Neuriva: A Closer Look at the Efficacy and Safety of this Popular Supplement

As the number of US individuals aged 65 years and older continues to rise, age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent, driving demand for brain health supplements.^1,2 Although many supplements are marketed to support brain function, their safety and effectiveness remain largely unsubstantiated. Despite this, the global brain health supplements market was valued at $6.74 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $11.55 billion by 2032.²

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Neuriva is one of many OTC dietary supplements marketed to enhance cognitive function. It has gained attention, in part, due to endorsements by actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik.³ Various formulations of the product are widely available online and in retail stores, including Neuriva Original, Neuriva Ultra, Neuriva Plus, and Neuriva Memory 3D.⁴ The manufacturer, Schiff Vitamins, claims that Neuriva Original supports 5 key cognitive functions: memory, accuracy, learning, focus, and concentration.⁵ However, as with all dietary supplements, these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Neuriva Original contains 2 active ingredients: 100 mg of coffee fruit extract and 100 mg of phosphatidylserine per capsule. The recommended dose is 1 capsule per day.⁵ Coffee fruit extract, also known as whole coffee cherry extract (CCE), is derived from the red fruit surrounding the coffee bean and is reported to have high polyphenol content and minimal caffeine (<4 mg/dose).⁶ It has been suggested that the polyphenol content in CCE may decrease inflammation and influence the gut-brain axis, potentially improving brain function.⁶ Additionally, it has been suggested that CCE may support brain health through its ability to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is essential for neuron growth and survival and is thought to modulate cognition and memory.^6,7 Despite these plausible mechanisms, there is insufficient reliable evidence to draw firm conclusions on the efficacy of CCE for improving cognitive function. The few clinical studies that have been published have used varying doses, had small sample sizes, had a short duration of treatment, and have yielded mixed results.^6,8-10

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain.It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of brain cells and facilitating neuronal communication.¹¹ The clinical evidence regarding the use of phosphatidylserine for age-related cognitive decline suggests that it may improve attention, arousal, verbal fluency, and memory. A dose of 100 mg 3 times daily for up to 6 months was used in these studies.¹¹ Notably, this is 3 times the suggested daily dose of Neuriva Original. Additionally, most studies used bovine-derived phosphatidylserine, whereas Neuriva Original contains soybean-derived phosphatidylserine; the evidence on the latter is more sparse and less clear.¹¹

A search of the literature yielded only 1 clinical trial that evaluated the combined efficacy of CCE and phosphatidylserine, ie, the Neuriva Original formulation. Doma et al. assessed this product’s efficacy in healthy adults with self-perceived memory problems in an industry-sponsored, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.¹² Participants were randomized to receive either Neuriva Original or placebo once daily for 42 days. The 2 co-primary outcomes were changes from baseline to day 42 in plasma BDNF levels and the Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) scores. COMPASS is a computerized testing program that uses a wide variety of tasks designed to evaluate cognitive domains such as memory, accuracy, focus, concentration, and learning.¹³ In this study, the tasks included choice reaction time, digit vigilance, simple reaction time, numeric working memory, computerized Corsi blocks, picture recognition, and word recognition. Secondary outcomes included a difference in the scores on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire, which assesses everyday memory, and the Go/No-Go assessment, which assesses sustained attention. Safety was assessed by evaluating the incidence of adverse events, as documented in a patient diary, and changes in vital signs, clinical chemistry, and hematology.¹²

Of the 138 randomized participants (mean age: 54), 133 completed the study. Notably, the published report only included results for the per protocol statistical analysis, which included 128 participants. At day 42, plasma BDNF levels did not significantly differ between the Neuriva Original and placebo groups. Both groups showed significant improvements across all COMPASS cognitive domains (accuracy, memory, focus and concentration, and learning), from baseline to day 42, as measured by the various tasks. The differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant, in favor of Neuriva Original, for some of the COMPASS task outcome scores, specifically the accuracy and reaction time outcomes on the numeric working memory task and overall accuracy during the picture recognition task.¹² No significant differences were noted between the groups on the secondary outcomes.

These results must be viewed considering the study’s limitations. The study's short duration (42 days) may not fully capture long-term effects, and its relatively small sample size (138 participants) limits generalizability. The selection of participants based on self-reported memory problems introduces subjectivity, and the placebo effect may have influenced results. Additionally, the study did not control for variables such as physical activity or educational background, both of which can impact cognitive function.¹² While the study provides preliminary evidence supporting Neuriva Original, further studies using larger sample sizes, longer durations, and more rigorous controls are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

In addition to considering the efficacy of Neuriva Original, the safety must also be evaluated. The report by Doma et al. did not provide a detailed description of adverse effects other than noting that 72 adverse events were reported in total, all of which were resolved by the end of the study. The investigators noted 1 report of dry mouth as being possibly related to Neuriva Original and 1 report of anxiety possibly related to placebo. No significant safety concerns emerged in clinical chemistry, hematology, or vital sign assessments, and compliance rates were high.¹²

As for the individual ingredients of the product, phosphatidylserine has been used safely at doses of up to 300 mg daily for up to 6 months.¹¹ In theory, phosphatidylserine may interact with anticholinergic and/or cholinergic drugs because it is thought to increase acetylcholine levels. There are limited safety data on CCE. It is generally recognized as safe and has been well tolerated in clinical trials, with negligible caffeine content, reducing concerns about stimulant-related side effects.¹⁰ In total, there is a lack of data on the long-term safety of Neuriva Original, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions and in other special populations. Accordingly, the labeling of Neuriva Original advises against its use in children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with medical conditions without physician consultation.⁵

Neuriva Original is marketed to enhance memory, focus, and cognitive performance, but these claims lack strong support from well-designed clinical trials. Patients may nevertheless be willing to try the product, despite these limitations and its cost (Neuriva Original retails for approximately $35 for a month supply). Such patients should be reminded to consult with their health care provider before using this supplement and to disclose its use to all providers.

References

1. Mather M, Scommegna P. Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. Population Reference Bureau. January 9, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/

2. Brain Health Supplements Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Nootropic Supplements {Dietary Supplements, Herbal Extracts, and Others}, and Vitamins and Minerals), By Dosage Form (Tablets, Capsules, and Others), By Application (Cognitive Function, Stress & Anxiety, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, Online Channels, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032. Fortune Business Insights. Updated June 9, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/brain-health-supplements-market-107767.

3. Neuriva^® Partners with Mayim Bialik. Reckitt.com. Updated March 16, 2021. Accessed June 25, 2025.https://www.reckitt.com/us/newsroom/latest-news/news/2021/march/neuriva-partners-with-mayim-bialik-to-educate-and-empower-consumers-on-brain-health.

4. Schiff Vitamins. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.schiffvitamins.com/pages/neuriva-brain-health-supplement-research

5. Neuriva Original, Brain Health Supplement with Coffee Cherry Extract & Phosphatidylserine. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.schiffvitamins.com/products/neuriva-original-brain-health-clinically-tested-brain-supporting-supplement-with-natural-ingredients

6. Robinson JL, Hunter JM, Kern M, et al. Whole coffee cherry extract improves working memory and response inhibition: Acute and longitudinal results from a remote, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients. 2024; 16(14):2348. doi.org/10.3390/nu1614234

7. Ng TKS, Coughlan C, Heyn PC, et al. Increased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a potential biomarker for and compensatory mechanism in mild cognitive impairment: a case-control study. Aging (Albany NY). 2021;13(19):22666-22689. doi:10.18632/aging.203598

8. Jackson PA, Kenney C, Forster J, et al. Acute cognitive performance and mood effects of coffeeberry extract: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in healthy humans. Nutrients. 2023;15(11):2418. doi:10.3390/nu15112418

9. Robinson JL, Yanes JA, Reid MA, et al. Neurophysiological effects of whole coffee cherry extract in older adults with subjective cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(2):144. doi:10.3390/antiox10020144

10. Robinson JL, Hunter JM, Reyes-Izquierdo T, et al. Cognitive short- and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. 2019;27(6):918–934. doi.org/10.1080/13825585.2019.1702622

11. Phosphatidylserine. NatMedPro. Updated June 23, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/

12. Doma KM, Lewis ED, Barracato JM, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study investigating the efficacy of a whole coffee cherry extract and phosphatidylserine formulation on cognitive performance of healthy adults with self-perceived memory problems. Neurol Ther. 2023;12(3):777-794. doi:10.1007/s40120-023-00454-z

13. Compass - Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://cognitivetesting.co.uk/#:~:text=Compass%20%7C%20Cognitive%20Assessment%20System&text=Compass%20provides%20a%20simple%20solution.