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Dietary supplement

Cognagen Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Anabolic Laboratories

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cognagen is a dietary supplement by Anabolic Laboratories with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, heart health, brain and memory health.Based on those ingredients, 307 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sunflower Phosphatidylserine Complex, organic Blueberry powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Cognagen has 2 active ingredients. The first is organic blueberry powder, which comes from the whole fruit.

The second is a Sunflower Phosphatidylserine Complex—phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring fat found in cell membranes, derived here from sunflower. The capsule itself is vegetarian, and the product also contains inactive ingredients (binders and flow agents) including dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: memory and cognitive function support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Cognitive function, Dementia, Alzheimer disease, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mental clarity — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Dementia.

For blueberry: the data shows it's possibly ineffective for high blood pressure. For age-related cognitive decline, anxiety, athletic performance, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and heart disease, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or doesn't.

For phosphatidylserine: it's possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. For athletic performance, ADHD, general cognitive function, and dementia, the evidence is insufficient to rate.

This product combines both, so its overall effectiveness depends on which condition you're interested in.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blueberry Phosphatidylserine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Blueberry powder is generally well tolerated. However, freeze-dried blueberries have caused gastrointestinal side effects—constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting—in some people, and in one trial about a quarter of participants dropped out in the first week due to stomach complaints.

Blueberry as food is fine in pregnancy, but concentrated supplements haven't been well studied; the same caution applies to breastfeeding. Phosphatidylserine is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety is not fully established.

Reported side effects include flatulence, stomach upset, headache, insomnia (especially at higher doses around 600 mg), and nausea. The safety data advises against phosphatidylserine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blueberry Phosphatidylserine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Phosphatidylserine, Blueberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 307 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cognagen if you use anticholinergic drugs or cholinergic drugs (the phosphatidylserine component may affect them—Moderate severity). Also double-check if you take antidiabetes medications, flurbiprofen, or buspirone (the blueberry component may interact—Minor severity).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cognagen may appeal to people interested in cognitive support, especially for age-related memory decline or Alzheimer disease, where phosphatidylserine has some supporting evidence. However, if you take anticholinergic or cholinergic drugs, antidiabetes medications, flurbiprofen, or buspirone, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.

And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk it over with your healthcare provider first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 23, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cognagen, straight from the product label.

Brand Anabolic Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 719985457319
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 23, 2016
DSLD ID 67307
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
719985457319
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Blueberry powder60 mg--
Sunflower Phosphatidylserine Complex501 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian capsule, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Human brain cell membranes are highly enriches with phosphatidylserine (PS). PS levels in these tissues ensure the membrane's fluidity and structure, thus their function. Nerve cells, in particular, depend on healthy membrane function for normal neurotransmitter metabolism and nerve signal transmission. Maintaining brain PS levels has been associated with normal and efficient signaling processes, efficient brain glucose consumption, and other biological pathways that are crucial to ensure normal and healthy cognitive and mental functions.

We guarantee our supplements for potency and purity

Supports brain function

Formula

Cognagen is a daily source of PS, as well as polyphenols from blueberry, which have been studied for their roles in brain health.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Sharp-PS Green

Sharp-PS is a registered trademark of Enzymotec Ltd.

Formulation

Sharp-PS Green is a soy-free PhosphatidylSerine

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one to three capsules daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

General

457-60A

See for yourself

Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container20 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Organic Blueberry powder

Interacts with
88 drugs
60 mg per serving

Blueberries are a nutritious fruit rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, and eating them as part of a balanced diet is healthy and safe for most p...

Organic Blueberry powder monograph & interactions

Sunflower Phosphatidylserine Complex

Interacts with
219 drugs
501 mg per serving Form: Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinki...

Sunflower Phosphatidylserine Complex monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian capsule, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cognagen?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
307Drugs
219 Moderate 88 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cognagen with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Sunflower Phosphatidylserine Complex2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

organic Blueberry powder3 drug types · 88 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, blueberries or blueberry leaf extracts might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that blueberry and/or blueberry leaf extracts can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Buspirone (Buspar)

Theoretically, blueberry juice might increase blood levels of buspirone.
In vitro research shows that blueberry juice can inhibit the metabolism of buspirone, possibly by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that drinking 300 mL of blueberry juice 30 minutes before taking buspirone hydrochloride 10 mg does not significantly affect the concentration or clearance of buspirone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid, Others)

Theoretically, blueberry juice might increase blood levels of flurbiprofen.
In vitro research shows that blueberry juice can inhibit the metabolism of flurbiprofen, possibly by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzymes. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that drinking 300 mL of blueberry juice 30 minutes before taking flurbiprofen 100 mg does not significantly affect the concentration or clearance of flurbiprofen.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cognagen, from the product label.

Anabolic Laboratories

See all Anabolic Laboratories products
Name
Anabolic Laboratories, LLC
Street Address
1835 E Cheyenne Rd
City
Colorado Springs
State
CO
ZipCode
80905
Web Address
www.anaboliclabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Cognagen by Anabolic Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cognagen has a known interaction with 307 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cognagen contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Cognagen if I'm pregnant or nursing?
The blueberry in this product is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation as food, but the concentrated supplement form hasn't been well studied. Phosphatidylserine is a different story—the safety data advises against it in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
What side effects might I experience?
Blueberry powder can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting in some people, especially freeze-dried forms. Phosphatidylserine may cause gas, stomach upset, headache, insomnia (especially at higher doses), or nausea. Most people tolerate it well, but these are the most commonly reported effects.
Does this product actually help with memory or cognitive decline?
Phosphatidylserine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. Blueberry powder, however, has insufficient evidence for cognitive function—we don't know yet whether it helps. So part of this product has some support, and part doesn't.
Will blueberry powder lower my blood sugar if I'm diabetic?
There's a theoretical concern: blueberry might increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you take antidiabetes drugs. The evidence comes from animal and lab research, not human trials, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product if you're on diabetes medication.
What exactly is phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat found in cell membranes. In this product, it comes from sunflower. It's thought to support cognitive function by affecting how nerve cells communicate.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cognagen label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cognagen's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blueberry 7 references
  1. Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L. Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate. Thromb Res 1996;84:311-22. PubMed
  2. Wang SY, Lin HS. Antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry varies with cultivar and developmental stage. J Agric Food Chem 2000;48:140-6.. PubMed
  3. Martineau, L. C., Couture, A., Spoor, D., Benhaddou-Andaloussi, A., Harris, C., Meddah, B., Leduc, C., Burt, A., Vuong, T., Mai, Le P., Prentki, M., Bennett, S. A., Arnason, J. T., and Haddad, P. S. Anti-diabetic properties of the Canadian lowbush bluebe
  4. Vuong, T., Martineau, L. C., Ramassamy, C., Matar, C., and Haddad, P. S. Fermented Canadian lowbush blueberry juice stimulates glucose uptake and AMP-activated protein kinase in insulin-sensitive cultured muscle cells and adipocytes. Can J Physiol Pharma
  5. Hanley MJ, Masse G, Harmatz JS, Cancalon PF, Dolnikowski GG, Court MH, Greenblatt DJ. Effect of blueberry juice on clearance of buspirone and flurbiprofen in human volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Apr;75(4):1041-52. PubMed
  6. Basu A, Du M, Leyva MJ, et al. Blueberries decrease cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr 2010;140(9):1582-7. PubMed
  7. Basu A, Feng D, Planinic P, Ebersole JL, Lyons TJ, Alexander JM. Dietary blueberry and soluble fiber supplementation reduces risk of gestational diabetes in women with obesity in a randomized controlled trial. J Nutr 2021;151(5):1128-38. PubMed

See these in context on the Blueberry monograph →

Phosphatidylserine 9 references
  1. Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-6.
  2. Pepping J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1999;56:2038,2043-4.
  3. Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; Membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:70-84.
  4. Kim HY, Akbar M, Lau A, et al. Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect. J Biol Chem 2000;275:35215-23.. PubMed
  5. Zanotti A, Valzelli L, Toffano G. Chronic phosphatidylserine treatment improves spatial memory and passive avoidance in aged rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;99:316-21.. PubMed
  6. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2000;37:302-7.
  7. Pepping, J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health Syst.Pharm. 10-15-1999;56(20):2038, 2043-2038, 2044.
  8. Monteverde, A., Gnemmi, P., Rossi, F., Monteverde, A., and Finali, G. C. Selegiline in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer-type dementia. Clin.Ther 1990;12(4):315-322.
  9. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Kam Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 Fatty acids may improve memory abilities in nondemented elderly individuals with memory complaints: results from an open-label extension study. Dement Geri PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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