Many people turn to herbal remedies in the quest for natural alternative treatments to increase longevity, boost stamina, and improve memory and other cognitive abilities. The evidence confirming the benefits of herbal remedies for improving brain power is somewhat limited. However, certain herbs, namely ginkgo, ginseng, rosemary and green tea, may be useful for improving certain cognitive functions. Consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy. Herbs should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba, has been used in traditional and herbal medicine practices for thousands of years. One of the oldest living tree species in the world, the leaves and extracts from the ginkgo plant are one of the most extensively used herbal remedies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ginkgo has gained a prominent reputation for its abilities to boost brain power and improve concentration, memory and stamina. In fact, some studies have shown ginkgo to be a potentially effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. One study, published in 2002 in the journal "Neuropsychobiology," showed that patients with Alzheimer's disease who were treated with a ginkgo extract had a substantial improvement in cognitive functioning as measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale.
Another study, published in the November 2000 issue of the journal "Psychopharmacology," showed that a combination of ginkgo and ginseng provided significant benefits to "a number of different aspects of memory, including working and long-term memory."
While ginkgo may be a helpful herb for improving cognitive functioning, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Inform your doctor if you plan to use ginkgo or a ginkgo supplement.
Ginseng
Ginseng is another herb that has a long history of use for its physical and mental benefits. Though there are three varieties of ginseng, they do not have the same properties. Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng, is the most common of the three. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Asian ginseng is commonly used to improve stamina and mental performance and increase well-being.
As the 2000 "Psychpharmacology" study shows, ginseng has been shown to have a significant impact on memory when combined with ginkgo. However, ginseng is also a beneficial herb for brain power in its own right, although most of the studies supporting this claim have been performed on laboratory animals.
A study published in the May 1998 "Neuroreport" demonstrated the beneficial effects of ginseng on brain-damaged and normal laboratory rats. The rats were given ginseng extract, then exposed to cognitive tasks. Significant improvements in cognitive abilities, particularly in learning ability, were noted in both the normal as well as the brain-damaged rats. More human studies are needed to fully evaluate the benefits of ginseng.
Ginseng should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical care. Always inform your doctor if you plan to use ginseng or a ginseng supplement.
Rosemary
You may be familiar with the woody taste and evergreen-like appearance of rosemary due to its multitude of culinary uses. However, rosemary may also be a beneficial herb for increasing brain power. Published studies in the October 2007 issue of "Nature Reviews Neuroscience" and the online edition of the November 8, 2007, "Journal of Neurochemistry" show the brain protective effects of carnosic acid, the active ingredient in rosemary. Rosemary essential oil is frequently used by aromatherapists to improve memory and concentration, as well as to provide stress relief, notes UMMC. Do not use rosemary as a replacement for your regular medical care. Inform your doctor if you plan to use rosemary or a rosemary supplement.
Green Tea
Green tea is an herbal remedy that has gained popularity in recent years, due to its number of reported health uses. UMMC states that the potential benefits of green tea include maintaining heart health, possibly decreasing the risk of certain types of cancers and helping symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, some studies suggest that green tea may also be a useful supplement for improving memory and cognitive abilities as well as inducing relaxation and stress relief.
One study, published in the June 1999 issue of the journal "Trends in Food Science & Technology," showed that theanine, one of the active components in green tea, induced relaxation without drowsiness in study participants. Another study, published in the April 2006 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," the journal of the American Society for Nutrition, showed that long-term administration of green tea catechins to young laboratory rats improved spatial cognitive learning abilities. Additionally, another study, published in 2007 in the journal "Biogerontology," showed that administration of green tea catechin to aging laboratory mice prevented memory regression. Although these studies were performed on laboratory animals, the results may be extrapolated to show benefits for humans. However, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Green tea should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care. Consult your doctor before using green tea or a green tea supplement.
References
- "Neuropsychobiology"; Influence of the Severity of Cognitive Impairment on the Effect of the Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 in Alzheimer's Disease; P.L. Le Bars, et al.; 2002
- "Psychopharmacology"; The Memory Enhancing Effects of a Ginkgo Biloba/Panax Ginseng Combination in Healthy Middle-Aged Volunteers; K.A. Wesnes, et al.; November 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- "Neuroreport"; Ginseng Improves Strategic Learning by Normal and Brain-Damaged Rats; R. Zhao and W. McDaniel; May 1998
- Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Asian Ginseng
- "Medscape Today"; Active Compound in Rosemary May Be Neuroprotective; Caroline Cassels; November 2007
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