Update 3/5/20. Do you have trouble remembering names? Do you forget where you put things? Are you loosing your mental edge at work? These are some of the questions asked as I watched an infomercial for Cebria, a memory supplement. In this Cebria review, you'll learn about the ingredients in this nootropic supplement and the clinical study which supports its use. You'll see how it differs from the Ultra version too. Does it have any side effects? That will be covered too. So, does Cebria work? Let's look at the ingredients and evidence and see what we can discover.
What Is Cebria?
Cebria is a dietary supplement touted to “improve short term memory” and to help people “think faster and remember more” in “just 30 days.” Cebria contains different ingredients than other reviewed memory supplements:
See those reviews for more information on those memory supplements.
Cebria Ingredients
According to Cebria.com, each capsule contains the following ingredients:
| Neuro Pep 12 Proprietary Blend | 282.8 mg |
| Composed of the following: | |
| Lactose | |
| Glutamic acid | |
| Lysine | |
| Leucine | |
| Arginine | |
| Aspartic acid | |
| Serine | |
| Phenylalanine | |
| Valine | |
| Threonine | |
| Tyrosine | |
| Isoleucine | |
| Histidine | |
| Methionine | |
| Tryptophan |
Basically, this list tells us that there is only one active compound (which they call “Neuro-Pep-12″). That compound, in turn, is composed of 15 other ingredients, most of which are amino acids.
While they don't tell us the amount of each of the ingredients making up Neuro-Pep-12, they are listed in order. As such, we can assume that those at the top of the list comprise most of the Neuro-Pep-12 proprietary blend and those at the bottom, making up the least.
Cebria also contains these other ingredients that play no role in its effectiveness:
- Gelatin
- Magnesium stearate
- Silicon dioxide
- Starch
Cebria Ultra has 445.3 mg of the Neuro Pep Blend as well as vitamins B6, folic acid and vitamin B12. These B vitamins are well known to reduce homocysteine, a compound that may be linked to dementia.
What is Neuro Pep 12?
The key ingredient in the supplement is called Neuro-Pep-12. In the studies, it's actually called N-Pep-12.
This compound, is derived from a substance called Cerebrolysin. Cerebrolysin is also a mixture of various amino acids. Cerebrolysin is sometimes derived from pig brains.
There have been some studies which find Cerebrolysin can help people with mild to moderate dementia. One problem with Cerebrolysin, however, is that it has to be given by injection. N-pep-12 (Neuro-Pep-12) – which is derived from Cerebrolysin – can be taken orally.
Cebria Research
There is a patent on the Neuro Pep 12 substance. While the patent does not specifically mention Cebria by name, it does describe a supplement that appears to bear a strong resemblance to it.
If you saw the Cebria TV infomercial, you may have noticed that they also mentioned a clinical study. Let's talk about that now. The study is titled “Effects of N-PEP-12 on memory among older adults.” It was published in 2005 in a journal called International 
Clinical Psycopharmacology.
Here is a summary of the study and its results:
- The study lasted 30 days and involved 54 men and women over age 50.
- The average age of the people was 68 years of age. Most of the people in the study were women.
- None of the people had dementia.
- The people were broken up into two groups: the placebo group and the N-Pep-12 group
- The people took memory tests before and 30 days later
Results: Those taking N-Pep-12 (Cebria) performed better on some of the memory tests than those getting the placebo after 30 days.
Study Problems
Normally, studies have equal or near-equal numbers of people in the placebo group and treatment group. In this study, there were twice as many people getting N-Pep-12 as getting the placebo (36 vs. 18). Some researchers have advised caution when it comes to studies that have unequal numbers of people.
Other Cebria Studies
Here is a breakdown of other investigations using the key ingredient in the supplement.
2005 study
This is a study of chicken brain cells. Researchers noted that N-Pep-12 prevented brain cell death during aging and when the cells were subjected to various insults like trauma.
2005 study
Researchers recruited 6 people older than 50 years of age and gave them 180 mg of N-Pep-12. After 6 hours, the brains of the people showed differences in some of their brain waves and the people performed better on memory tests. There was no placebo group in this study.
2015 study
This study involved rats that were given either N-pep-12 or a placebo for 3 months. Rats treated with N-Pep-12, appeared to show improvement memory compared to rats given a placebo. The brains of rats getting N-Pep-12 also show some positive physical changes compared to the other rats too.
Who Makes Cebria?
The company is Cebria LLC. According to their Better Business Bureau file, they are located at 14724 Ventura Blvd Fl 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3514. The phone number is (800) 214-8347. The BBB gives the company an A+ rating. See the BBB file for more information.
The address for the company is the same as that listed for Prosvent, a prostate supplement.
Cebria LLC is related to another company called TheraBotanics LLC. I can't find a website for TheraBotanics. According to this article from Forbs.com, it appears its parent company is called Ideal Living (IdealLiving.com), which seems to be an advertising/marketing company. The BBB gives Ideal Living a rating of “A+.“ See their BBB file for updates and more information.
The Cebria TV commercial has stated the maker of this supplement is a company called Ever-Neuro Pharma which is located in Austria. Their website is EverPharma.com.
How To Contact Cebria
The company can be ordered by calling 800-550-3801. Another number is 800-214-8347.
Who is Dr Marcus Laux, ND
The supplement website used to say Dr. Laux was the spokesperson for Cebria. He is a naturopathic doctor and has authored several books.
Who is Bella Shaw?
Bella Shaw is the host of the Cebria TV commercial. According to the Internet Movie Database, she has a BA in journalism and appeared in several movies and TV shows.
How To Take Cebria?
The product website says that Cebria is to be taken in the morning with water or another liquid.
Does Cebria help Alzheimer's?
Cebria appears to be marketed to people over the age of 40 who have age-related memory loss. There is currently proof the supplement helps people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
Cebria Side Effects
Currently the research does not show any significant side effects from taking the ingredients in Cebria. Here are some things to keep in mind when taking this supplement
- The supplement has lactose which may be a problem for those who are lactose intolerant.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding talk to your doctor first
- Not intended for kids
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- If you take any medications, ask your doctor first
Does Cebria Work?
The research on Cebria's ingredients is interesting although a few more studies would be nice to have. The good news is if it works – or doesn't – you should know in 30 days.
Here is Cebria on Amazon if you want to see what others are saying.
I have short term memory loss due to seizures and I noticed that some of the ingredients names are very similar to some of the ingredients in my seizure medication….How much is Cebria, and what is the daily dose? Thank you!
Hi Faye, they may sound like the ingredients in meds, but my guess is they are not the same. Here is Cebria on Amazon.
Phenylalanine, Lactose, and Tryptophan. Not a doctor but let’s see ..so phenylalanine as I understand it is bad news on the brain, think NutraSweet and those lovely migraines it brought that I don’t miss at all. Tryptophan …Thanksgiving turkey aand zzzzzzzzzzz. Lactose. .a dairy byproduct. These three seem out of place relative to the other 12….n there you have it..one theory as to why it’s pep-12 not pep-15. Pig brain extract? 30 days why the hell not, let’s see if I’m CEO in a month.
Based on my own experiences, a simple thing to try for memory issues might be a good B vitamin complex.
I first noticed the effect on me in my late 20s or early 30s. I am a scientific translator operating from several source languages into English. So I’m typing a lot and typically staring at a page in Russian etc. while typing in English in very complicated subjects (chemistry, physics, math). The B Complex has a reproducible effect on my typing speed and accuracy, and also makes me remember my dreams (plus it lets me sleep through the night without interruptions for the first time since early childhood).
When I stop taking the B complex, as I often stupidly do for long periods, those benefits stop also. I seem to have a threshold and need 20mg to 50mg formulations (that is generally the level of one of the B’s in the complex). So the amount in typical vitamin/mineral supplements generally didn’t get me to threshold, I need more than that.
I usually got cheaper 50mg capsules that worked, but then tried the pricier Shaklee 20mg B complex tablet and found it worked better for me than other 50mg capsules or tablets. Shaklee products do tend to be absorbed better than others, at least for people with poorer absorption in general, and also they are pretty careful in the way they put together tablets (I do a lot of pharmaceutical translations and am familiar with the difficulties of dosage form construction).
But any reliable company’s B complex could be used for a test to see what might work for you. I think you would know very quickly if it has any effect on you, so certainly by the time you finish the bottle you should know whether it’s worth buying another one.
I don’t know which particular B vitamin is most crucial in the mix. I do have allergies (pollen, mold, some foods) and B vitamin needs seem to be higher often in allergics (one of them especially, maybe B6). I do feel I do better remembering the little things of life when faithfully taking enough B vitamin complex for the typing effect, and also notice I get to home projects much more readily under that influence (even just the project of whittling down that pile of dishes in the sink…).
Not sure why that would be related, but it’s a real effect, maybe has to do with a boost in energy level (I’m low energy like my brother, mother, and her sister). But the effect on my typing is pretty amazing, quantifiable, and reproducibly turned on and off. I would also say I’m quicker to pick out words and phrases in my brain archive while translating also, but that is not so quantifiable. I also remember numbers much better and longer when “under the influence” of sufficient B vitamins.
Maybe 10-15 years ago, since my steel trap of a mind was beginning to rust after an illness (I had a nearly photographic memory for a few years in my extreme youth), I also tried a combination of two herbs that seemed to have an appreciable effect on my memory as is involved in my work: Vinpocentine and Bacopa.
Not as dramatic and unmistakeable as the B complex effect, but enough of a boost that I often have used it when under a deadline to help me focus. There are other herbs that have been used for ages for memory problems, so it can be worth doing some reading and cautious trials.
The B complex approach is the safest – herbs are rather potent and so don’t go nuts. And make sure the manufacturer has a good reputation for safety/quality control/label accuracy.
Jwoolman, thanks for sharing that. I have mentioned Vinpocentine and Bacopa a few times in other reviews. They do have some research if my memory serves me (no promises lol). Id agree the B vitamins are likely the safest overall option.
I appreciate all this info, but can you tell me if this would help anyone who has had an “overdose” of anesthesia during surgery that DOES affect memory in older patients??? All comments are appreciated.
Judith, I’m honestly not sure. I dont think anyone could answer that question. Have you spoken to your doctor or pharmacist about this?
Hi. I have been taking E factor by nova nutrients for years and I love it. Could you do an analysis of the product?
Hi Tector, Ive added it to my list (yes I’ve got a list LOL) and will try to get to it at some point. I’m really glad you are having too results with it 🙂
Which is it? Is Cebria a blend of the individual amino acids, or does it contain the peptide described in the patent in which the individual amino acids are connected together to form a new molecule? If it’s the latter, their ingredient list is incorrect. The ingredient is the peptide, not the individual amino acids. Big difference — the individual amino acids which form the prion which causes Mad Cow Disease are not dangerous on their own, but connected together in a precise order they become a deadly infectious agent.
If the Cebria people are selling the peptide, Cebria may be mislabelled and may be an unapproved new drug. On the other hand, if it’s just a blend of unconnected amino acids, why would anybody expect that to do anything at all for memory?
Mark, While I could be wrong, I believe its just several amino acids that are given the name N-pep-12 (or neuro-pep-12 as they mention on the TV infomercial).