Phosphatidylserine
A phospholipid that constitutes 15% of the brain's total phospholipid pool and is concentrated in neuronal cell membranes. Phosphatidylserine (PS) supports memory, cognitive function, and cortisol regulation. It is the only nootropic with an FDA-qualified health claim: 'consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.' Particularly effective for age-related cognitive decline.
Dosage
Standard: 100-300 mg daily in 1-3 doses. Most studies use 300 mg daily. Soy-derived and sunflower-derived forms are both effective. Take with food for absorption.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Not well-characterized orally; brain PS turns over slowly
Administration
Oral (softgels, capsules). Soy-derived or sunflower-derived. Take with fat for absorption.
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Mechanism of Action
PS is a structural component of neuronal membranes, maintaining membrane fluidity and supporting receptor function, ion channel activity, and neurotransmitter release. It localizes preferentially to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane via flippase enzymes (P4-ATPases), where it serves as a cofactor for protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms alpha, beta, and gamma — PKC activation phosphorylates substrates including MARCKS and GAP-43, critical for synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. PS modulates the HPA axis via glucocorticoid receptor feedback, reducing cortisol by 15-30% in stressed individuals. It facilitates choline transport via high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1) into presynaptic terminals, supporting acetylcholine synthesis by choline acetyltransferase. PS also regulates NMDA receptor function and supports Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Downstream, PS enhances CREB phosphorylation and BDNF expression in hippocampal neurons.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement with FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function. Available OTC worldwide.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia at high doses.
Serious
May interact with blood thinners.
Rare
Allergic reaction in soy-sensitive individuals (use sunflower-derived).
Compare Phosphatidylserine With
Research Papers
10Published: August 12, 2016
AI Summary
It is now widely acknowledged that phosphatidylserine is a multifunctional bioactive lipid. In this review, we focus on the function of phosphatidylserine in modulating cholesterol metabolism, influencing inflammatory response and regulating coagulation system, and discuss promising phosphatidylseri
Published: December 16, 2019
AI Summary
We found that caspase-11, a cytosolic LPS receptor, activated the coagulation cascade. Our findings mechanistically link immune recognition of LPS to coagulation, with implications for the treatment of DIC.
Published: October 5, 2024
AI Summary
Additionally, we describe the effects of the deregulation of these enzymes and their roles in both oncological and non-oncological diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Alzheimer's disease, obesity, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes.
Published: August 2, 2022
AI Summary
Accumulated studies have revealed that PS is involved in the multiple functions of the brain, such as activation of membrane signaling pathways, neuroinflammation, neurotransmission, and synaptic refinement. Clinical studies have showed that PS has no side effects and is well tolerated.
Published: October 30, 2022
AI Summary
This is partially due to the involvement of a multitude of receptors with at least some redundancy in functioning, which complicates dissecting their contributions and results in complex downstream signalling networks.
Published: August 19, 2019
AI Summary
Stabilin-1 and stabilin-2 are membrane receptors that recognize phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. Here, we discuss the functions of Stabilin-1 and stabilin-2 as phosphatidylserine receptors in apoptotic cell clearance (efferocytosis) and cell fusion, and their ligand-recognition and signaling pathways.
Published: February 10, 2021
AI Summary
The latter scenario would be analogous to the mechanisms that control the timing of exocytosis initiated by Ca2+ influx and virus-cell fusion initiated by low pH- or receptor interaction. Diverse cell fusions are accompanied by the nonapoptotic exposure of phosphatidylserine at the surface of fusing cells.
Published: July 5, 2019
AI Summary
PS binding to the phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR) on immune cells initiates immunosuppressive pathways that can lead to immune evasion by cancer cells. Conversely, PSR activation of cancer cells plays an important role in their survival, proliferation and metastasis.
Published: January 19, 2021
AI Summary
Detection and quantification of circulating PS is not standardized, and current methodologies have either focused on circulating cellular elements or subcellular plasma components, but not both. PS may also promote thromboinflammation without circulating if expressed on the surface of endothelial cells, a condition that might only be documented ...
Published: March 2, 2020
AI Summary
Pathologies of PS exposure, both inherited and acquired, are described. A consideration of platelet PS exposure as an antithrombotic target concludes the review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phosphatidylserine used for?
A phospholipid that constitutes 15% of the brain's total phospholipid pool and is concentrated in neuronal cell membranes. Phosphatidylserine (PS) supports memory, cognitive function, and cortisol regulation. It is the only nootropic with an FDA-qualified health claim: 'consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.' Particularly effective for age-related cognitive decline.
What are the side effects of Phosphatidylserine?
Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia at high doses. Serious: May interact with blood thinners. Rare: Allergic reaction in soy-sensitive individuals (use sunflower-derived).
How is Phosphatidylserine administered?
Phosphatidylserine is administered via oral (softgels, capsules). soy-derived or sunflower-derived. take with fat for absorption..
What is the half-life of Phosphatidylserine?
The half-life of Phosphatidylserine is Not well-characterized orally; brain PS turns over slowly.
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