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Brain
Host Defense MycoBotanicals
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2749 ratings)
Ginkgo
Bacopa 250 mg
Hericium mushroom 300 mg
Cordyceps 50 mg
Score 75.0
A comprehensive brain health supplement blending traditional herbs and adaptogenic mushrooms, effective for cognitive support and stress relief, though some ingredient dosages are low and certain claims lack strong scientific backing.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Brain Health
Cognitive Support
Cardiovascular Support
Mental Focus
Stress Relief
leaderboard Score 75.0
A comprehensive brain health supplement blending traditional herbs and adaptogenic mushrooms, effective for cognitive support and stress relief, though some ingredient dosages are low and certain claims lack strong scientific backing.
Host Defense MycoBotanicals Brain is designed as a multi-faceted supplement targeting a wide range of cognitive and general health goals through a blend of popular nootropics and adaptogenic mushrooms. The core of its cognitive support comes from Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri, and Lion's Mane, all of which have a strong reputation and scientific backing for brain health, memory, and focus. Ginkgo is known for improving cerebral circulation, Bacopa for memory recall and stress adaptation, and Lion's Mane for its potential to support nerve growth factor. Gotu Kola adds to the adaptogenic and cognitive benefits. While Reishi and Cordyceps contribute to immunity and overall vitality, their specific impact on direct cognitive enhancement in this blend is less pronounced compared to the other ingredients. The product's comprehensive approach makes it appealing for general brain and stress support, but consumers should be aware of the varying effectiveness of individual ingredient dosages for all listed goals.
- Contains a synergistic blend of well-researched adaptogens and nootropics including Ginkgo, Bacopa, and Lion's Mane for multi-faceted brain support.
- Provides effective dosages of Lion's Mane (300mg) and Bacopa (250mg), which are frequently praised in online reviews and by nutritionists for their cognitive benefits.
- Includes immune-supporting mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps, contributing to general well-being alongside cognitive benefits.
- Generally positive online reviews indicate user satisfaction with improvements in focus and memory.
- The dosage of Cordyceps (50mg) is significantly lower than amounts typically studied or recommended for noticeable energy or performance benefits.
- The claim of 'Testosterone Support' is not well-supported by the specific ingredients or their dosages in this formulation.
- While a blend offers convenience, it may not provide optimal dosages for all ingredients or specific needs compared to targeted single-ingredient supplements.
- Ginkgo Biloba can act as a blood thinner and may interact with anticoagulant medications; individuals on such medication should consult a healthcare professional before use.
- As with many herbal supplements, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset or other sensitivities.
$23.96($0.79 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 23.96 | |
 Walmart | $ 23.96 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 23.96 | |
 iHerb | $ 28.86 |
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Lion's Mane | 300 mg |
| Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) whole plant extract | 250 mg |
| Reishi | 150 mg |
| Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) aerial parts extract | 130 mg |
| Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf extract | 120 mg |
| Cordyceps | 50 mg |
Categories
Hericium mushroom 90.0
At 300mg, the Lion's Mane (Hericium mushroom) dosage is significant and consistent with quantities often associated with its neurotrophic and cognitive-enhancing properties, making it a strong and valuable component for brain support in this blend.
Bacopa 85.0
With 250mg of Bacopa monnieri whole plant extract, this product provides a robust dosage known to support memory, learning, and cognitive processing, aligning well with the recommendations of nutritionists and positive user feedback.
Ginkgo 80.0
The product includes 120mg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, which is a standard and effective dose widely used in clinical studies for promoting healthy cerebral blood flow and supporting cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
Goals
Brain Health 85.0
The product excels in brain health due to its inclusion of Lion's Mane, Bacopa, and Ginkgo, all of which are widely recognized for their neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. These ingredients work synergistically to support neuronal function, improve cerebral blood flow, and promote overall brain vitality, making it a strong contender for this goal.
Cognitive Support 85.0
The combination of Ginkgo for enhancing mental acuity, Bacopa for memory and learning, and Lion's Mane for nerve growth factor support directly targets various aspects of cognitive performance. User reviews and scientific literature often highlight the effectiveness of these ingredients in improving focus, processing speed, and memory retention.
Mental Focus 80.0
Key ingredients like Ginkgo, Bacopa, and Lion's Mane contribute significantly to improved mental focus and concentration. By enhancing blood flow to the brain and supporting neural pathways, the supplement aims to reduce brain fog and help maintain sustained attention throughout the day.
Recommended Alternatives
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While a single-ingredient product, Doctor's Best offers a highly standardized 120mg dose of Ginkgo extract for an exceptionally low price per serving ($0.08). This represents outstanding value for obtaining the core circulatory and cognitive benefits of Ginkgo, which is a cornerstone ingredient in the Host Defense blend, without paying for other less effective components.
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Genius Mushrooms
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For a similar price per serving ($0.73 vs $0.79), Genius Mushrooms provides significantly higher dosages of the key mushrooms found in the original product: 500mg each of Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. This makes it a much better value for concentrated mushroom benefits, particularly for cognitive and immune support, and offers more potent effects for these specific ingredients.
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Memoractiv
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Clari-T
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Clari-T stands out by including powerful cognitive enhancers such as Huperzine A and Vinpocetine, which act through different mechanisms to rapidly improve memory, focus, and cerebral blood flow. Combined with higher dosages of Bacopa (425mg) and Phosphatidylserine, it offers a more comprehensive and arguably more effective strategy for immediate and long-term cognitive support.
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Ginkgo Biloba 24% 60 mg
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This alternative offers a standardized 60mg dose of Ginkgo Biloba extract, a key ingredient for cognitive and circulatory support in the original product, at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.06 vs $0.79), making it a much more economical choice if Ginkgo is your primary interest.
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Bacopa Monniera 50 mg
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Providing 50mg of Bacopa monniera extract at just $0.05 per serving, this product offers a highly affordable way to get a concentrated dose of Bacopa, a crucial adaptogen for memory and stress relief found in the original blend, at a fraction of the cost.
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Lion's Mane
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80 Value
Memory Complex
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4.5
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Natrol's Memory Complex provides a multi-ingredient blend similar to the original, including Ginkgo (120mg), Bacopa (300mg), and Huperzine A, at nearly half the price per serving ($0.41 vs $0.79). This makes it an excellent value for a comprehensive cognitive supplement, offering comparable benefits for significantly less cost.
85 Value
Extra Strength Ginkgo 120 mg
Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
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While a single-ingredient product, Doctor's Best offers a highly standardized 120mg dose of Ginkgo extract for an exceptionally low price per serving ($0.08). This represents outstanding value for obtaining the core circulatory and cognitive benefits of Ginkgo, which is a cornerstone ingredient in the Host Defense blend, without paying for other less effective components.
88 Value
Genius Mushrooms
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For a similar price per serving ($0.73 vs $0.79), Genius Mushrooms provides significantly higher dosages of the key mushrooms found in the original product: 500mg each of Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. This makes it a much better value for concentrated mushroom benefits, particularly for cognitive and immune support, and offers more potent effects for these specific ingredients.
90 Performance
Memoractiv
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★★★★★
(395 ratings)
Memoractiv offers a more advanced and potent blend for brain health, featuring clinically studied ingredients like Virtiva (a highly bioavailable Ginkgo Phytosome), KSM-66 Ashwagandha for superior stress adaptation, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine for cellular energy. This combination provides a more comprehensive and scientifically refined approach to cognitive enhancement and mood support than the original.
92 Performance
Clari-T
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★★★★★
(192 ratings)
Clari-T stands out by including powerful cognitive enhancers such as Huperzine A and Vinpocetine, which act through different mechanisms to rapidly improve memory, focus, and cerebral blood flow. Combined with higher dosages of Bacopa (425mg) and Phosphatidylserine, it offers a more comprehensive and arguably more effective strategy for immediate and long-term cognitive support.
93 Performance
Brain Cell Support
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(233 ratings)
This alternative provides superior brain support with key ingredients like Cognizin (Citicoline) and Acetyl L-Carnitine, which are critical for neurotransmitter synthesis, brain energy metabolism, and neuronal membrane integrity. Its inclusion of DMAE further enhances cognitive function, offering a more direct and potent pathway for overall brain health and performance.