Meet the Neuroscientist Behind Ārepa’s Brain Drink
When the team at Ārepa set out to develop a brain-focused drink, they knew they needed serious scientific expertise — someone who understood how ingredients interact with the brain. That person was Professor Andrew Scholey.
A leading researcher in human psychopharmacology, Andrew has spent decades exploring how food and natural compounds affect brain function. With research roles at top universities in the UK and Australia, and a long track record of peer-reviewed studies, his work bridges the gap between nutrition and neuroscience.
In 2021, Andrew officially joined Ārepa as Chief Science Officer, helping guide our clinical research and ensuring our science stays honest and evidence-led. We caught up with him to hear more about his background, why he joined Ārepa, and what makes our ingredients unique.
So, what’s your background and why focus on the brain?
My area is cognitive enhancement, specifically how nutrition and natural compounds influence mood, focus, and mental clarity. Over the years, I’ve seen growing interest in how lifestyle factors like diet and exercise may play a role in long-term brain function. That’s been my focus for over 30 years.
What made you want to work with Ārepa?
I initially helped with the early formulation of the drink. When I later decided to leave academia, Angus (Ārepa co-founder) reached out to see if I’d consider coming on board full-time.
To be honest, I turn down a lot of offers from companies that want to add a scientific badge to marketing-led products. But Ārepa was different. Their team genuinely cared about the research and were committed to doing things properly, even if it meant taking longer. That made it an easy yes.
The blackcurrants in Ārepa are often called Neuroberry⁺. What’s so special about them?
Neuroberry⁺ is our name for a specific strain of blackcurrants selected for its rich colour and concentration of naturally occurring plant compounds, especially anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid).
These compounds, along with vitamin C, are part of why the blackcurrant was chosen as a key ingredient. It’s grown in New Zealand and is the heart of what gives Ārepa its signature deep colour and flavour.
What about the other ingredients?
Ārepa’s formula includes:
L-theanine: An amino acid naturally found in green tea. Ours is produced through a natural fermentation process and contains no caffeine.
Pine bark extract (Enzogenol®): Made from New Zealand pine trees, it’s a highly pure source of polyphenols, a group of compounds studied for their antioxidant activity.
These ingredients were chosen based on emerging evidence in nutritional neuroscience. Our aim has always been to formulate based on credible science, not trends.
You also oversee Ārepa’s clinical research. What kind of studies are underway?
We’re currently supporting several studies in Australia and New Zealand, including one in partnership with the University of Wollongong. That study is looking at the impact of a diet rich in purple plant compounds (including Ārepa) on everyday cognitive function.
We’re also involved in ongoing research examining how regular use of our formula may influence things like focus, stress response, and mental clarity in different populations.
Final thoughts?
It’s been exciting to help shape a product that’s built on real research. It’s also refreshing to work with a team that’s just as passionate about science as it is about flavour. We still have more to learn, and that’s what keeps the work meaningful.
About Professor Andrew Scholey
Andrew is a neuroscientist with appointments at Monash and Swinburne universities. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications on how food, supplements, and other compounds influence the brain. At Ārepa, he leads our research strategy and ensures our science meets global standards.
Andrew is in top 2% of researchers globally in all science disciplines based on citation indicators with high field impact in Clinical Medicine; Nutrition & Dietetics; Psychiatry
Top 0.0066% of researchers in cognition [24th from 351,109]
Top 0.065% of researchers in nootropics [7th from 10,707]
Top 0.098% of researchers in caffeine [31st from 30,634]
*Ārepa products are designed to support normal mental performance and are intended to be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. We do not claim to treat, prevent or cure any medical condition.
