The symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease include memory loss, challenges in problem solving, difficulty performing tasks, confusion with time or place, change in personality, and many other indications. Studies show that the use of single Chinese herbs or herb mixtures can effectively treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Many of the researchers also call for further research to obtain for definitive results. Herbs should not be used to treat Alzheimer's or any condition without a doctor's supervision.
Ginkgo Biloba
A study by the Department of Psychiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy, in 2006 confirmed the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba E.S., or Flavogin, in treating Alzheimer's dementia. In the Italian study, researchers found that Ginkgo biloba not only slows the degenerative progression of Alzheimer's disease, but also slows down a patient's cognitive impairment. Huperzine A, an extract of Huperzia serrata, which is derived from Ginkgo biloba, known as Qian Ceng Ta in Chinese, has also been used in Chinese folk medicine for centuries.
Zizyphus Spinosa
Zizyphus is derived from the fruit of the Zizyphus jujuba plant. Zizyphus has been used by traditional Chinese medical practitioners to treat memory problems by nourishing the heart, helping the liver, impeding sweating, and calming the mind with Zizyphus. In recent studies, Huperzine has been found to treat Alzheimer's and dementia with positive results. Get a doctor's approval before using Zizyphus to treat any condition.
Biota Orientalis
Biota orientalis, or Biota, as it is usually called, is derived from a tree native to China and has been used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat insomnia and amnesia. In a report by the University of Nigeria in 2008, Biota seed extract improved memory in mice. Biota is used by alternative medical practitioners to improve concentration, as well as combat restlessness, anxiety and agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Do not use Biota without a doctor's approval.
Polygala Tenuifolia Root
Polygala tenuifolia root extract has been shown to improve the short-term memory in memory-impaired rats. Polygala has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat psychoneurological diseases and memory loss. It is also used as a sedative and tranquilizer. Studies indicate positive therapeutic effects for Alzheimer's patients.
Acorus Calamus
Acorus calamus has long been used in treating memory and cognition disorders in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been found to be effective in treating seizures and convulsions in patients with cerebral trauma and is used as a memory enhancement herb for Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients. Nevertheless, get a doctor's approval for using Agorus calamus.
Melissa Officinalis and Salvia Officinalis
In a study conducted by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Institute of Medicinal Plants, Salvia officinalis improved the cognitive function with no side effects in patients. Salvia officinalis has been used in medicine for centuries.
Melissa officinalis is commonly known as lemon balm. In a Tehran University of Medical Sciences study, Melissa officinalis extract was found to be valuable in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease and associated agitation. Other studies show that M. officinalis improves cognition, improves mood, and decreases stress in patients. Always get a doctor's approval before using any herb to treat Alzheimer's or any condition.
Yi Gan San and Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Yi Gan San is a mixture of seven herbs; Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, or BDW, is a mixture of eight. In a Brazilian medical study, these two herbal formulas were determined beneficial in treating Alzheimer's disease. Both of these herbal mixtures improve cognition. Yi Gan San has the added benefit of being a calming sedative.
Other Chinese Herbs
In several studies, the Chinese herbs Lycoris radiata, Macleaya cordata, or boluohui; Coptis chinenses, or huanglian; and Securinega suffruticosa, or yiyiqiu, were found to be effective in treating patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, improving cognitive, functional, and behavioral symptoms. These herbs have long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat many different symptoms, but get a doctor's approval for using them to treat Alzheimer's disease.
References
- Alzheimer's Association: 10 Signs of Alzheimer's
- Oxford Journal, Oxford University Press: A systematic review of single Chinese herbs for Alzheimer's disease treatment
- Herbs 2000: Herbs for Alzheimer's Disease
- PubMed.gov: Ginkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study, 2006
- PubMed.gov: Potential therapeutic targets of huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
- Institute for Traditional Medicine: Zizyphus
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