Supplements

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.

Last updated: Jul 29, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 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.

observational

Dormal V, Dudonné S, Gombert C, Laurençon L, Fouilland J, Buchet M, Zacharias I, Copine S, Simar L, Deldicque L · The journal of nutrition, health & aging (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks
Intervention: 300 mg/day strawberry leaf extract (SLE) for 12 weeks
Outcome: Episodic memory (PAL total errors from CANTAB), perceived stress (validated questionnaire), sleep quality, fatigue, executive function
Effect Size: N/A (effect sizes not reported in abstract)
Population: Healthy older adults aged 60-80 years with self-reported memory complaints

Result:

PubMed: 42508219DOI: 10.1016/j.jnha.2026.100929

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.