What Is Sabroxy®?

Sabroxy, also known as Oroxylum Indicum, is a flowering plant species that’s played a huge role in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. People have traditionally taken the plant to treat and prevent various health issues.

Sabroxy® is a product that contains dried bark extract. The supplement offers at least ten percent Oroxylin A––a flavone (type of flavonoid; a compound that naturally occurs in plants). Oroxylin A is claimed to reduce inflammation, prevent oxidative stress, protect us from cancer, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease.((Lu, Lu & Guo, Qinglong & Zhao, Li. (2016). Overview of Oroxylin A: A Promising Flavonoid Compound. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 30. 10.1002/ptr.5694.)) It’s worth noting that most research has been carried out in-vitro and on animals, but the findings have been promising.

The compound also appears to increase levels of BDNF and CREB––two essential molecules, which we will explore in the following points.((Jeon, Se Jin et al. “Oroxylin A Induces BDNF Expression on Cortical Neurons through Adenosine A2A Receptor Stimulation: A Possible Role in Neuroprotection.” Biomolecules & therapeutics vol. 20,1 (2012): 27-35. doi:10.4062/biomolther.2012.20.1.027.)) Oroxylin A also promotes the production and release of crucial neurotransmitters through various mechanisms.((Jeon, Se Jin et al. “Oroxylin A Induces BDNF Expression on Cortical Neurons through Adenosine A2A Receptor Stimulation: A Possible Role in Neuroprotection.” Biomolecules & therapeutics vol. 20,1 (2012): 27-35. doi:10.4062/biomolther.2012.20.1.027.))

Aside from oroxylin A, Sabroxy also contains baicalein and chrysin. Baicalein is a flavone with many of the same functions as Oroxylin A.((National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5281605, Baicalein.)) It is similar to baicalin, a flavone with numerous benefits related to mental health, cognition, neuroprotection, circulation, etc.((Dai J, Chen L, Qiu YM, Li SQ, Xiong WH, Yin YH, Jia F, Jiang JY. Activations of GABAergic signaling, HSP70 and MAPK cascades are involved in baicalin’s neuroprotection against gerbil global ischemia/reperfusion injury. Brain Res Bull. 2013 Jan;90:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.09.014. Epub 2012 Oct 2. PMID: 23041106.))((Chen C, Li X, Gao P, Tu Y, Zhao M, Li J, Zhang S, Liang H. Baicalin attenuates alzheimer-like pathological changes and memory deficits induced by amyloid β1-42 protein. Metab Brain Dis. 2015 Apr;30(2):537-44. doi: 10.1007/s11011-014-9601-9. Epub 2014 Aug 10. PMID: 25108596.))

Chrysin is also a flavone found in a variety of plants. The compound has been studied for its effects related to anxiety, cancer prevention, inflammation, and erectile dysfunction.((Chrysin – an overview | ScienceDirect))

Two Excellent Benefits and Effects of Sabroxy®

1. Improved Cognitive Function

Perhaps the most notable benefit of Sabroxy and why many people take the product is the improved cognitive function. As mentioned above, Sabroxy contains Oroxylin A, which increases BDNF and CREB levels in the brain.((Lu, Lu & Guo, Qinglong & Zhao, Li. (2016). Overview of Oroxylin A: A Promising Flavonoid Compound. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 30. 10.1002/ptr.5694.))

BDNF, also known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is an essential molecule with functions related to brain plasticity and learning.((Miranda M, Morici JF, Zanoni MB, Bekinschtein P. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A Key Molecule for Memory in the Healthy and the Pathological Brain. Front Cell Neurosci. 2019 Aug 7;13:363. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00363. PMID: 31440144; PMCID: PMC6692714.)) Levels of the molecule vary from person to person because numerous factors influence its expression.

In one paper from 2021, researchers examined the effects of Sabroxy® on cognitive function in adults with self-reported impairments.((Lopresti, Adrian L et al. “Effects of an Oroxylum indicum Extract (Sabroxy®) on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Frontiers in aging neuroscience vol. 13 728360. 31 Aug. 2021, doi:10.3389/fnagi.2021.728360)) A total of 82 subjects were split into two groups receiving 500 mg of Oroxylum Indicum extract (Sabroxy) or a placebo twice daily. The study lasted for twelve weeks, and researchers tracked cognition and changes in BDNF levels (blood samples were collected at baseline and after the experiment was over).

Once the protocol ended, researchers noted marked improvements in episodic memory, cognitive performance (including learning and recalling), and BDNF levels. Interestingly, both groups experienced improvements in BDNF levels, which is certainly worth exploring in future studies.

We also can’t forget that Sabroxy contains two other active compounds: baicalein and chrysin. In one rodent study, researchers examined the effects of Scutellaria flavonoid (in which baicalein is the primary active compound) on age-related cognitive impairment and brain plasticity changes.((Hong Ru Song, Jian Jun Cheng, Hong Miao & Ya Zhen Shang (2009) Scutellaria flavonoid supplementation reverses ageing-related cognitive impairment and neuronal changes in aged rats, Brain Injury, 23:2, 146-153, DOI: 10.1080/02699050802649670)) The researchers noted that administration of Scutellaria flavonoid led to improvements in cognitive function and neuron protection.

A study from 2021 examined the effects of Sabroxy on cognitive impairments as a result of chemotherapy.((Pondugula, Satyanarayana R et al. “Oroxylum Indicum ameliorates chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment.” PloS one vol. 16,6 e0252522. 3 Jun. 2021, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252522)) Researchers noted that certain chemotherapeutics, including cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, promote cognitive impairment. The objective was to evaluate Sabroxy’s neuroprotective effects related to cognition during chemotherapy treatment. Oroxylum Indicum extract led to significant cognitive protection throughout the course of chemotherapy treatment. Further:

“OIE decreased the reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxide generated by the chemotherapy treatment in the brain, while also blocking the chemotherapy-induced glutathione depletion. These results establish that OIE exhibits potent antioxidant activity in chemotherapy-treated mice.”

It’s worth noting that this was a rodent study, and the neuroprotective effects were studied in relation to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. But, findings align with those we see in other studies and contribute to a larger picture that Sabroxy promotes cognitive function.

2. Better Memory and Recalling Abilities

In one study, researchers examined the effects of oroxylin A on mice with memory impairment.((Kim DH, Jeon SJ, Son KH, Jung JW, Lee S, Yoon BH, Lee JJ, Cho YW, Cheong JH, Ko KH, Ryu JH. The ameliorating effect of oroxylin A on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2007 May;87(4):536-46. doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2006.11.005. Epub 2006 Dec 28. PMID: 17196405.)) The paper’s authors performed drug-induced amnesia by administering scopolamine or diazepam. Researchers then gave the rodents oroxylin A (5 mg per kilogram) and noted marked improvements in overall cognition and a reversal in memory loss.

Another rodent study also had promising findings.((Shang YZ, Gong MY, Zhou XX, Li ST, Wang BY. Improving effects of SSF on memory deficits and pathological changes of neural and immunological systems in senescent mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2001 Dec;22(12):1078-83. PMID: 11749803.)) In it, senescent mice were given a Scutellaria flavonoid supplement, and researchers examined the effects on memory impairment and changes in neural systems. Memory and overall cognition were tested with water maze tasks.((Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Morris water maze: procedures for assessing spatial and related forms of learning and memory. Nat Protoc. 2006;1(2):848-858. doi:10.1038/nprot.2006.116))

Rodents first received 120 mg of D-galactose per kilo of body weight for 47 days, resulting in significant latency and a higher number of errors when completing maze tasks. The same mice then received 50, 100, or 200 mg Scutellaria flavonoid supplement per kilo of body weight for 47 days. Researchers noted marked improvements in memory and overall performance in all subjects.

Another study also had interesting findings related to baicalin’s effects on memory.((Ma P, Mao XY, Li XL, Ma Y, Qiao YD, Liu ZQ, Zhou HH, Cao YG. Baicalin alleviates diabetes-associated cognitive deficits via modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and apoptosis. Mol Med Rep. 2015 Oct;12(4):6377-83. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4219. Epub 2015 Aug 12. PMID: 26300488)) As mentioned above, baicalin is a flavone similar to baicalein. In the paper, researchers note that the flavone has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities that can protect us from various brain-related health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The mice in the study first received amyloid protein—an abnormal protein typically produced in the bone marrow and can affect various organs in the body. When the protein gets to the brain, it can form clumps and create plaque, causing healthy brain cells to die.

Once finished with the amyloid protein, researchers began treating the mice with 30, 50, or 100 mg of baicalin per kilogram of body weight. They noted marked improvements in memory, which were seen during Morris water maze trials.

How Does Sabroxy® Work?

As briefly discussed earlier, Sabroxy® has three active ingredients: oroxylin A, baicalein, and chrysin. A growing number of studies suggest that all three offer benefits related to neuroprotection, memory, and overall cognition. So, let’s go over some potential mechanisms, including how it works as an anti-inflammatory and its positive effects on BDNF and CREB in the brain.

1. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

A unique mechanism of the above compounds and other similar ones is their ability to control inflammatory markers and protect healthy cells from oxidative stress. In one recent paper, researchers noted that baicalein, baicalin, and oroxylin A could act on various immune system cells (including lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils) and inhibit inflammatory cytokine production.((Liao H, Ye J, Gao L, Liu Y. The main bioactive compounds of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. for alleviation of inflammatory cytokines: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021 Jan;133:110917. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110917. Epub 2020 Nov 17. PMID: 33217688)) Further, these compounds appear effective in preventing the accumulation of other inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide, leukotrienes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

As we’ve seen in other studies, some of these mediators can contribute to oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and neurodegeneration. For instance, ROS accumulation in the brain is linked to neurodegeneration and conditions like Alzheimer’s.((Oswald MCW, Brooks PS, Zwart MF, Mukherjee A, West RJH, Giachello CNG, Morarach K, Baines RA, Sweeney ST, Landgraf M. Reactive oxygen species regulate activity-dependent neuronal plasticity in Drosophila. eLife. 2018 Sep 6;7:e39393. doi: 10.7554/eLife.39393. PMID: 30187861; PMCID: PMC6126896))

2. Positive Effects on BDNF and CREB

Oroxylin A plays a significant role in raising BDNF and CREB in the brain.((Lu L, Guo Q, Zhao L. Overview of Oroxylin A: A Promising Flavonoid Compound. Phytother Res. 2016 Oct;30(10):1765-74. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5694. Epub 2016 Aug 10. PMID: 27507162)). ((Jeon SJ, Son KH, Jung JW, Lee S, Yoon BH, Lee JJ, Cho YW, Cheong JH, Ko KH, Ryu JH, Kim DH. The ameliorating effect of oroxylin A on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2007 May;87(4):536-46. doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2006.11.005. Epub 2006 Dec 28. PMID: 17196405)) BDNF is an essential molecule that promotes brain plasticity related to learning, cognition, and memory.((Miranda M, Morici JF, Zanoni MB, Bekinschtein P. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A Key Molecule for Memory in the Healthy and the Pathological Brain. Front Cell Neurosci. 2019 Aug 7;13:363. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00363. PMID: 31440144; PMCID: PMC6692714)) CREB, also known as cAMP response element-binding protein, is an intracellular protein that regulates gene expression and neurotrophin responses (which are linked to neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic activity).((Finkbeiner S, Tavazoie SF, Maloratsky A, Jacobs KM, Harris KM, Greenberg ME. CREB: a major mediator of neuronal neurotrophin responses. Neuron. 1997 Nov;19(5):1031-47. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(00)80395-5. PMID: 9390517))

Research in rodents suggests that baicalin can reverse diabetes-associated cognitive deficits by modulating BDNF, among other things.((Ma P, Mao XY, Li XL, Ma Y, Qiao YD, Liu ZQ, Zhou HH, Cao YG. Baicalin alleviates diabetes-associated cognitive deficits via modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and apoptosis. Mol Med Rep. 2015 Oct;12(4):6377-83. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4219. Epub 2015 Aug 12. PMID: 26300488))

Similarly, chrysin appears to prevent age-related cognitive decline. In one rodent study from 2015, researchers examined chrysin’s effects on young and aged mice.((Filho CB, Jesse CR, Donato F, Del Fabbro L, Gomes de Gomes M, Rossito Goes AT, Souza LC, Boeira SP. Chrysin promotes attenuation of depressive-like behavior and hippocampal dysfunction resulting from olfactory bulbectomy in mice. Chem Biol Interact. 2016 Dec 25;260:154-162. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.11.005. Epub 2016 Nov 3. PMID: 27818124)) The mice were treated with 10 mg of chrysin per kilogram of body weight daily for two months, and their cognitive abilities were assessed through various behavioral tests. The researchers noted that doses of one mg of chrysin per kg led to improvements in cognitive decline, and quantities of ten mg completely reversed the age-related decline.

Another study also showed that chrysin could positively affect the brain.((Filho CB, Jesse CR, Donato F, Del Fabbro L, Gomes de Gomes M, Rossito Goes AT, Souza LC, Boeira SP. Chrysin promotes attenuation of depressive-like behavior and hippocampal dysfunction resulting from olfactory bulbectomy in mice. Chem Biol Interact. 2016 Dec 25;260:154-162. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.11.005. Epub 2016 Nov 3. PMID: 27818124)) In it, mice were treated with 5 or 20 mg of chrysin per kilogram of body weight for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, the authors noted marked increases in BDNF levels and a decrease in depressive symptoms.

Dosage Recommendations

Most of the research we’ve had so far has examined one of the active compounds in Sabroxy®. The standard dose is anywhere from 5 to 20 mg per kilogram of body weight in these studies.
In one of the papers we saw above, adults with self-reported mild cognitive impairments were given 500 mg of Sabroxy® twice daily for twelve weeks.((Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Effects of an Oroxylum indicum Extract (Sabroxy®) on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 Aug 31;13:728360. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.728360. PMID: 34616257; PMCID: PMC8486626)) The participants took the supplement in the morning and evening, with food, or on an empty stomach.

It might be best to take the supplement with some food if you have a particularly sensitive stomach. You can start with 100 to 200 mg daily, monitor its effects, and adjust the dose.

Sabroxy® Stacking: Does It Work Well with Other Compounds?

Unfortunately, we haven’t had any research that looks at the synergistic effects of Sabroxy® with other compounds. Still, this doesn’t mean we cannot stack the product with proven nootropics like L-theanine and caffeine.
L-theanine is a valuable compound that promotes alpha wave production in the brain, leading to relaxation without drowsiness.((Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8. PMID: 18296328)) The compound works great with caffeine because it offsets potential adverse effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness.((Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301513. PMID: 18681988)) Combining the two with Sabroxy® might positively impact your productivity, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Does Sabroxy® Come with Any Side Effects?

Sabroxy® is a safe product with no serious side effects reported. In one of the studies we examined above, researchers examined the tolerability and safety of Sabroxy® at weeks four, eight, and twelve via an online survey.((Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Effects of an Oroxylum indicum Extract (Sabroxy®) on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 Aug 31;13:728360. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.728360. PMID: 34616257; PMCID: PMC8486626))
According to researchers, most adverse effects were related to digestion: loose stool, bloating, and nausea. There were a few instances of headaches, but the majority of participants didn’t experience such effects. Speaking of that, 83 percent of participants that took Sabroxy® didn’t report any adverse effects.

Final Thoughts

There are a ton of nootropics on the market, each fighting for a place under the spotlight. Some compounds appear promising, and others have established themselves as true nootropics with varied health benefits.
While we certainly need more research on Sabroxy® and the compounds inside, the product appears incredibly beneficial for brain health, memory, cognition, mood, and more. Plus, given the product’s safety rating and low overall risk of any adverse effects, Sabroxy’s® future appears bright.

On top of that, Sabroxy® has the potential to be a team player by pairing with other beneficial compounds like L-theanine. Anyone interested in boosting their cognition and well-being should look into the product and consider trying it.