Microphyt’s microalgae extract may boost cognition and reduce stress, study finds

A six-month study involving 66 healthy adults aged 55–75 reveals that BrainPhyt, a natural microalgae extract developed by Microphyt, “significantly enhances” memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance while reducing stress in healthy aging adults.

BrainPhyt is a patented, branded ingredient developed from the unique microalgae strain Phaeodactylum tricornutum Mi136.M1.a. It is naturally rich in marine bioactives, including fucoxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and phycoprostanes, and is sustainably produced in France using Microphyt’s patented hydro-biomimetic technology.

The extract features a full-spectrum and highly distinctive composition, including the highest authorized daily dose of fucoxanthin on the US market. Produced in the South of France using Microphyt’s exclusive and sustainable hydro-biomimetic technology, BrainPhyt represents a premium, microalgae-based solution for cognitive health. The ingredient is supported by clinical evidence and holds NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) status in the US.

Microphyt says the new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrates the ingredient’s potential to preserve essential cognitive functions with age.

“BrainPhyt offers a clinically supported, natural solution for maintaining cognitive function during aging,” says Dr. Jonathan Maury, clinical research program manager at Microphyt and co-author of the study. “These results show real promise for improving memory and attention in healthy seniors, while also helping to balance inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein.”

Marine bioactives for inflammation

Atlantia Clinical Trials conducted the study, and the recruitment and follow-up of participants took place at their facilities in Cork, Ireland.

The study used the COMPASS Assessment System to evaluate cognitive function. The researchers analyzed blood samples to assess biomarkers related to stress and inflammation.

Participants who supplemented with BrainPhyt showed a 53% improvement in episodic memory performance compared to placebo.Mental health indicators — including mood, sleep, and stress — were measured at baseline, week 12, and week 24 using standardized questionnaires.

Participants received either a daily dose of BrainPhyt containing 4.4 mg of fucoxanthin or a placebo.

Notably, participants who supplemented with BrainPhyt showed a 53% improvement in episodic memory performance compared to placebo. They also demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in attention and vigilance, indicating enhanced cognitive processing speed and accuracy.

Additionally, BrainPhyt significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels by 45%, effectively “resetting the clock by up to ten years” in terms of inflammatory profile.

Relaxation factor

In terms of relaxation, participants also reported a significant reduction in perceived stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. Microphyt notes that chronic psychological stress is closely linked to accelerated cognitive decline, with each exacerbating the other in a self-perpetuating cycle.

“These findings underscore BrainPhyt’s potential as a natural intervention to support cognitive health in the aging population,” says Christel Lemaire, marketing manager at Microphyt.

“This study adds to a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of BrainPhyt,” she notes. “A previous 12-week study conducted by Texas A&M University also showed promising results, demonstrating improvements in executive function, memory, and attention.”

“Together, these two clinical trials confirm BrainPhyt’s ability to support cognitive health through a multidimensional mechanism of action across diverse populations and study designs.”

The clinical study is published in Frontiers in Aging.

In other recent microalgae advances, Brevel and The Central Bottling Company entered a 10-year collaboration to develop and commercialize functional beverages and dairy alternatives based on Brevel’s microalgae-extracted protein, functional oils, and antioxidants.