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Dietary supplement

Cognitex Basics Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Cognitex Basics label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cognitex Basics against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cognitex Basics is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and learning support, age-related cognitive decline, alzheimer's disease and dementia (under study).Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cognitex Basics by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cognitex Basics by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cognitex Basics by Life Extension

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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.

Cognitex Basics contains two active ingredients. Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (alpha-GPC) is a compound that may support memory and cognitive function.

Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid — a type of fat found in cell membranes — thought to help with brain cell signaling and age-related cognitive decline. The softgel also contains inactive ingredients including safflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, sunflower lecithin, and a few others that help hold the capsule together and preserve freshness.

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 support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Cognitive function, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Memory, Mental clarity, Brain health.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function.
  • Also on file: Alpha-gpc is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cognitive function.

For alpha-GPC, the evidence suggests it's possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, but the data isn't strong enough to rate it for brain tumors, general cognitive function, vascular dementia, or stroke. For Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine, it's possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, though the evidence is insufficient to rate it for athletic performance, ADHD, general cognitive function, or dementia.

Overall, the strongest evidence is for both ingredients in Alzheimer disease, but neither has been proven to work for broader cognitive support.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-gpc 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.

Both ingredients are generally well tolerated in studies, but long-term safety hasn't been fully established. Alpha-GPC rarely causes dizziness, headache, insomnia, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, or excitation.

A small clinical observation suggests that taking alpha-GPC for at least 2 months may be linked to an increased stroke risk compared with non-use. Phosphatidylserine commonly causes flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, insomnia, and nausea — with higher doses or daily amounts of 200–300 mg being more likely to cause stomach upset, and doses around 600 mg more likely to trigger insomnia.

The safety data for both ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding is insufficient; the product's facts recommend avoiding phosphatidylserine during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-gpc 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, Alpha-gpc.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 219 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.

Before taking this product, double-check any anticholinergic drugs (used for overactive bladder, Parkinson's, and certain poisonings) or cholinergic drugs — phosphatidylserine may change how they work. Also check if you use a scopolamine motion sickness patch; alpha-GPC might theoretically reduce its effects.

Use the medication checker on this page for your exact drugs.

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.

Cognitex Basics may be worth considering if you're concerned about memory or cognitive decline, especially in the context of Alzheimer disease, though the evidence is modest. If you take anticholinergic medications, cholinergic drugs, or a scopolamine patch, check with us before you start.

Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor or pharmacist — the data on safety isn't there to give a clear answer.

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 Apr 22, 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 Cognitex Basics, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870142164
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59107
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel 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 Cognitex Basics by Life Extension, 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:
2 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870142164
IngredientAmount% DV
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline600 mg--
Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine100 mg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, purified Water, Sorbitol, Carob color, Maltodextrin

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.
Formulation

Non-GMO

General Statements

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Scan for product info

Supports Healthy Brain Cell Function

Seals/Symbols

Sharp-PS Green

Brand IP Statement(s)

Sharp-PS is a registered trademark of Enzymotec Ltd.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow directions carefully prior to use. DIRECTIONS: Take two (2) softgels daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

WARNINGS: -KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

- DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. - Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

- When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

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.

General

Q01421I

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Cognitex Basics by Life Extension label

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

Cognitex Basics label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cognitex Basics by Life Extension

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

Serving size2 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 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.

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline

Interacts with
16 drugs
600 mg per serving

Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound used mainly for memory, brain health, and as a choline source. There is some evidence it may help cognition...

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline monograph & interactions

Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with
219 drugs
100 mg per serving

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...

Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, Purified Water, Sorbitol, Carob color, Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cognitex Basics by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cognitex Basics?

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
219Drugs
219 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine 219
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline 16

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cognitex Basics interact with 219 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Cognitex Basics interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cognitex Basics 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.

Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine2 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
Sharp-PS Green Phosphatidylserine full monograph & interactions

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline1 drug type · 16 drugs

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
A small clinical study shows that alpha-GPC can partially counteract the attention and memory impairment effects caused by scopolamine given intramuscularly. Whether alpha-GPC can decrease the beneficial anti-motion sickness effects of the scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cognitex Basics, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cognitex Basics by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Cognitex Basics by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cognitex Basics has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cognitex Basics 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.
What is alpha-GPC, and what's it supposed to do?
Alpha-GPC is a compound your brain naturally makes. It's included because evidence suggests it may help with Alzheimer disease, though we don't have solid proof it works for everyday memory or brain fog. Long-term safety data isn't complete yet.
What about the phosphatidylserine — is that the same stuff in other brain supplements?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a fat molecule found in cell membranes, and it shows promise for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. This product uses Sharp-PS Green, a plant-based form. Again, evidence is modest, and long-term safety isn't fully known.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for both ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't there. The facts recommend avoiding phosphatidylserine during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor directs otherwise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most common are stomach upset, headache, nausea, insomnia, and gas — especially if you take higher doses of the phosphatidylserine. Dizziness and excitation are rare. Alpha-GPC used for 2 months or longer has been rarely linked to stroke in one observation, so don't take that lightly.
Does this product have fillers or other inactive stuff?
Yes — it contains safflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, sunflower lecithin, and a few other inactive ingredients that help form and preserve the softgel capsule. If you have allergies to any of these, check the label or ask us.
Is this product safe to use with my medications?
It depends on what you take. Both ingredients can theoretically interact with certain drug types — anticholinergic drugs, cholinergic drugs, and scopolamine patches. Use the medication checker on this page with your exact medications, and talk to your pharmacist if anything flags.

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.

Cognitex Basics label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cognitex Basics’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-gpc

Interacts with 16 drugs

Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound used mainly for memory, brain health, and as a choline source. There is some evidence it may help cognition in people with dementia, but evidence i...

Read the full Alpha-gpc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with 219 drugs

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinking. Some research suggests possible bene...

Read the full Phosphatidylserine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cognitex Basics'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 13 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.

Alpha-gpc 4 references
  1. Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, et al. A multicentre trial to the evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res 1991;19:330-41.
  2. Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69. PubMed
  3. Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1991;29:103-7.
  4. Lee G, Choi S, Chang J, et al. Association of L-a glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 Years. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2136008.

See these in context on the Alpha-gpc 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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