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Cognitex Basics Review – 8 Things You Should Know
Cognitex Basics is advertised to provide nutritional support for the brain and hence ensure maintenance and enhancement of the cognitive function. The supplement is manufactured by Life Extension Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization established in the United States in the 1980’s.
The company focuses on funding research and disseminating information on preventive medicine, anti-aging and life extension methods. Its income comes mostly from the sale of vitamins and supplements such as Cognitex Basics. The Foundation enjoys a great reputation and currently designs and sells several hundreds of products.
According to the manufacturer, the formula contains the latest developments and ingredients discovered in terms of cognitive health. Cognitex Basics is intended for people who wish to prevent sings of mental aging (loss of concentration, loss of memory and clarity of thought, etc).

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1) Cognitex Basics Quick Facts
Cognitex Basics features several herbal extracts and other nutrients in a blend targeted at enhancing cognitive function. One of the core ingredients is Withania Somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, an herb originated from India and traditionally used for its extraordinary anxiolytic and stress relieving effects.
Ashwagandha is known to be a potent antioxidant, which is why it exerts remarkable neuroprotective functions. By helping fight oxidative stress and free radical damage, the plant may be able to prevent mild cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Ashwagandha is successfully used for fighting anxiety, particularly the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or panic attacks.
Ashwagandha is considered safe for use on the short term. There have been some side effects however, including vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea. There are also certain safety concerns regarding pregnant and nursing women and those who suffer from autoimmune diseases.
Another important ingredient, Phosphatidylserine, is assumed to assist with preventing cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and brain cell damage. The substance works by helping with the synthesis of Acetylcholine and Dopamine, essential neurotransmitters involved, in their turn, in the functioning of memory, attention and mood. Although Phosphatidylserine is generally well tolerated, it can cause insomnia and upset stomach.
2) What’s Inside Cognitex Basics?
Cognitex Basics includes the following ingredients: Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, Phosphatidylserine (Sharp-PS GOLD Conjugated Phosphatidylserine-DHA), Pregnenolone, Vinpocetine, Leucoselect Phytosome [containing 50 mg grape seed (Vitis vinifera) procyanidin extract complexed with soy (Glycine max) phospholipids (bean)], Vita Blue Wild Berry (Vaccinium angustifolium) Anthocyanins extract (fruit), Sensoril Ashwaganda, Uridine-5 Monophosphate, NeuroProtection Complex Blend which includes Perluxan Hops (Humulus lupulus) standardized extract (cones), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Standardized extract (leaves), rice bran oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, soy lecithin, Sorbitol, carob color, silica, maltodextrin, and modified food starch.
3) Is Cognitex Basics Right for You?
We believe that the right scientific approach is to provide the right environment for the brain to manufacture its neurotransmitters by feeding it with the vital amino acids and neuro-nutrients that the body cannot produce alone or under-produces because of various reasons. However, this formula appears to focus on targeting the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters in the hopes of artificially stimulating them.
Life Extension Foundation is using an unusual marketing strategy to promote this supplement. According to them, Cognitex contains standardized extracts of powerful phytochemicals. They claim (although we were unable to find any relevant studies to support this) that Phosphatidylcholine-grape seed extract compound adds superior antioxidant protection and improves blood vessel tone and elasticity, helping to enhance blood circulation and oxygen flow to the brain. These are all interesting claims. Unfortunately, without scientific evidence to support this, it’s hard to say how effective this formulation is. One of the key components of this supplement is a patented extract of the orchid species Gastrodia Plata, known as Gastrodin. Apparently, the extract has a broad spectrum of benefits against age-related degradation of cognitive processes, although actual evidence is still limited. The plant works by balancing certain neurotransmitters as well as improving blood flow and minimizing memory loss incidence.
The manufacturer states that Wild Blueberry extract has been added due to new studies showing that blueberries help suppress free radical and damage due to inflammation in the brain, but it also may repair some of the changes seen in aging neurons thus improving memory. The claims and studies mentioned in the above paragraphs allude and not mentioned elsewhere in the sales copy, and there are no links provided. We are left to wonder where and when these studies took place and how they relate to the product in question.
Cognitex reviews from consumers are mixed, with numerous reports of the formula having no or minimal effects on memory and cognitive function.
4) Cognitex Basics Claims
- Overall positive consumer experiences with the product
- The manufacturer enjoys a good reputation as an NGO
- The product contains generally researched ingredients
5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Cognitex Basics
- A number of special precautions are mentioned by the manufacturer (people with a history of seizures, with certain types of cancers, hormone-sensitive diseases, people with a bleeding disorder, taking anti-coagulant medication, etc.)
- Contains fish traits and soybeans
- Rather elevated price (as a month’s supply can cost as much as $40)
6) How Much Does Cognitex Basics Cost?
The price for Cognitex is quite high, and some people may not be able to afford it. A bottle contains 30 soft gels, which should be enough for ten days of treatment at a recommended dosage of 3 soft gels per day. A consumer will need three bottles of Cognitex for a full month of treatment, which may prove inconvenient. 90 capsules bottles are also available for sale.
7) Suggested Use
The manufacturer recommends taking 3 soft gels in the morning with or without food. Cognitex Basics reviews from consumers document positive experiences in general, with very few complaints.
8) Final Thoughts on Cognitex Basics
Brain health is essential to numerous other functions in the body. Protecting it is hence vital in the pursuit of a long, prosper life. Cognitive decline has begun affecting more people than before, due to an increasing number of stress factors, poor nutrition patterns or unhealthy lifestyles altogether. Cognitex Basics is a blend of some of the most potent herbal and non-herbal cognitive supplements, including Ashwagandha, Phosphatidylserine, and Vinpocetine. Most consumer reviews report high levels of satisfaction with the formula. This is why we believe the formula is able to deliver the advertised results. Still, there is a rather long list of potential precautions and drug interactions one should consider before beginning treatment.
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Customers Questions and Answers with Cognitex Basics
- Recent:
Cognitex includes the following ingredients: Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, Phosphatidylserine, Brain Shield (Gastrodin), Pregnenolone, Vinpocetine, Leucoselect Phytosome, BlueActive Wild Berry, Sensoril Ashwagandha extract root, Uridine-5 Monophosphate and NeuroProtection Complex Blend which includes Perluxen Hops, and Rosemary standardized extract (leaf). Inactive ingredients: safflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, sunflower lecithin, sorbitol, carob color, maltodextrin, silica, modified food starch.
Provasil by Cognitex Labs is designed to target a number of cognitive related problems, including mental fatigue, confusion, forgetfulness, easily distracted, poor memory and easily irritable disposition. Provasil has its own presentation page where users can find info on the main ingredients, how the formula supposedly works and even order details and how one can benefit from the standard 60-day money back guarantee. Various discounts are available for larger orders, as well as free shipping and free bonus gifts under certain conditions.
This product is similar in nature to many other herbal remedy approaches and may provide some health benefits. The issue is whether it will offer the boost in short-term memory and cognitive functioning that it states, over the long term and not simply an immediate, short-lived solution. Even if this were the case, the way it artificially enables this to take place is not what the brain demands.
Based on the ingredients listed and the information we have found during our research, Cognitex may be appealing for those who are seeking a natural way to support their cognitive function. It does have antioxidant properties and has ingredients that have been proven to boost the immune system. Still, it does not convince us that it can nourish the brain and create an environment where cognitive performance is supported in the long run.
I suffered a concussion late this summer, and it really affected my memory and various other brain functions (concentration, multitasking, visualisation,stamina). I have started taking the supplement (only one gel/day) about 3 weeks ago. I have noticed a net improvement: my memory is improving and the nagging fog is slowly lifting. Now, I don’t know whether the improvement is due to the healing powers of time, the healing powers of rest (I have taken many sick days recently to rest my brain) and/or the healing powers of this supplement, but – like I said – I am feeling better. And I’m a very greatful individual at this point!
Unfortunately, this is another product that doesn’t help me with my short term memory. I am so tired trying so many supplements without any benefits for me. I guess I will keep searching for alternatives…
sleep and rest should be the prime factors while trying to improve your short term memory. Nothing can replace that.
Cognitex is a wonderful product. I have had an insomnia problem for 3 years combined with BPH. I would wake up in the middle of the night and could not fall back to sleep. After 3 weeks of Cognitex, taking the recommended dose of 3 capsules, I sleep through the night peacefully. I am 70 years old. I have tried many sleep products, but this one actually get to the cause of the problem. Highly recommend it.