Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 08, 2026 1 hour, 38 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers have uncovered compelling new evidence that the purity of phosphatidylserine, a natural brain lipid often used in supplements, may play a crucial role in protecting human brain cells and strengthening their energy systems. This
Medical News report highlights findings that could have major implications for brain aging and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Higher-purity phosphatidylserine dramatically strengthens neuron survival and energy systems in laboratory brain models
Why Phosphatidylserine Matters for the Brain
Phosphatidylserine, commonly called PS, is a fat-like molecule that forms an essential part of brain cell membranes. It helps nerve cells communicate, maintain flexibility, and survive stress. While PS supplements are widely available, their purity varies greatly, and until now, little was known about whether this difference actually matters at the cellular level.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study was carried out by scientists from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cornell University, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, CHA University School of Medicine, and the Yonsei Dental Clinic. Using human embryonic stem cell–derived cortical neurons, the researchers compared PS preparations with 50 percent, 70 percent, and 80 percent purity at the same dose. This allowed them to directly observe how purity affected neuron health, energy production, and resistance to toxic stress.
Stronger Brain Defense with Higher Purity PS
The researchers found that higher-purity PS significantly boosted two critical proteins, SIRT1 and PGC-1α. These proteins are known to protect neurons, regulate aging pathways, and maintain healthy mitochondria, the cell’s energy producers. Neurons treated with 80 percent purity PS showed the strongest increases in both proteins, suggesting a more robust defense system against cellular stress and aging-related damage.
Protection Against Alzheimer’s-Like Damage
To simulate Alzheimer’s disease, neurons were exposed to amyloid-beta, a toxic protein linked to memory loss and brain degeneration. This exposure caused marked cell death and disrupted energy balance. However, neurons treated with higher-purity PS, especially 70 percent and 80 percent, showed significantly lower cell death and better survival. These treatments also restored SIRT1 and PGC-1α levels that had been suppressed by amyloid-beta.
Improved Energy and Mitochondrial Health
Beyond survival, high-purity PS reduced harmful oxidative stress inside mitochondria and helped rebalance genes responsible for mitochondrial repair and energy stability. This suggests that purer PS does not merely keep neurons alive but actively supports their energy systems, which are critical for memory, focus, and long-term brain health.
Conclusions
Overall, the stud
y demonstrates that phosphatidylserine purity is not a minor detail but a key factor influencing its biological effects. Higher-purity PS consistently activated protective brain pathways, reduced toxic damage, and improved mitochondrial stability in human neurons. These findings suggest that supplement quality may directly influence real neurological outcomes, especially in aging populations or individuals at risk of neurodegenerative disease.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Brain Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/16/2/194
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/alzheimer,-dementia-
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