What Is Phosphatidylserine (PS) 20-70%? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Phosphatidylserine, abbreviated as PS, also known as serine phospholipid or complex neuro acid, is a naturally occurring phospholipid ubiquitously present in cell membranes. It belongs to the phosphoglyceride class and is an important component of cell membranes. Chemically named 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine, PS consists of a serine residue and a phosphate residue attached to a glycerol backbone forming the hydrophilic head, and two long-chain hydrocarbon fatty acids forming the lipophilic tail, giving the molecule an amphiphilic nature. PS is the only phospholipid on the cell membrane with a net negative charge, contributing to membrane asymmetry, and it can activate the metabolism and synthesis of various enzymes, closely related to membrane fluidity, permeability, and multiple membrane functions. PS was first extracted and characterized from bovine brain by Jordi Folch in 1942. Natural PS is mostly extracted from bovine (ovine) brain or soybeans. Due to variations in the R1 and R2 fatty acid residues, PS is actually a collective term for a class of compounds. The product appears as a white to pale yellow loose powder that can emulsify in water. PS can be synthesized by the human body using serine, and can also be obtained through dietary intake. It influences the transmission of chemical information in the brain and helps brain cells store and retrieve information, serving as an important nutrient for maintaining normal memory, reaction time, and healthy mood. The main forms of PS are soy-derived PS and sunflower-derived PS. In recent years, sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine has emerged as a new choice due to its low allergenicity and high purity, making it especially suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies. Additionally, genetic engineering technologies (such as Pichia pastoris modification) have enabled microbial synthesis of PS, achieving yields of 18 g/L and reducing costs by 40%. Phosphatidylserine products are available in various forms, including powder (20%, 50%, 70%, 90%+ content), softgels, tablets, pressed candies, oral liquids, and water-dispersible powder (PS-CWD).

The core active component of PS is phosphatidylserine itself. Its mechanisms of action include the following aspects:

PS is an important component of neural cell membranes, particularly abundant in brain cell membranes, earning it the nickname “brain vitamin”. It influences cell membrane fluidity and permeability, promoting the structural integrity and functional stability of neural cell membranes.