Study reveals ergothioneine’s unexpected potential for the brain

Ergothioneine, an antioxidant that the body knows how to target

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative found naturally in food.

The human body cannot produce it itself: it must therefore obtain it from food. It is found mainly in certain mushrooms, but also, in varying quantities, in cereals, pulses, nuts and certain animal-based products.

Its distinctive feature lies in the way it is transported. The body possesses a specific transporter, known as OCTN1/SLC22A4, which is capable of actively capturing ergothioneine and retaining it in various tissues.

The molecule can thus accumulate, in particular, in the brain – an organ that consumes a great deal of energy and is particularly sensitive to oxidative stress. This targeted accumulation distinguishes ergothioneine from many other dietary antioxidants.

It also explains why researchers are studying its interactions with mitochondria – the cells’ powerhouses – as well as its potential role in brain aging and cognitive function.

This is precisely the avenue that a recent clinical study has sought to explore…

A clinical study explores the effects of ergothioneine on memory and sleep

The brain, which consumes a great deal of energy, relies heavily on the proper functioning of mitochondria. As we age, it also becomes more susceptible to oxidative stress.

These two factors are likely to gradually impair cognitive function.

Because ergothioneine can reach the brain and accumulate there, researchers wanted to determine whether supplementation could produce measurable effects in people beginning to experience memory difficulties.

Published in 2025, this study (1) involved 147 adults aged between 55 and 79 who were experiencing forgetfulness or memory difficulties (without any diagnosed cognitive impairment).

As part of this trial, they were given a placebo, 10 mg or 25 mg of ergothioneine per day for 16 weeks. Their memory, cognitive function, sleep and several biomarkers were then assessed.

The most interesting finding concerned subjective prospective memory, i.e. the ability to remember a planned action, such as making an appointment or passing on a message.

After 16 weeks, this ability was better maintained with 25 mg of ergothioneine than with the placebo among participants who had adhered correctly to the protocol.

An improvement in the ease of falling asleep was also observed at this dose.

These initial results point to an interesting avenue, although longer trials will be needed to confirm them.

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What other ways are there to maintain cognitive function as we age?

Cognitive health relies above all on several complementary habits. Diet, sleep, physical activity and intellectual stimulation work together to maintain brain health over the years.

Nourishing your brain with the right nutrients

To function properly, the brain needs fatty acids and micronutrients.

Among the most widely studied compounds are omega-3s, particularly DHA, a major component of neuron membranes. It plays a key role in maintaining normal brain function.

Oily fish, such as sardines, mackerel and salmon, are the main sources of DHA. Certain microalgae also provide DHA.

When dietary intake is insufficient, a supplement can provide a precisely measured dose.

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Dietary antioxidants also have a role to play in a diet that supports brain health.

Colorful fruit and vegetables are particularly rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, whilst vegetable oils, almonds, hazelnuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps to protect cells against oxidative stress.

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Finally, some formulations combine several compounds that have been studied in the field of brain nutrition.

Discover NeuroNutrition Formula, a dietary supplement that combines, amongst other ingredients, alpha-GPC, uridine monophosphate, N-acetyl-L-carnitine and an extract of Gastrodia elata.

As with all dietary supplements, these formulas are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.

Supporting memory and concentration

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid naturally present in cell membranes, and is particularly concentrated in those of nerve cells.

It contributes to their structure and fluidity, two properties that are important for communication between neurons.

It is therefore the subject of extensive research into memory, attention and cognitive aging (2).

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Ginkgo biloba is another widely studied area (3). Extracts from its leaves contain, in particular, flavonoglycosides and terpenic lactones, two families of compounds being investigated for their interactions with oxidative stress and microcirculation.

Ginkgo biloba helps maintain healthy cognitive function and memory. It also supports normal blood circulation, which is linked to brain performance and responsiveness.

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As ginkgo may interact with certain medicines, it is recommended that you seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

Looking after your sleep

During sleep, the brain consolidates what we have learnt and certain memories. Conversely, regularly disrupted nights’ sleep can affect attention, concentration and memory.

The priority, therefore, is to maintain a regular sleep schedule, get plenty of natural light during the day and, in the evening, limit screen time, stimulants, alcohol and heavy meals.

In addition to these habits, certain active ingredients are being studied for their potential to aid sleep, such as valerian or hops.

Tryptophan, meanwhile, is a precursor to serotonin and, indirectly, to melatonin, which helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

Discover Natural Sleep Formula, which combines valerian, hops, California poppy and tryptophan, and Advanced Sleep Formula, a formula that combines melatonin, vitamin B6 and several plant extracts.

For those who prefer a chewable format, there are also formulas combining melatonin with plants traditionally associated with relaxation.

Discover Sleep Gummies, sugar-free gummies combining melatonin, valerian and passionflower extracts, vitamin B12 and CBD.

In the event of persistent sleep problems, it is still advisable to seek medical advice to identify the cause.

Take regular exercise

Exercise also affects the brain. It temporarily increases cerebral blood flow and, when practised regularly, helps the blood vessels that supply oxygen and glucose to the neurons to adapt.

Physical activity is also associated with an increase in BDNF, a protein involved in the formation and reorganisation of neural connections (4).

It can also support mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity and the regulation of inflammation.

Brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing: the key is consistency, as these biological adaptations develop over the course of repeated sessions (5).

Stimulating your brain on a daily basis

The brain retains its ability to adapt throughout life.

Learning a language, reading, writing, playing a musical instrument or taking up a new activity engages neuroplasticity – that is, the brain’s ability to change in response to experience.

New and sufficiently challenging activities engage attention, reasoning and working memory more than tasks that have become automatic.

They thus contribute to cognitive reserve, which helps the brain adapt to the effects of aging.

Social interactions also play an important role. A conversation simultaneously engages language, memory, attention, the ability to adapt to others’ reactions and emotional regulation.

Reading, learning and social life thus nurture different but complementary aspects of cognition (6).