Science-Backed Research
Every ingredient we use, and the published research behind it. Each card links straight to the study on PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's database at the NIH. Read it yourself. We would rather you check than take our word for it.
How to read this page
These are studies on the ingredients, not studies on our products. Doses, populations and preparations vary between trials, and a result in one study is not a promise of a result for you. Where the evidence is early or the replication record is mixed, we say so on the card rather than leaving it out.
Alpha-GPC
A choline compound that reaches the brain and feeds acetylcholine production, the neurotransmitter behind focus and recall.
Systematic reviewPubMed →
Ashwagandha
An adaptogen studied for how the body handles sustained stress, with research centered on cortisol response and subjective stress scores.
Systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed →
Bacopa Monnieri
A traditional Ayurvedic herb trialed over 12 weeks for memory, recall speed and mood. Bacopa is studied chronically, not acutely.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Caffeine
The most studied stimulant there is. This trial looked at caffeine paired with L-theanine, the combination used for attention without the jagged edge.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Citicoline
A precursor to both acetylcholine and the phospholipids that build neuronal membranes. Reviewed across neurological applications.
Systematic reviewPubMed →
Cordyceps
Trialed in trained cyclists for fatigue resistance and oxygen utilization. Its evidence base is physical energy rather than direct cognition, and we will not overstate it.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Creatine Monohydrate
Known for muscle, but the brain is one of the most energy-hungry organs you have. This analysis pooled trials on creatine and cognitive function in adults.
Systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed →
Curcumin
The active fraction of turmeric, studied for cognitive function. Absorption is the limiting factor, which is why the delivery form matters more here than raw milligrams.
Systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed →
Folate
Central to methylation and homocysteine metabolism, both tied to long-term brain health. Reviewed alongside B6 and B12.
Systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed →
GABA
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, the brake pedal of the central nervous system. This trial measured mood and CNS activity under acute stress.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Glycine
An inhibitory amino acid studied for how fast people fall asleep and how rested they report feeling the next day.
Clinical research reviewPubMed →
Holy Basil
Tulsi, an adaptogenic herb from the Ayurvedic tradition, reviewed for neuroprotective activity and its role in the stress response.
ReviewPubMed →
Lavender
Pooled across trials for its effect on anxiety, covering both oral preparations and inhaled aromatherapy.
Systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed →
Lion's Mane
A mushroom studied for cognitive function, stress and mood, measured both acutely and across sustained supplementation.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
L-Theanine
An amino acid from tea leaves associated with alert calm rather than sedation. Trialed for cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.
Randomized placebo-controlled trialPubMed →
L-Tyrosine
A precursor to dopamine and noradrenaline. This trial ran in military cadets through a week of combat training, about as close to real operational stress as research gets.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Magnesium
Involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, including those governing nerve signaling. Reviewed for self-reported anxiety and sleep quality.
Systematic reviewPubMed →
NAD+
The coenzyme that lets cells turn fuel into usable energy. Levels decline with age, and this trial confirmed oral supplementation raises NAD+ in healthy middle-aged adults.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
NMN
Another NAD+ precursor, studied in healthy middle-aged adults for safety and measurable biological effect.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Phosphatidylserine
A phospholipid found in every neuronal membrane. This study measured the neuroendocrine response to physical stress, specifically the cortisol curve.
Controlled human trialPubMed →
PQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone, studied for its role in mitochondrial function, with this paper examining effects on brain function and physiological processes.
Clinical researchPubMed →
Reishi
Trialed against placebo in neurasthenia, a clinical picture of persistent fatigue and reduced resilience.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlledPubMed →
Resveratrol
Studied for cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance. The replication record here is genuinely mixed, so we keep the claim narrow and point you at the data.
Randomized double-blind crossoverPubMed →
Rhodiola Rosea
An adaptogen trialed as the SHR-5 standardized extract for fatigue and burnout under prolonged stress.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlledPubMed →
Saffron
Trialed as the affron standardized extract for mood in healthy adults across four weeks.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlledPubMed →
Shilajit
A mineral-rich resin examined for procognitive activity. The human evidence here is still early, and we would rather tell you that than dress it up.
ReviewPubMed →
Taurine
An amino acid abundant in the brain, reviewed for its relationship with astrocytes and its neuroprotective role in the central nervous system.
ReviewPubMed →
Ubiquinol
The reduced, more absorbable form of CoQ10. This trial looked at autonomic nervous function and cognition in people carrying chronic fatigue.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Vitamin B6
A cofactor in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine and GABA. Reviewed by Cochrane for its effect on cognition.
Cochrane systematic reviewPubMed →
Vitamin B12
Essential for myelin, the sheath that insulates nerve fibers and keeps signals fast. Trialed for neurologic and cognitive function in older adults.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
Zinc
A mineral involved in neurotransmission and synaptic signaling, studied here for cognitive parameters and inflammatory markers.
Randomized controlled trialPubMed →
The fine print, in plain language
The studies linked above examine individual ingredients. They are not studies of Astral & Root products, and linking to research is not a claim that any product of ours produces the same result. Trial doses, populations, extract standardizations and durations vary, and outcomes in a controlled study do not guarantee outcomes for any individual.
Supplements are not a substitute for medical care. If you are pregnant or nursing, under 18, managing a health condition, or taking prescription medication, talk to a clinician before adding anything new. Some of these compounds interact with blood thinners, thyroid medication, blood pressure medication and sedatives.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.