Neurological disorders affect the brain and spinal cord, also known as the central nervous system, and the network of nerves throughout the body, known as the peripheral nervous system. There are over 600 neurological diseases, according to Medline Plus, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, meningitis and stroke. They can affect speaking, movement, breathing, mood and memory, and conventional treatments vary depending on the disease. Herbs may be useful natural therapies for some of these diseases, but their use would depend upon the specific disease and it is important to consult a health care professional before starting any herbal treatment.
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca, or Banisteriopsis caapi, is a tropical medicinal vine from South America. Amazonian peoples combine it with another tropical plant to brew a sacred hallucinogenic beverage also called ayahuasca. The plant contains the potent alkaloids harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, which are monoamino oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, with actions similar to MAOI antidepressant drugs. A study published in the 2010 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” evaluated several standardized extracts of the plant for their antioxidant properties and MAO inhibitory potential. The study found that the extracts made from the stems and bark of mature stems demonstrated the most potent MAO inhibitory and antioxidant activity. The researchers state that MAO inhibition by the alkaloids in ayahuasca and the antioxidant action of epicatechin and procyanidine provide protection against the neurodegenerative effects of Parkinson’s disease. Further studies are needed to test efficacy and safety of these constituents in humans.
Water Hyssop
Water hyssop, or Bacopa monnieri, is a wetland succulent creeper with small white flowers native to South and East Asia. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine the plant is known as brahmi and is used as a nerve tonic and to improve cognitive ability. Water hyssop contains potent alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, and has antioxidant and nervine actions. A study published in the January 2010 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested an extract of water hyssop on animals with induced Alzheimer's disease to evaluate its effect on cognitive function and neurodegeneration. The study found that the extract improved the animals’ impaired memories and mitigated neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved with long-term memory. Further studies are needed to test the efficacy and safety of water hyssop on humans with Alzheimer's disease.
Sacred Fig
Sacred fig, or Ficus religiosa, is a fig tree native to South Asia and the legendary Bodhi tree under which the Buddha became enlightened. Many ficus species have anticonvulsant properties and traditionally have been used to treat epilepsy. Folk healers also use the sacred fig leaf to treat asthma, toothache, cough and diarrhea, and the stem bark as an antiseptic and astringent. The figs contain the neurotransmitter serotonin, which may have some protective effect against seizures. Indian Ayurvedic medicine uses the plant to treat epilepsy. A study published in the June 2009 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested an extract of the figs for its anticonvulsant activity by inducing three types of seizures in test animals. The extract demonstrated anticonvulsant activity against two of the seizure types. The study also found a high serotonin content in the fig extract which showed no neurotoxic effects on test animals even in high doses. Since most conventional antiepileptic drugs have unpleasant and neurotoxic side effects, figs from the bodhi tree may offer a natural alternative. More studies are needed to determine the active constituents and to test the efficacy and safety on humans.
References
- MedlinePlus
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Composition, standardization and chemical profiling of Banisteriopsis caapi, a plant for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders relevant to Parkinson's disease; Wang YH, Samoylenko V, Tekwani BL, Khan IA, Miller LS, Chaurasiya ND, Rahman MM, Tripathi LM, Khan SI, Joshi VC, Wigger FT, Muhammad I; April 2010
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects of Bacopa monnieri in Alzheimer's disease model; Uabundit N, Wattanathorn J, Mucimapura S, Ingkaninan K; January 2010
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Anticonvulsant effect of Ficus religiosa: role of serotonergic pathways; Singh D, Goel RK; June 2009
