CuratedFit
CURATEDFIT SUMMARY
Passes because this is a fully botanical traditional Chinese herbal formula, Bu Nao Yang Shen Pian, at a true 5:1 concentration with minimal fillers. Unlike SpiritCalm, another Guang Ci Tang formula reviewed elsewhere in this catalogue, this one contains no animal-derived ingredients. The proprietary blend is flagged rather than failed, consistent with the CuratedFit Standard's treatment of traditional herbal formulas.
WHAT IT IS
BrainNew is a concentrated extract tablet based on Bu Nao Yang Shen Pian, a classical Chinese formula designed to support cognitive function during periods of mental fatigue, stress, and overwork. The formula contains ten ingredients at a 5:1 concentration, as stated by the manufacturer, each 200mg tablet represents 1g of raw herb, and the full bottle of 200 tablets represents 40g of concentrated herbal extract.
From a TCM perspective, the formula addresses a pattern described as disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys. Within the TCM framework, the Heart is understood to govern mental activity and the Kidneys are the foundational source of the body's Yin, Yang, and Qi energies. Under sustained stress, this relationship is said to become imbalanced, producing what the manufacturer describes within the TCM framework as hyperactive Heart fire alongside Kidney Yin insufficiency, presenting as poor focus, forgetfulness, and a foggy or fatigued mental state. The formula works to nourish the Heart and calm the mind while tonifying the Kidneys.
This is a tonic formula with what the manufacturer describes as a mild action, meaning effects build gradually rather than appearing after a single dose.
WHO IT IS FOR
Someone experiencing mental fatigue, poor focus, or a foggy head connected to sustained stress or overwork, rather than someone seeking an acute cognitive stimulant. Of the three Guang Ci Tang formulas in this category, BrainNew is the one most directly oriented toward daytime cognitive clarity and mental stamina, distinct from SpiritCalm's focus on anxiety and racing thoughts, and Sleepeace's focus on sleep onset and quality. It suits someone willing to take a longer-term approach, the manufacturer suggests an initial course of four to six bottles before assessing results.
INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN
The formula is declared as a proprietary blend. Individual herb doses are not disclosed. All ten active ingredients are botanically derived. See the transparency note for context on the proprietary blend structure.
Fo-Ti Vine
Shou Wu Teng
Used to nourish the Heart and calm the spirit. This review refers specifically to the vine (Shou Wu Teng), not the root (He Shou Wu), which has a different safety profile. Naturally derived from plant material.
Chinese Salvia Root
Dan Shen
Used to promote blood circulation, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. One of the more widely researched herbs in TCM generally, with preclinical studies noting calming effects. Naturally derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza root. Note: Dan Shen has known interactions with blood-thinning medications and is generally recommended to be discontinued before planned surgery due to potential anticoagulant effects.
Jujube Seed
Suan Zao Ren
Used to nourish the Heart and Liver and calm the spirit. The same anchor herb featured in Sleepeace, here contributing to the formula's calming foundation rather than its primary sleep-support role. Naturally derived from Ziziphus jujuba seed.
Silk Tree Flower
He Huan Hua
Used to calm the spirit and disperse stagnated Qi to improve mood. Naturally derived from Albizia julibrissin flower. Distinct from He Huan Pi (silk tree bark), the related ingredient used in the SpiritCalm formula -- this is the flower of the same plant rather than the bark.
Anemarrhena Rhizome
Zhi Mu
Used to clear heat and drain fire, addressing the hyperactive Heart fire pattern described in the formula's TCM rationale. Naturally derived from Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome.
Polygonatum Rhizome
Huang Jing
Used to replenish both Yin and Qi energies to nourish the Kidneys. Naturally derived from Polygonatum sibiricum rhizome.
Grass-Leaf Sweetflag Rhizome
Shi Chang Pu
Used to open the sensory orifices, dispel phlegm, and quiet the spirit. Within the TCM framework this herb is traditionally associated with promoting cognition specifically, making it one of the more directly relevant herbs in this formula to its stated cognitive purpose. Naturally derived from Acorus gramineus rhizome.
Schisandra Fruit
Wu Wei Zi
Used to nourish the Kidneys and calm the spirit, restoring the harmony between Heart and Kidney function central to this formula's TCM rationale. Adaptogenic berry with a reasonable research base for stress reduction, primarily from preclinical and early human studies. Naturally derived from Schisandra chinensis fruit.
Polygala Root
Yuan Zhi
Used to calm the spirit and expel phlegm. One of the better researched ingredients in this formula, traditionally associated in TCM with supporting learning and memory specifically, with emerging preclinical research. Naturally derived from Polygala tenuifolia root.
Dong Quai Root
Dang Gui
A widely used tonic herb in TCM for blood nourishment. Naturally derived from Angelica sinensis root. Note: Dang Gui also has some documented interaction potential with blood-thinning medications, similar to Dan Shen, though generally considered milder.
Other Ingredients
Tapioca starch, dextrin, magnesium stearate. Standard tablet binders and flow agents, together comprising 8% of tablet weight as declared by the manufacturer. Minimal excipients by design. Tablets are uncoated.
CERTIFICATIONS
Informed Sport
Not Confirmed
Banned substance tested
Not Confirmed
GMP Certified
Certified
Heavy metals tested
Certified
BRCGS
Not Confirmed
FSSC 22000
Not Confirmed
CURATEDFIT STANDARD CHECK
Pass
As Natural As Possible
All ten active ingredients are botanically derived from whole plant sources. No synthetic active compounds present. Unlike SpiritCalm, this formula contains no shell-derived or animal ingredients.
Pass
Contains What It Claims
The manufacturer states that herbs undergo identity and quality testing, with independent heavy metal testing also reported. No evidence of adulteration or label inaccuracy from available sources.
Pass
Every Ingredient Earns Its Place
Every herb in the formula has a declared traditional function within the TCM framework. No filler herbs or undisclosed additives. Excipients are minimal and serve a clear formulation purpose.
Pass
No Insect-Derived Ingredients
No insect proteins, chitin, or insect-based additives present. All active ingredients are plant-derived.
Warning
No Proprietary Blends
Individual herb doses are not disclosed. CuratedFit normally treats undisclosed ingredient quantities as a transparency concern. Traditional herbal formulas are evaluated differently because the historical ratios themselves may constitute part of the formulation's intellectual property. The blend remains flagged because individual quantities cannot be independently assessed.
Pass
Allergen Declaration
Gluten free and vegan as confirmed by the manufacturer. No major allergens declared in the active ingredients.
Pass
Sugar Content Declared
No sugar added. Tablet format with negligible carbohydrate content from excipients only.
Pass
Artificial Sweeteners and Flavorings
No sweeteners, flavourings, or artificial additives present. Uncoated tablets by design.
Pass
Heavy Metals and Contaminants
Independent laboratory heavy metal testing reported by the manufacturer. A meaningful positive for a herbal product with ingredients sourced from China, where heavy metal contamination in botanical ingredients is a known industry concern. CuratedFit has not independently verified the test reports.
Warning
Banned Substance Risk Declared
No banned substance testing confirmed for this product. Competitive athletes subject to anti-doping regulations should seek guidance before use.
Warning
Country of Manufacture Noted
Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility and marketed as a dietary supplement under US FDA dietary supplement regulations. EU regulatory framework does not apply. European buyers should be aware that this product has not been assessed or approved under EU supplement regulations.
TRANSPARENCY NOTE
What CuratedFit is evaluating and why this product passes
CuratedFit evaluates active ingredients first, with the greatest weight placed on the origin and processing pathway of a product's active ingredients, while also evaluating transparency, ingredient disclosure, and manufacturing information where available.
A product can pass the CuratedFit Standard without strong clinical evidence for efficacy. The Standard evaluates ingredient origin, processing, manufacturing quality, contamination risk, and transparency. Clinical effectiveness is discussed separately so readers can distinguish product quality from the strength of the evidence supporting its intended use.
All ten active ingredients in BrainNew are botanically derived from whole plant sources. No synthetic active compounds, shell-derived ingredients, or other animal-derived ingredients are present. No equivalent of SpiritCalm's Mother of Pearl transparency note is required here. No equivalent of SpiritCalm's Mother of Pearl transparency note is required here.
On the proprietary blend
This product declares its ingredients as a proprietary blend, meaning individual herb doses are not disclosed. Unlike many sports supplements where proprietary blends frequently obscure ingredient quantities, traditional Chinese formulas often preserve historical ratios as part of the formulation itself. CuratedFit therefore flags the lack of disclosure while recognising that the context differs from modern performance supplements. The blend remains flagged because individual quantities cannot be independently assessed regardless of the reason for non-disclosure.
On the evidence
Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) and Dan Shen have the more established research bases among the ten herbs, with preclinical studies noting effects on memory-related and calming pathways respectively. Schisandra is also reasonably researched for stress reduction in preclinical and limited human studies. The remaining herbs are better supported by traditional use than by Western clinical trial data specific to cognitive function.
The honest position is this: the formula has a coherent TCM rationale connecting mental fatigue to a Heart-Kidney imbalance pattern, a long traditional use history, and emerging modern research on individual herbs that is supportive but not conclusive by Western clinical trial standards for the formula as a whole. CuratedFit does not claim it works in the way a pharmaceutical cognitive enhancer is clinically proven to work. What can be said is that the ingredients are real, botanically derived, and used for this purpose for centuries.
On EU regulatory status
This product is marketed as a dietary supplement under US FDA dietary supplement regulations. It has not been assessed or approved under EU supplement regulations. European buyers should be aware of this distinction. Availability of international shipping to Europe from Chinese Herbs Direct should be confirmed directly with the retailer before ordering.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is BrainNew different from SpiritCalm and Sleepeace?
All three are Guang Ci Tang formulas addressing related TCM patterns, but with different emphases. Sleepeace is oriented toward sleep onset and quality through general blood deficiency. SpiritCalm addresses anxiety, racing thoughts, and heart palpitations affecting sleep. BrainNew is oriented toward daytime cognitive clarity, focus, and mental fatigue connected to sustained stress, rather than sleep specifically. A TCM practitioner can help identify which pattern, or combination, applies to you.
How long does it take to work?
BrainNew has what the manufacturer describes as a mild action, meaning effects typically build gradually. The manufacturer suggests it may take a month or more before symptoms begin to improve, with an initial course of four to six bottles at the full dose recommended before assessing results. This is not a product designed for an acute or immediate cognitive boost.
Is it safe to take alongside other supplements or medications?
Consult a healthcare professional before combining with medications. Dan Shen and, to a lesser extent, Dang Gui have documented interactions with blood-thinning medications. Dan Shen is generally recommended to be discontinued before planned surgery due to potential anticoagulant effects.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes. All ten active ingredients are plant-derived, and the manufacturer confirms the product is vegan.
Is it suitable for competitive athletes?
No banned substance testing has been confirmed for this product. Athletes subject to anti-doping regulations should seek guidance before use
Is this product available in Europe?
The product is marketed under US FDA dietary supplement regulations and ships from the United States. International shipping availability to Europe from Chinese Herbs Direct has not been independently confirmed by CuratedFit at time of review. Confirm directly with the retailer before ordering.
Sources:
Guang Ci Tang manufacturer documentation
10/3/26
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