FST, which stands for Fermented Sea Tangle Extract, is a unique and innovative functional food ingredient derived from Laminaria japonica, commonly known as sea tangle or kelp. Sea tangle has been consumed by humans since ancient civilizations and is naturally rich in various beneficial components, including a high level of glutamic acid, which is a precursor of GABA. It is also characterized as an alkaline food with 'Zero Calorie' and contains abundant dietary fibers, calcium, magnesium, iodine, and other minerals. The core value of FSTlies in its proprietary and patented manufacturing method, which utilizes a specialized bio-conversion process. This innovative technique transforms the glutamic acid naturally present in sea tangle into Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid that functions as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The fermentation process, specifically a highly specialized lactic acid fermentation, is key to activating the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme, which facilitates the conversion of glutamate into GABA. The strain used for this unique fermentation is Lactobacillus brevis BJ20, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium derived from Jot-Gal (Korean Traditional Salt-Fermented Seafood). A significant advantage of this bio-conversion is the high concentration of GABA, with FSTstandardized to contain a minimum of 5% natural GABA. The resulting FST™ extract is a pale, yellowish, and 100% water-soluble powder, making it easy to incorporate into various health food applications. Furthermore, the specialized production method successfully reduces the naturally occurring odor characteristic of sea tangle, while also improving the flavor and texture, enhancing its adaptability as a general food ingredient. FST has received official recognition as a Health Functional Food Ingredient by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The KFDA-approved health claim for FST™ is that it "May support liver from alcoholic damage," with the active component identified as GABA. The recommended daily dosage is 1.5g of FST, which equates to 75mg of GABA. Beyond liver protection, FST has been extensively studied for its multi-faceted physiological functions, particularly in cognitive function and antioxidant effects. Cognitive Function Improvement: GABA itself is recognized for promoting brain enhancement, mental stability, and enhanced concentration. In-vitro studies using FST have demonstrated a significant increase in neurite outgrowth, suggesting potential nerve regeneration and connectivity improvement. FST™ also increased the inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), enzymes associated with the degradation of neurotransmitters and cognitive decline. In-vivo animal studies further support these findings. In a passive avoidance test, FST decreased response latency time and significantly increased the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), an enzyme crucial for acetylcholine synthesis, which is often reduced in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, a measure of spatial memory, showed that FST significantly decreased escape latency time and increased retention time around the platform. Furthermore, FST increased the number of immuno-positive neurons related to memory and neuroplasticity, such as CREB, BDNF, and ChAT, in the hippocampus (CA1). Human clinical trials have reinforced the cognitive benefits. A 4-week clinical study showed that FSTtreatment significantly improved memory correct answer rate, concentration level, and left brain activity based on the Raven Test. Another 6-week trial demonstrated significant improvements in various cognitive function indicators, including K-MMSE, K-WAIS, and the Raven Test. The clinical data also revealed significant improvements in hematologic biochemical markers, such as an increase in BDNF and a decrease in beta-amyloid, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Liver Protection and Anti-Oxidant Effects: FST's hepatoprotective properties are evidenced by both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. In-vitro studies using HepG2 cells demonstrated that FST™ attenuated the loss of cell viability induced by a lethal dose of ethanol. The ingredient also inhibited the depletion of Glutathione (GSH), GGT activity, and CYP2E1 expression, all of which are critical in countering ethanol-induced cytotoxicity. In-vivo studies on alcohol-induced hepatic damaged rats showed that FST suppressed liver injury by decreasing serum activities of liver damage indicators: ALT, AST, gamma-GTP, and LDH. The administration of FST also reduced blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels, which are central to alcoholic hangover symptoms and hepatotoxicity, by modulating the activity and expression of alcohol metabolizing enzymes like ADH and ALDH. Furthermore, histopathological analysis confirmed that FST treatment largely reduced hepatic injuries, with necrotic and fibrosis being nearly absent in higher dose groups. In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled human clinical trial targeting volunteers with high levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), FST treatment for 4 weeks significantly decreased serum GGT, AST, and ALT levels, confirming its liver protection effect. Regarding its antioxidant properties, FST demonstrated a significant reduction of Malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipid peroxidation, in both animal models and human trials. Concurrently, FST™ significantly augmented the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), in both rats and human subjects. In conclusion, FST is a highly functional ingredient derived from fermented sea tangle using proprietary bio-conversion technology. It is a KFDA-approved ingredient for liver health and has substantial scientific backing for its efficacy in improving cognitive function and providing robust antioxidant effects.