Strawberry leaf extract improves episodic memory and reduces perceived stress in older adults with self-reported memory complaints
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 109 older adults (60-80 years) with subjective memory complaints received either 300 mg/day strawberry leaf extract or placebo. Exploratory analyses showed significant improvements in episodic memory (reduced PAL total errors at Week 6 and Week 12) and reduced perceived stress at Week 6 in the SLE group compared to placebo.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Strawberry leaf extract improves episodic memory and reduces perceived stress in older adults with self-reported memory complaints The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Strawberry leaf extract improves episodic memory and reduces perceived stress in older adults with self-reported memory complaints
This conclusion is most relevant to: Healthy older adults aged 60-80 years with self-reported memory complaints.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Enhanced memory function and reduced perceived stress in older adults with self-reported memory complaints following strawberry leaf extract supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸SLE contains polyphenols and ellagitannins
- ▸Preclinical evidence suggests neuroprotective effects
- ▸These compounds may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
- ▸Result: Potential improvement in episodic memory and stress reduction
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Healthy older adults aged 60-80 years with self-reported memory complaints
Recommended Dose
300 mg/day
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Primary analysis did not show significant treatment-by-time interactions; results are from exploratory analyses only
- ▸No effect on executive functions or other secondary outcomes like sleep quality or fatigue
- ▸Self-reported memory complaints may not correlate with objective cognitive decline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is strawberry leaf extract and how does it work?▼
Strawberry leaf extract is a polyphenol-rich supplement containing ellagitannins, which preclinical studies suggest may have neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Who was studied in this trial?▼
The study included 109 healthy older adults aged 60-80 years who reported subjective memory complaints but did not have diagnosed cognitive impairment.
Did strawberry leaf extract improve memory?▼
Exploratory analyses showed significant improvements in episodic memory (reduced errors on the Paired Associates Learning task) at 6 and 12 weeks compared to placebo, but the primary analysis did not confirm these effects.
Is strawberry leaf extract safe?▼
The product was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported during the 12-week trial.
References
- 1.Dormal V, Dudonné S, Gombert C, Laurençon L, Fouilland J, Buchet M, Zacharias I, Copine S, Simar L, Deldicque L. “Enhanced memory function and reduced perceived stress in older adults with self-reported memory complaints following strawberry leaf extract supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study..” The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 2026. PMID: 42508219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnha.2026.100929