Home Ingredients Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine)
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Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine)

Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Sharp-PS® (Enzymotec, now part of Frutarom / IFF) is the leading branded sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine — a soy-free PS produced enzymatically from sunflower lecithin. Phosphatidylserine is an essential phospholipid concentrated in neuronal cell membranes that supports membrane fluidity, neurotransmitter release, and HPA-axis regulation. Sharp-PS® product variants (Sharp-PS®, Sharp-PS® Green, and Sharp-PS® Gold/PS-Omega-3 conjugates) underpin most modern phosphatidylserine clinical trials for cognition, stress, and exercise recovery. As a non-soy ingredient, Sharp-PS® is preferred for allergen-sensitive consumers and clean-label formulations.

Studied Dose Most cognition and stress trials use 100–400 mg/day PS (typically 100 mg three times daily). Exercise stress trials have used 600–800 mg/day acutely. Sharp-PS® Green (with DHA) is dosed 100–300 mg/day in memory trials.
Active Compound Phosphatidylserine (PS) derived from sunflower lecithin — Sharp-PS® / Sharp-PS® Green / Sharp-PS® Gold by Enzymotec / Frutarom; soy-free, typically standardized to 20–70% PS content

Benefits

Memory and cognitive support in older adults with complaints

Sharp-PS® and PS-Omega-3 (Sharp-PS® Green) supplementation has been associated with improvements in memory abilities in non-demented older adults with memory complaints, including improvements in immediate verbal recall and delayed recall measures over 15-week intervention periods.

Supported by Trial 3

Support for HPA-axis stress reactivity

Phosphatidylserine supplementation has been shown to normalize HPA-axis reactivity in chronically stressed adults, with reductions in stress-induced cortisol and ACTH response to acute stressors. This supports its use as a stress-buffering ingredient alongside lifestyle and adaptogen-based approaches.

Supported by Trial 1

Attenuation of exercise-induced cortisol response

Phosphatidylserine has been associated with reductions in cortisol response to high-intensity exercise in athletic populations, with potential implications for recovery, perceived exertion, and overtraining prevention in heavy training cycles.

Supported by Trial 2

Muscle soreness and recovery support after eccentric exercise

PS supplementation around eccentric exercise has been linked with reductions in muscle soreness and selected damage markers after high-load eccentric protocols, supporting its use as a recovery adjunct in athletes and active adults.

Supported by Trial 2

Soy-free phospholipid for allergen-sensitive consumers

Because Sharp-PS® is derived from sunflower lecithin rather than soy, it is suitable for soy-allergic individuals and clean-label products that avoid soy ingredients, while delivering the same active phosphatidylserine molecule used in the bulk of historical PS research.

Supported by Trial 3

Mechanism of action

1

Membrane phospholipid integration

Phosphatidylserine is a major anionic phospholipid in neuronal membranes. Supplemental PS contributes to maintenance of neuronal membrane fluidity, receptor function, and ion channel signaling, supporting overall neuronal health, particularly in the context of aging or stress-induced membrane remodeling.

2

Neurotransmitter release facilitation

PS in the inner leaflet of presynaptic membranes interacts with vesicle fusion machinery and modulates release of acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. This neurotransmitter-supporting role underpins many of PS's observed effects on memory, attention, and mood.

3

HPA-axis modulation

PS has been shown to blunt ACTH and cortisol responses to stress in human studies, suggesting a central HPA-axis modulating effect. The exact mechanism likely involves PS's interaction with neuronal membranes in the limbic system and hypothalamus.

4

Anti-inflammatory signalling at the membrane

Phosphatidylserine externalization is a recognized 'eat-me' signal for apoptotic cells, and supplemental PS has been associated with modulation of neuroinflammatory tone. This may contribute to its cognitive support effects, particularly in aging cohorts.

Clinical trials

1
Sharp-PS®/PS Complex for Stress Reactivity in Chronically Stressed Adults

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a soy-based PS/phosphatidic acid complex versus placebo in chronically stressed males. Outcomes: ACTH and cortisol response to acute psychosocial stress. Published in Lipids in Health and Disease.

Chronically stressed adult males; randomized parallel design.

PS/phosphatidic acid complex normalized HPA-axis reactivity by reducing stress-induced cortisol and ACTH responses to an acute psychosocial stressor in chronically stressed males, supporting PS as a stress-buffering ingredient in chronic stress contexts.

2
Phosphatidylserine for Recovery from Downhill Running

Randomized trial of 750 mg/day soybean-derived phosphatidylserine for 7 days before and 2 days after eccentric exercise. Outcomes: muscle soreness, damage markers, recovery. Published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Healthy adult males performing downhill running protocol.

PS supplementation was associated with reductions in subjective muscle soreness and selected damage markers in the days after eccentric downhill running, supporting potential use of PS in athletic recovery from high-load eccentric work.

3
Sharp-PS® Green for Memory in Non-Demented Elderly with Memory Complaints

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of phosphatidylserine plus omega-3 fatty acids (Sharp-PS® Green) in non-demented elderly with memory complaints over 15 weeks. Outcomes: memory function tests, sub-group analyses by cognitive status. Published in Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders.

Non-demented elderly with memory complaints; 15-week intervention.

PS-omega-3 supplementation was associated with improved memory abilities, particularly in sub-groups with higher cognitive performance at baseline. Supports use of Sharp-PS® Green as a memory-supporting ingredient in age-related cognitive complaints.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated across typical doses (100–400 mg/day).
Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or insomnia possible at higher doses.
Sharp-PS® is soy-free, but consumers should still confirm absence of cross-reactive allergens.
Anticoagulant-treated individuals should consult clinician before high-dose use.
Not extensively studied in pregnancy or lactation; avoid without medical guidance.

Important Drug interactions

Anticholinergic medications — theoretical opposition to acetylcholine-supporting effects of PS.
Cholinergic drugs (donepezil, rivastigmine) — additive cholinergic activity is plausible; monitor.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs — theoretical platelet/phospholipid interaction; coordinate monitoring.
Sedatives and CNS depressants — no notable interaction but use cautiously in polypharmacy.

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Frequently asked questions about Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine)

What is the recommended dosage of Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine)?

The clinically studied dose for Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine) is Most cognition and stress trials use 100–400 mg/day PS (typically 100 mg three times daily). Exercise stress trials have used 600–800 mg/day acutely. Sharp-PS® Green (with DHA) is dosed 100–300 mg/day in memory trials.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine) used for?

Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine) is studied for memory and cognitive support in older adults with complaints, support for hpa-axis stress reactivity, attenuation of exercise-induced cortisol response. Sharp-PS® and PS-Omega-3 (Sharp-PS® Green) supplementation has been associated with improvements in memory abilities in non-demented older adults with memory complaints, including improvements in immediate verbal recall and delayed recall measures ov…

Are there side effects from taking Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine)?

Reported potential side effects may include: Generally well tolerated across typical doses (100–400 mg/day). Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or insomnia possible at higher doses. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine) interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Anticholinergic medications — theoretical opposition to acetylcholine-supporting effects of PS. Cholinergic drugs (donepezil, rivastigmine) — additive cholinergic activity is plausible; monitor. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine) good for cognitive?

Yes, Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine) is researched for Cognitive support. Sharp-PS® and PS-Omega-3 (Sharp-PS® Green) supplementation has been associated with improvements in memory abilities in non-demented older adults with memory complaints, including improvements in immediate verbal recall and delayed recall measures over 15-week intervention period…

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Hellhammer J, Vogt D, Franz N, Freitas U, Rutenberg D. A soy-based phosphatidylserine/phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) normalizes the stress reactivity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis in chronically stressed male subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis. 2014;13:121. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-13-121.PubMedUsed to support: RCT in chronically stressed males — PS/phosphatidic acid complex normalized HPA-axis stress reactivity by reducing stress-induced cortisol and ACTH responses to an acute psychosocial stressor, supporting PS as a stress-buffering ingredient.
  2. Kingsley MI, Kilduff LP, McEneny J, Dietzig RE, Benton D. Phosphatidylserine supplementation and recovery following downhill running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;38(9):1617-25. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000229459.11452.e0.PubMedUsed to support: RCT — 750 mg/day soybean-derived phosphatidylserine for 7 days before and 2 days after eccentric downhill running was associated with reductions in muscle soreness and selected damage markers, supporting recovery applications for PS.
  3. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 fatty acids may improve memory abilities in non-demented elderly with memory complaints: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2010;29(5):467-74. doi: 10.1159/000310330.PubMedUsed to support: RCT in non-demented elderly with memory complaints — PS containing omega-3 fatty acids (Sharp-PS® Green-style preparation) was associated with improved memory abilities, particularly in sub-groups with higher baseline cognitive function, over 15 weeks.