St John's wort is among the most interaction-prone botanicals in common use. It strongly induces the CYP3A4 enzyme system and P-glycoprotein, speeding up the breakdown of many prescription medicines and making them less effective. It also raises serotonin, which creates a separate risk alongside antidepressants.
It can reduce the effectiveness of:
It can cause serotonin syndrome alongside SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tramadol, triptans or dextromethorphan. This can be life-threatening. Warning signs include agitation, fever, diarrhoea, tremor, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, confusion and muscle rigidity — seek emergency care if they appear after combining.
It also causes photosensitivity in some people and should be stopped at least two weeks before planned surgery.
Brain Memory Keeper is a dietary supplement for healthy adults. It does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent dementia, Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, stroke or any other condition, and it is not a substitute for prescribed treatment. No independent clinical trial of the finished formula has been published.
Anyone under 18. Pregnant or nursing women. Anyone taking any of the medicines listed above without a doctor's specific clearance. Anyone with a bleeding disorder, or with surgery scheduled within the next two weeks, because of both the St John's wort and the ginkgo.
This is the single most useful action on this page. A pharmacist can check your full medicine list against the formula in a couple of minutes, at no cost. Do not rely on a supplement website — including this one — to make that judgement for you.
Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk alongside anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Bacopa may inhibit certain CYP450 enzymes and commonly causes digestive upset when starting. Alpha-GPC has had questions raised in observational research about a possible cardiovascular association at higher intakes. Phosphatidylserine may be soy-derived, which matters if you have a soy allergy.
Memory problems that are getting worse rather than staying steady. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Confusion about time or place. Changes in personality, mood or judgement. Trouble finding words in ordinary conversation. Or memory changes that other people noticed before you did.
Several causes of memory difficulty are treatable once identified — thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, medication side effects, sleep disorders and depression among them. Reaching for a supplement instead of an assessment delays finding out, and that delay is the actual risk.
Most people report none. A minority notice mild headaches, digestive upset or restlessness in the first week, usually settling with continued use or when taken with food. Photosensitivity is possible. Stop use and seek advice if you notice a rash, unusual bruising or bleeding, or any unexpected symptom.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. Sources are listed on the ingredients page.