Update 1/1/24. ProMind Complex, created by Carl Henderson, is a memory supplement that is said to improve cognition by killing off bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath. Strange as it sounds, there's research linking bad oral hygiene to dementia, Alzheimer's, and early-onset Alzheimer's. That said, how good is Pro Mind Complex? Does it really work, or is it just another internet scam piggybacking on actual clinical research? To help you figure out if this memory supplement is truly legit, you'll discover the ingredients, proof, cautions and concerns, pros and cons. Additionally, you will learn how to get a refund if you want your money back. Affiliate disclosure. This website may earn little income if you make a purchase. This does not influence the conclusions reached. See the affiliate disclosure page for more info.
What is ProMind Complex?
Pro-Mind Complex is, as the name suggests, a memory improvement supplement. But there's a twist. The makers of the supplement point to dental bacteria as the cause of memory problems like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The bacteria (called Porphyromonas gingivalis) causes trouble when it travels from your mouth and gums up into your brain. Is this a hoax or are they on to something?
The bacteria produce a toxin called gingipains, which leads to memory impairment, serious memory loss, and Alzheimer's. They go on to say that if you use their simple breath test – smell your breath in the morning and have smelly breath – you have this bacteria and are at risk of having forgetfulness, memory impairment, and other age-related diseases in the future. Are they right? Is this for real?
Bacteria And Memory Loss
Research suggests dental bacteria may be linked to dementia. Researchers have found the gingipains toxin is present in over 90% of people with Alzheimer's. When researchers infected brain cell stem cells with the dental bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (which makes gingipains), the toxin caused brain cells to die and reduced tau protein, which helps neurons stay healthy.
These bacteria also increase inflammation, a risk factor for dementia and other diseases. This has led some researchers to call P. gingivalis a “strong risk factor” for Alzheimer's disease. It's not known if this is true for those with occasional problems with remembering. Dental bacteria have also been found in artery-clogging plaque, telling us they are linked to getting heart disease.
How Do You Take Pro Mind Complex?
Take 1 capsule per day. That's it. The company suggests taking ProMind right after breakfast or lunch. They say taking it this way will help you reap the benefits all day. Do not take ProMind on an empty stomach. Taking it on a full stomach will help you absorb the nutrients better. If you take it as directed, a bottle will last you a month.
ProMind Complex Ingredients
The supplement facts label indicates 1 capsule has these ingredients and dosages
Ingredient | Amount | Percent Daily Value |
St. John's wort | 250 mg | N/A |
Glutamine | 150 mg | N/A |
Phosphatidylserine | 125 mg | N/A |
Bacopa monnieri | 120 mg | N/A |
Ginkgo | 50 mg | N/A |
N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL | 50 mg | N/A |
Vinpocetine | 2 mg | N/A |
Huperzine A | 10 mcg | N/A |
N/A = no daily value established.
Other ingredients listed are gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. These ingredients have no effect on how well the supplement works.
Is ProMind FDA Approved?
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements. What the FDA does do is regulate supplements. Regulation and approval are different. Generally, supplement companies do not need to seek permission or approval from the FDA before selling products to the public.
ProMind Complex Research & Proof
Does Pro Mind have any verification that it works? Sort of yes and sort of no. While there appears to be no research on ProMind Complex itself, there is research on its ingredients. The idea behind the key ingredients is that they work better together than by themselves. This is sometimes called the entourage effect. While this effect appears to be real, there's no proof showing the combination of ingredients in ProMind has an entourage effect. Let's look at the research for each ingredient.
ProMind Complex Ingredients Research
St. John's Wort 250 mg
St. John's wort has a long history of helping alleviate mild to moderate amounts of depression. But this is not why the company uses this herb. They use it to battle dementia and memory loss. Preliminary research suggests St. John's wort can improve memory in mice. The company states St. John's wort can ” scrape off the hardened plaque.” What's that about? Researchers have noted that in mice, St. John's wort reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein, which forms the plaques found in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have also reported the herb improves memory or rats exposed to stress.
Glutamine 150 mg
Glutamine (L-glutamine) is an amino acid. It helps us make GABA, an important neurotransmitter. Humans make glutamine, but sometimes they may need more. This is why it may be called a conditionally essential amino acid. Under some conditions, we may need more than we can make. Preliminary research suggests glutamine may aid learning and memory. When researchers inhibit the ability to make glutamine, memory declines. Some research suggests glutamine may protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease, although more research is needed.
Phosphatidylserine 125 mg
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a component of cell membranes and helps cells communicate with each other. The company says this ingredient “fires up brain cells.” In one investigation, PS was found to improve memory in people who likely had Alzheimer's disease. This study used 100 mg of PS taken 3 times a day (300 mg total). The Pro Mind Complex has 125 mg. In another study, 300 mg of PS was shown to improve memory and behavior when it was given to older people for 6 months. Other studies have also shown improvements in memory when given at a dosage of 300 mg a day for several months.
Bacopa monnieri 120 mg
Bacopa is an herb and herbal supplement considered to have memory enhancement effects. The company says bacopa can “ward off anxiety and depression.” Substances called bacosides are thought to be at the heart of these benefits. Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, plays a role in memory. Research suggests bacopa can help keep acetylcholine normal by reducing it from being broken down. Some memory drugs and antidepressant drugs work this way too. Research also suggests bacopa may inhibit beta-amyloid protein, which forms the plaques in the brains of those with Alzheimer's.
When given to middle-aged and older people, bacopa reduces forgetting newly learned information. In other words, it seems to help people remember better. In other reports, bacopa was shown to improve memory and help people take less time when making decisions. Keep in mind that several studies use about 300 mg daily and last for 2-6 months. The Pro Mind Complex supplement has 120 mg.
Watch this video for more on bacopa and memory
Ginkgo 50 mg
Ginkgo biloba has long been associated with helping memory. The Pro Mind Complex says ginkgo will bulletproof both brain and gums against bacteria. Does it? When researchers in China gave ginkgo to people with severe gum disease, it significantly reduced periodontal microbes after just 1 week.
Reputation notwithstanding, if it works, it's unknown how well it works. In a review of several previous studies, ginkgo worked better at improving memory, although the effects were not significantly different than a placebo.
However, in another review, ginkgo was shown to slow the decline in memory and cognition in older adults after 5 to 6 months of use. This review involved a specific extract of ginkgo Biloba called EGb761. It is not known if ProMind Complex contains the EGb761 ginkgo extract.
In another review, researchers noted that ginkgo was effective at dosages above 200 mg. Conversely, in one interesting study, ginkgo did not reduce the chances of getting dementia or Alzheimer's disease when it was given to people for up to 6 years. The dosage used was 240 mg per day.
N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride 50 mg
This is another name for acetyl-l-carnitine, a substance humans make from the amino acids methionine and lysine. It can also be obtained from meats and dairy foods. L carnitine acts like a taxicab in the body, transporting fats to the mitochondria, where they are burned for energy.
Research shows L-carnitine can:
- increase nerve growth factors
- raises acetylcholine level
- reduce inflammation
- has antioxidant effects
When given to old rats, acetyl L carnitine improved brain function. Some studies have demonstrated L carnitines can slow the progression of Alzheimer's. While more research is needed, studies that indicate benefits use between 1-3 grams per day.
Vinpocetine 2 mg
Vinpocetine is synthesized from the periwinkle plant and has been used in other countries to help memory problems. But does it work? The ProMind Complex company says vinpocetine repairs “wounded brain cells” and “opens up your brain's blood vessels, pumping your head full of oxygen and sparking nerve cells back to life.” Research shows vinpocetine increases blood flow to the brain, which confirms some of what the company says.
Vinpocetine has also been shown to improve memory after 2 days in healthy people at a dosage of 40 mg, taken three times a day. Researchers in Nigeria reported vinpocetine improved memory in people with dementia and epilepsy, although they also said the effects were minimal. In some countries, this vinpocetine may be sold by prescription under the name Cavinton.
Huperzine A 10 mcg
Huperzine is a substance derived from the Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata). The ProMind Complex company says that “Huperzine provides an antibacterial action on the surface of your brain.” Does it really do this? Researchers have isolated compounds from a fungus that grows on H. Serrata, exhibiting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria found in the biofilm on teeth that causes cavities. But does this help memory?
In China, huperzine is an approved drug to treat Alzheimer's. When researchers in China gave 0.2 mg (200 mcg) of huperzine to people with Alzheimer's disease, they reported that 58% of the people showed improvement in symptoms in memory, remembering new information, and behavior. ProMind Complex has 10mg per pill.
Some research has also shown huperzine might improve memory in younger persons too. One way it's thought to work is by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. This keeps acetylcholine levels higher and may help memory.
How Long Until ProMind Complex Shows Results?
The company says results should begin fairly soon, although this will vary from person to person and the memory problems you may have. My advice is to keep in mind that improvements in health take time. No supplement works overnight. This is especially true for regaining memory. The company suggests giving Pro Mind at least 60 days to allow the nutrients enough time to work their way through your system several times.
ProMind Complex Price
To order, here are the prices listed on the official website:
- 1 bottle: $69 (1 month supply)
- 3 bottles $177 (3-month supply)
- 6 bottles $294 (6-month supply)
Prices may be different when you see this so check the website for updates.
Shipping Information
All orders made within the US come with free shipping. Here are shipping rates for other countries:
- US: Free shipping
- Canada: $15.95
- UK and Ireland: $15.95
- Australia $15.95
- New Zeland: $15.95
It does not appear the supplement ships to South Africa, the UK, or Australia; however, it may when you see this, so check the company website. When you place your order, you will receive an email that lets you track when your package arrives. The email will arrive within 60 hours (2.5 days) or ordering. Orders placed within the US arrive within 5-7 days. Orders shipped to other countries may take 10-15 working days.
Money-Back Guarantee
ProMind Complex comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The 2-month guarantee begins when the supplements are shipped. Not
when they arrive at your home. This means you really have less than two months to evaluate its effectiveness. Also, if it works, two months may not be enough. This will depend on the severity of the memory problems you are having. The company suggests giving it at least 2 months to work.
How To Get A Refund
If you are unhappy with your results, return the bottles to this address: 37 Inverness Drive East, Suite 100, Englewood, Colorado, 80112. You can even return bottles 59 days after your purchase. Remember to send back ALL of the bottles – both opened and unopened bottles.
You will get an email when they have received your returned bottles. If you have questions, you can reach out to the company at contact AT promindcomplex.com.
Where Can You Buy ProMind?
You can purchase it from the official company website. Some websites such as Amazon, may sell supplements with the same name, although they appear to be sold by different companies. Do they contain the same ingredients? Always ask to make sure.
Ask to see the supplement facts label. Without this information, it's difficult to know if their ingredients are the same as what is listed here. As such, it may be best to get it directly from the official company. ProMind is not sold locally at Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Kroger, Target, Vitamin Shoppe, or GNC, although that may change in the future.
ProMind Complex Customer Complaints & Reviews
If you're trying to find legitimate testimonials on how well it works, you may have difficulty. Not many negative complaints or consumer alerts could be located. The company website provides a testimonial of a man named “George H” a 79-year-old man in Miami, Florida but nothing about him could be located.
The Better Business Bureau reports some customer complaints but one of the negative review appears posted with the BBB to be unreasonable in this reporter's view and outside the control of the company. To their credit, the company worked with the person to get a refund. Another person stated ProMind helped with brain fog. Another said it made him dizzy when he combined it with heart medications.
Who Makes ProMind Complex
The company is called The ProMind Complex, Inc. It appears to be a sole proprietorship that was started in 2020. The official website is ProMindComplex.com. While the company does not list a customer service phone number, the website has a contact page to which you can reach out with questions or request refunds.
ProMind BBB Rating
The Better Business Bureau gives the company an A+ rating. While there are not many complaints, what does exist shows the company responds to customer complaints and issues refunds when requested. Pro Mind Complex is sold by Clickbank, a trusted online retail website that has a BBB A+ rating that has been in business for over 20 years.
Who Is Carl Henderson?
Carl Henderson is the name you see on the supplement website. He says he is a Ph.D. professor of psychology in Austin, Texas, and is said to be the person who perfected Pro Mind Complex. He's said to have come up with the formula after his wife accidentally left their grandchild in a hot car, only later to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Mr. Henderson can be seen in YouTube videos discussing the supplement. However, not much could be found on him, including no profile on LinkedIn.
Dr. Jack Lane is said to be someone who helped Carl Henderson perfect the formula. Who is he? If you are searching for who Dr. Jack Lane is, you may have difficulty because while there are people with this name, that's not enough information to determine which Jack Lane Carl Henderson is referring to.
ProMind Complex Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
So is the complex safe? Some may say anyone can take the supplement this is not true. While no bad side effects are known from taking this supplement, there are some precautions. The company advises not exceeding the recommended dosage of 1 capsule daily. They also advise those with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners and antidepressant medications such as MAO inhibitors to speak to their doctor first.
Some other things to consider include the following:
- Store in a cool, dry place. Don't use it if the safety seal is broken.
- Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- St. John's wort may have many drug interactions. This even includes birth control pills. If you take any medications, ask your doctor first.
- Several ingredients may thin the blood. Stop taking the supplement at least 2 weeks before having surgery. This includes dental surgery.
- The supplement is not intended for those younger than 18.
- If you have allergies, know that ProMind Complex is made in a facility that may also process milk, soy wheat eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
ProMind Complex vs. Dentitox Pro
Dentitox Pro is a dental support product touted to improve your gums and teeth. Both supplements contain different ingredients but since ProMind Complex is said to help memory by eradicating cavity-causing microbes, could Dentitox Pro help it work better? As of now, maybe or maybe not. There is no proof either way. It would take clinical proof to know for sure and those have not been published yet. This is also true when comparing it to brain health supplements like Neuriva and Prevagen too.
Here is the Dentitox Pro official website to learn more about it.
ProMind Complex Pros & Cons
Pro | Con |
Ingredients make sense | No research on supplement the itself |
Ingredients have research | Some research is preliminary |
Easy to purchase | Bold claims |
60- day money-back guarantee | Kind of Pricey |
Sold via A+ rated company |
Does ProMind Complex Really Work To Improve Memory?
Until clinical studies are conducted, this question can't be answered. The real question is does ProMind clean the brain of the gingipains toxin found in the brains of so many people with Alzheimer's disease? While the ingredients make some sense, I think it's too soon to tell. If you try Pro Mind Complex, it probably won't work overnight. It will take a few months, which can vary from person to person and the kind of memory deficits you are experiencing. I think bacopa and huperzine are key ingredients. While I remain skeptical, if it works, it may work best in people with mild memory issues who do not have severe dementia. On the plus side, if it's not right for you, you can get a refund if you desire.
Purchase directly from the official company website
Judy Bass says
I am responding to your comment about ClickBank. It may have been around for 20 years, but have you read their Privacy Policy?? Before you talk about how great they are, I suggest you read about how they admittedly share information with their partners about – get this – our Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, passwords and on and on! I mean, you actually trust a company who not only gathers that information whenever they can but then SHARES it with other companies?
I was astounded! I will never purchase any product online that uses ClickBank as the payment processer. I hope you read their privacy policy right away – and let me know if I am wrong.
Joe says
Judy, thanks for sharing that. I did look at it and it does mention SS#. I don’t know how they would be able to directly collect our SS#s since that information is not required to make a purchase. Im sure however data mining companies can triangluate that info based on our names, addresses and other pieces of information though. I’m just not sure Clickbank directly does that. I have not heard about Clickbank directly doing this.
Jim says
I came here looking for answers. Its only been a week and not noticed anything yet. I’ll give it another month and see what happens. Thanks
Joe says
Jim, if Promind complex works I think it will take longer than a week. Memory is complicated.
Paul C says
Very informative review. I never knew how many of these supplements simply replicated their own material and passed it off as reviews on many sites (news, etc.); Granted they labeled as” sponsored” or “marketplace” but this sometimes isn’t obviious. In any event it’s frustrating because you just see the same review over and over in Google search.
It looks like the ingredients in ProMind make sense. I don” know Whether one could get equivalent amounts at a lower price I’m put off by the “bacteria is eating your brain” even if there is some evidence for gingival bacteria making it across the blood/brain barrier. (The other link between gingivits and cardiac health (and now I see, brain) is inflammation. Like you, I couldn’t find info on this supposed professor in just a bit of looking.
I don’t think ingesting Dentitox is going to do much for you. Some of those ingredients might be good in a toothpaste or rinse, and it seems the best way to treat/prevent gingivitis would be a tp or rinse intended to do that, whether one of the more “medicinal” or “natural” ones.
I look forward to reading more on your supplement site.
Joe says
Paul, thanks for your kind words and if you come across any supplements in the future that looks interesting let me know and I’ll add them to my list of things to review.
Pam Stewart says
I really appreciate your review. I have just ordered one bottle that I have not received yet. I would really like to talk to you about it more. But does this kill the bacteria or should I have just bought ginkgo?
Joe says
Hi Pam, thanks so much. So some of the ingredients in ProMind complex appear to have anti-bacterial effects. I would like to see more human testing of this. I’ve not seen Promind complex compared to ginkgo so Im not sure which might be better. The real test would be to give Promind complex to people with dementia and see if their memory improves.
Pam Stewart says
I really appreciate your review. I have just ordered one bottle that I have not received yet. I would really like to talk to you about it more. Check your email.
Joe says
I got your email 🙂
bob motion says
many thanks for prompt information
Joe says
I’m glad to help Bob.
Bob motion says
does it interfear while taking WARFARIN??
Joe says
Bob, it’s possible. Ginkgo has blood thinner effects so there might be. See the side effects section too.
bob motion says
many thanks for prompt information
Jack says
Do you think this works better than neuriva that I see the new jeopardy host talking about on TV. Is this better or the same as Neuriva at improving memory?
Joe says
Hi Jack, Ive seen the commercials too with Mayim Bialik. What I can say is neuriva has different ingredients than promind. I don’t think neuriva has been compared to Promind complex in clinical studies. The key ingredient in Neuriva has some research. I wish there was a tad more. Here is my review of Neuriva for more details.
stephen says
I can testify that since taking Promind I don’t feel as down and blue as I did before. Ive found Im better able to concentrate too. Thanks for this write-up. I am not sure how its working. I just know that it is. Definitely ordering more
Joe says
Thanks for the feedback Stephen. Im glad to hear Promind complex has been giving you some help.
June Hunt says
I’ve been taking Promind for 2 months and I really think its working. I’m calmer and feel like Im thinking more clearly, making better decisions. It was slow to work. I noticed differences after the first month. The fact that I don’t feel as stressed too makes me think this is the real deal. Im pleased with the results.
Joe says
Hi June, that’s great to know! I’m glad to know ProMind has been working well for you 🙂
James says
I tried it and didn’t notice any difference.
Joe says
James, thanks for sharing. How long did you use ProMind for? Just curious.
Maude says
John, I’m so glad to read about your experiment. I thought maybe I was imagining things. I’ve been also feeling better since I started taking Pro Mind. I’m 72, female and am sleeping better and having less issues with my short-term memory. It took 4 months to notice the changes.
John says
Thank you for this no-spin review. I must say while Ive been happy with Promind Im not a fan of the website. That said here’s what happened after my 3 months trial of Promind. I do feel that I forget things less. Its not that I really ever had an issue with my short-term memory. Rather there were just times when I’d get backed up on appointments due to not making time during the day. I’m a 59-year-old man with a busy job. Since starting ProMind Complex I feel more centered so that doesn’t happen anymore. Some other things that I noticed included
Blood pressure declined 3 points in both systolic and diastolic
I sleep better. I get to sleep faster and noticed I have not had as many nighttime bathroom trips
I wake up before the alarm goes off.
My workouts are about the same. Not better and not worse
I will add it took about 2 months before I started feeling differently and that it happened slowly. I almost didn’t notice it occurring.
Take all this for what it is. Just one guys opinion. Anyway thanks again for this great breakdown
Joe says
John, thanks so much for sharing what happened. Sounds like it’s working well for you. I am glad.
Margaret says
How does ProMind complex compare to Prevagen? Ive never heard of Promind but see ads for Prevagen all the time
Joe says
Margaret, so the ingredients in prevagen are different. Prevagen contains a substance extracted from Jellyfish. It’s supposed to help memory by removing calcium from the brain. They do have some research. Here is my review on Prevagen.
Catherine says
Joe, do you have a toothbrush and detal floss you prefer over others?
Joe says
Hi Catherine, yes. Im a big fan of the Sonacare Flex Care toothbrush. This is very similar to the Sonicare Healthy White model HX6731 and model HX9954
As for dental floss, I really like Dr.Tongus Smart Floss. Its the best dental floss I have found – and I tried pretty much all of them.
Susan Oliver says
Thanks for writing this! You by far write the most detailed reviews on supplements. I’ve been a fan of SupplementClarity for so long and tell all of my friends when they have supplement questions.
Joe says
Susan, thank you so much for your generous words. Thank you also for telling your friends about me too 🙂
Jackie says
I’m so glad you added a section on Dentitox Pro to your review. Reading this made me wonder if ProMind Complex and Dentitox Pro might work better together. Im already using Dentitox with good results. I’m going to try Promind for a few months and see if I forget less.
Joe says
Jackie, I’m glad you found the review helpful! If you try Promind let me know what happens.
John says
Great review as always Joe. Question. how do the dental bacteria get from our mouths up into our brain?
Joe says
John, So when the gums are damaged, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. From there they have the opportunity to enter the brain. Gum disease, in general, can allow this to happen as can brushing and flossing too aggressively.