Apoaequorin

ByLaura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, University of Utah College of Pharmacy
Reviewed ByEva M. Vivian, PharmD, MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy
Reviewed/Revised Modified Jul 2025
v75590569
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Apoaequorin is derived from jellyfish called Aequorea victoria. A laboratory-made version of apoaequorin is the main ingredient in the over-the-counter dietary supplement called Prevagen.

Claims for Apoaequorin

Apoaequorin is said to improve mild age-related memory loss. Apoaequorin theoretically decreases brain calcium levels, which may improve memory (1). Apoaequorin has been proposed for use in combination products for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (2).

Evidence for Apoaequorin

There are no high-quality studies demonstrating that apoaequorin is effective for improving memory loss or for treating any health condition.

In 2017 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and New York State Attorney General charged the marketers of the dietary supplement Prevagen, which primarily contains apoaequorin, with making false and unsubstantiated claims that it is beneficial for brain health (see FTC press release, January 9, 2017). Data from the Madison Memory Study was discussed in the FTC complaint (3). The Madison Memory Study was a randomized trial that included 218 community-dwelling adults aged 40 to 91 with self-reported memory concerns who were treated with either apoaequorin or placebo for 90 days (4). The study reported a statistically significant improvement in measures of cognitive function. However, this finding was not supported by numerous post hoc analyses. The study reported a statistically significant improvement in certain measures of cognitive function (ie, verbal learning and recall). However, this finding was not supported by numerous post hoc analyses.

Adverse Effects of Apoaequorin

Adverse effects of apoaequorin may include headache, dizziness, and nausea, memory problems, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. In combination products, increased or decreased blood pressure may occur. Overall, the safety of apoaequorin is not known.

Drug Interactions with Apoaequorin

The risk for serious drug interactions with apoaequorin is not known.

References

  1. 1. Hickson SV, Darnell LK. Enhancing Cognitive Function with Herbal Supplements. Nurs Clin North Am. 2021;56(1):59-67. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2020.10.005

  2. 2. Payne AG. Experimental regimen targeting the ependyma slows disease progression in four patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Med Hypotheses. 2009;72(5):548-550. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2008.12.032

  3. 3. FTC v. Quincy Bioscience Holding Co., S.D.N.Y. at 29-29, 2017, (No. 1:17-cv-00124).

  4. 4. Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA, Lerner KC. Effects of a supplement containing apoaequorin on verbal learning in older adults in the community. Adv Mind Body Med. 2016;30(1):4-11..

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