Phosphatidylserine

Related Terms

BC-PS, bovine cortex, cephalin, egg phosphatidylserine, egg-PS, E-PS, kephalin, phos serine, PS, soybean phosphatidylserine, soybean-PS, S-PS.

Background

Phosphatidylserine is present in cell membranes and is the major molecule of its kind in the brain. Phosphatidylserine is essential for cell-to-cell communication and other cell functions.
Phosphatidylserine is present in greater amounts in animal-based foods, such as liver and kidneys, than in plants. Plant sources include soy beans, white beans, cabbage, carrots, whole-grain barley, and rice.
Phosphatidylserine is most commonly used for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. It is commonly used to treat mental disorders ranging from age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) to Alzheimer's disease. Current evidence suggests that phosphatidylserine may benefit those with AAMI to a greater degree than it does those with Alzheimer's disease. However, more research is needed.
Ingestion of phosphatidylserine from bovine brain cortex (BC-PS) carries a risk of transmission of infectious disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as mad cow disease). However, phosphatidylserine derived from soybeans (S-PS) does not carry that risk, and it appears to be equally effective as BC-PS.
Soy-derived phosphatidylserine (S-PS) is listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Limited evidence suggests that phosphatidylserine (PS) may have a role in treating age-related memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that phosphatidylserine (PS) may have a role in treating age-related memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence has indicated that PS supplementation may have an effect on different types of stress. Further research is required before conclusions may be drawn.

 C


Limited evidence has indicated that PS supplementation may have an effect on different types of stress. Further research is required before conclusions may be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Although phosphatidylserine derived from bovine cortex (BC-PS) has been used in studies, it is currently not administered to humans because of possible transfer of infectious diseases, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as mad cow disease). Soybean phosphatidylserine (PS) is currently used instead of BC-PS.
For age-related memory disorders, 100 milligrams of BC-PS has been taken by mouth three times daily for three months, and 200 milligrams of phosphatidylserine has been taken by mouth twice daily for six months.
For stress, 200 milligrams of soy-based phosphatidylserine has been taken by mouth daily for 42 days, and also, 600 milligrams of soy-derived phosphatidylserine has been taken by mouth daily for 10 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
PS may increase the risk of blood clot formation, which may alter the effectiveness of drugs that affect bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Phosphatidylserine may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, anti-inflammatory agents, athletic performance-enhancing agents, and neurologic agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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