and vigilance, indicating enhanced cognitive processing speed and accuracy.
- Reduced Stress and Enhanced Calmness. BrainPhyt significantly reduced C reactive protein (CRP) levels by 45%, effectively “resetting the clock” by up to 10 years in terms of inflammatory profile. Participants also reported a significant reduction in perceived stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Chronic psychological stress is closely linked to accelerated cognitive decline, with each exacerbating the other in a self-perpetuating cycle. BrainPhyt offers a dual action approach by simultaneously supporting cognitive performance and reducing perceived stress, helping to break this vicious cycle and promote healthy brain aging.
“These findings underscore BrainPhyt’s potential as a natural intervention to support cognitive health in the aging population,” said Christel Lemaire, Marketing Manager at Microphyt. This study adds to a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of BrainPhyt. A previous 12-week study conducted by Texas A&M University also showed promising results, demonstrating improvements in executive function, memory, and attention. Together, these two clinical trials confirm BrainPhyt’s ability to support cognitive health through a multidimensional mechanism of action, across diverse populations and study designs.
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