Product Image

Memory Complex

Natrol
4.5
(3619 ratings)
Ginkgo
Huperzine 5 mcg
Niacin 20 mg
Phosphorus 148 mg
Calcium 192 mg
Bacopa 300 mg
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Score 75.0

A basic, multi-ingredient memory support supplement that combines popular nootropics with essential B vitamins. While it offers a convenient blend, some key ingredient dosages are on the lower side for optimal therapeutic effect.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 2 Tablet(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Brain Health
Cognitive Support
Cardiovascular Support
Mental Focus
Bone Health

Score 75.0

A basic, multi-ingredient memory support supplement that combines popular nootropics with essential B vitamins. While it offers a convenient blend, some key ingredient dosages are on the lower side for optimal therapeutic effect.

Analysis

Natrol Memory Complex is formulated with several ingredients primarily aimed at supporting various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, focus, and overall brain health. Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monnieri are well-regarded in traditional and modern contexts for their potential roles in enhancing memory, improving blood flow to the brain, and reducing cognitive decline. The inclusion of B vitamins (Thiamine, Niacin, B6, Folate, B12) is beneficial as they are crucial cofactors in cellular energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, directly impacting brain function and mental clarity. However, a notable drawback is the relatively low amounts of Phosphatidylserine (10mg) and Huperzine A (5mcg) compared to doses typically found to be effective in clinical studies (often 100-300mg for PS and 100-200mcg for Huperzine A). While the product broadly claims support for a wide array of health goals, its ingredient profile is most directly and meaningfully aligned with brain and cognitive health, with other claimed benefits being secondary or indirect from general vitamin content.

Pros
  • Contains a blend of well-researched nootropic ingredients such as Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monnieri, known for cognitive benefits.
  • Includes a comprehensive range of B vitamins which are vital for neurological health and efficient energy metabolism.
  • Offers a convenient, all-in-one approach to memory support without a prohibitive price point.
Cons
  • The dosage of Phosphatidylserine (10mg) is substantially lower than what is generally considered effective for cognitive enhancement (typically 100-300mg).
  • Huperzine A is present at a very low dose (5mcg), which is significantly below the typical effective range seen in research studies (100-200mcg), potentially limiting its impact.
  • Many of the broad health claims (e.g., Skin Health, Joint Health, Muscle Gain) are not directly or substantially supported by the specific nootropic ingredients in the formula.
Warnings
  • Ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (blood thinners); consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
  • Huperzine A can affect neurotransmitter levels; individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, epilepsy, or those taking medications affecting acetylcholine (e.g., Alzheimer's drugs) should exercise caution and seek medical advice.
  • The product contains calcium and phosphorus, which could be a concern for individuals with kidney issues or those needing to manage mineral intake; monitoring total daily intake is recommended.
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Thiamine (Thiamine Hydrochloride) 1.5 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 20 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 2 mg
Folate 680 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg
Calcium (Dibasic Calcium Phosphate) 192 mg
Phosphorus (Dibasic Calcium Phosphate) 148 mg
Bacopa monnieri Aerial Parts Extract (Triterpene Glycosides) 300 mg
Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract (Terpene Lactones, Ginkgo Flavone Glycosides) 120 mg
Phosphatidylserine Powder 10 mg
Toothed Clubmoss Extract 500 mcg
Huperzine A 5 mcg
Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Vegetarian
Categories
Ginkgo 80.0
The 120mg of Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract, standardized for both Terpene Lactones and Ginkgo Flavone Glycosides, is a well-researched and clinically relevant dose for supporting cognitive functions like memory and circulation.
Bacopa 75.0
The 300mg of Bacopa monnieri Aerial Parts Extract is a good, therapeutically relevant dose that aligns with common research findings for its benefits on memory and cognitive function, effectively supporting the product's primary goals.
Niacin 60.0
The product contains 20mg of Niacinamide, a form of Niacin (Vitamin B3). This dose contributes to general daily requirements for energy metabolism and nervous system health, but it is not a high therapeutic dose for specific niacin deficiencies or cholesterol management.
Goals
Brain Health 75.0
The blend of Ginkgo, Bacopa, and B vitamins provides a good foundation for general brain health by supporting neural function and energy production. However, the suboptimal doses of Huperzine A and Phosphatidylserine prevent a higher score for comprehensive brain support.
Cognitive Support 70.0
Ginkgo and Bacopa are recognized for their roles in memory and cognitive processing. The B vitamins further aid nerve function, but the low dosages of key synergistic ingredients mean it may not offer the most robust support for complex cognitive demands.
Mental Focus 65.0
Ingredients like Ginkgo may improve concentration by enhancing cerebral blood flow, and B vitamins contribute to neurotransmitter balance important for focus. However, the formula lacks higher doses of direct energizers or stronger adaptogens often found in more potent focus-enhancing supplements.
85 Value

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Clari-T

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Niacin 100 mg

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Gingko Biloba Extract

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Bacopa Monniera 50 mg

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Delivers Bacopa at a very low price per serving (5 vs 41). While the dose is lower than Natrol's (50mg extract vs 300mg), it's a very cost-effective way to supplement with Bacopa for basic support.
85 Value

Extra Strength Ginkgo 120 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(70975 ratings)
Offers the same effective dose of standardized Ginkgo (120mg) as Natrol but at a significantly lower price per serving (8 vs 41), providing excellent value for one of the primary cognitive ingredients. It is well-reviewed and a popular choice.
80 Value

Bacopa Extract 450 mg

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78 Value

Brain Elevate

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(5852 ratings)
This product includes a similar blend of cognitive ingredients to Natrol (Ginkgo, Huperzine, Phosphatidylserine, Choline) but at a lower price per serving (21 vs 41) and often with comparable or slightly better dosages for a comprehensive blend, representing good value for a nootropic stack.
90 Performance

Clari-T

LifeSeasons
4.7
(192 ratings)
This alternative offers a more comprehensive and potent blend of nootropic ingredients, including higher doses of Phosphatidylserine (100mg vs 10mg) and Bacopa (425mg vs 300mg), alongside Ginkgo, Huperzine A (from 20mg extract), and Vinpocetine, making it superior for targeted cognitive support.
88 Performance

Brain Charge

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(336 ratings)
Provides higher therapeutic doses of key cognitive ingredients such as Huperzine A (150mcg vs 5mcg) and Phosphatidylserine (90mg vs 10mg), combined with Ginkgo and other strong nootropics, offering a more robust and multi-faceted approach to brain health and focus.
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Memoractiv

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4.6
(395 ratings)
Features advanced forms like Ginkgo Phytosome for enhanced absorption (240mg total extract equivalent) and includes a broader spectrum of high-quality cognitive support ingredients such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, indicating a more sophisticated and effective formulation for overall cognitive performance.