Nootropic herbs
During this time when many more of us are on our computers working from home plus there are those students in the middle of the HSC I thought it timely to write about Nootropic herbs.
Nootropic herbs are simply herbs that support the brain. They have been shown to enhance memory, learning, cognition, intelligence, concentration and motivation. They have also been shown to combat health conditions that interfere with motor control, learning and a healthy emotional state such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s and ADHD.
Because of the increasingly complex technological world we live in which is exerting escalating demands on our cognitive skills this ability of herbs to support the brain is leading research. Use of these herbs may help to increase circulation to the brain, provide precursors to neurotransmitters, provide usable energy to the brain, improve neuron function and prevent free radical damage to brain cells.
Some of the nootropics I use in clinic:
Bacopa monnieri – Bacopa
Long used as a brain tonic in Ayurvedic medicine it protects the brain against free radical damage and stimulates improved learning and brain function. It is also a wonderful nervine which can help while studying to improve calmness, memory and recall.
Gingko biloba – Gingko
The well recognized leaves of this plant seen in the picture above from the oldest known tree still in existence, are known to increase blood flow to the brain and greater amounts of oxygen to the tissues. They appear to cause the blood vessels to dilate which leads to increased blood flow and improved levels of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. They also contain powerful antioxidants which can protect brain cells from premature death. Gingko has also been shown to promote the more efficient metabolism of glucose, which is the brains major source of energy and can lead to an improvement in performance.
A story from my family:
My grandfather had a stroke in his 80’s years ago and was told it would take many months to recover and he may never walk or talk again. So, my auntie smuggled in Gingko tincture to the hospital which she secretly gave him each day… the doctors were amazed at how fast he recovered! He recovered his speech and movement just as before and lived for another 14 years through what I believe was the power of Gingko!
Centella asiatica – Gotu kola
Has been used for thousands of years as an adaptagen which helps us cope with stress and also for nervous disorders and vascular problems in the brain. A recent study found that it is effective in improving cognitive function after stroke.
Melissa officinalis – Lemon Balm
Found to be useful for Alzheimer’s disease which in one study (double blind placebo controlled randomized trial) showed notable cognitive and mood effects with improved memory performance and increased calmness from a 1600mg dose.
Rosemarinus officinalis – Rosemary
Ancient Greeks used it for memory and in fact it is still used in memorial services on ANZAC day to remember the fallen. Research now shows that moderate doses as well as the essential oil aroma can have beneficial effects on cognition and mood. Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, can improve headaches and provides additional liver support.
Salvia officinalis – Sage
Sage is cholinergic which supports the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is a facilitator of memory formation. Cognitive functions are are shown to improve by increasing availability of this neurotransmitter. Sage has traditionally been used for the memory loss of old age through the ages and is now being studied for its use in Alzheimer’s disease. In fact many modern studies on humans and animals have shown that it stops the breakdown of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, the increase of which can lead to memory loss in forms of dementia. This pathway is also the basis for many of the modern drugs to treat Alzheimer’s.
Crocus sativus – Saffron
The most expensive spice and herb on the market today which can fetch up to $30,000 per kilogram! Saffron has neuroprotective, adaptogenic, anti-depressant, anti-anxiolytic, cognitive enhancing and antioxidant properties among many more. In a 2020 systemic review of randomized controlled trials saffron was shown to be equally effective to other drugs used for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. It was actually found to be as effective as the leading drug donepezil used in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s with less side effects. Saffron has also been shown to alleviate mild to moderate depression as well as anxiety. It also appears safe to take with common anti-depressant drugs which is not the case for herbs like St. John’s wort. But as always speak to your Naturopath before self prescribing herbal medicine if you are taking medication.
Medicinal Mushrooms –
Reishi, Lions Mane & Cordyceps have been found to support the brain and nervous system while improving cognitive function. They can help to enhance mental performance and memory. They are also helpful in supporting the immune system and for stress adaption both of which is crucial to support those HSC students!
For any herbal blends please contact us and we can blend one especially for your needs or you can also buy online HERE on our online shop.
Thank you for reading!
Fin Mackenzie – Naturopath & Herbalist
BHSc(CompMed), ADNat, DNut, DRM, MATMS
Book ONLINE here!
Call us 02 9979 9888
EMAIL info@greendoorhealth.com.au
Special thanks to The Herbal Extract Company and Superfeast for information on Nootropics
More references supplied on request:
Akhondzadeh S, Shafi ee Sabet M, Harirchian MH, Togha M, Cheraghmakani H, Razeghi S, et al. A 22-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild tomoderate Alzheimer’s disease. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Jan;207(4):637-43. doi: 10.1007/s00213-009-1706-1. Epub 2009 Oct 20.
Akhondzadeh S, Sabet MS, Harirchian MH, Togha M, Cheraghmakani H, Razeghi S, et al. Saff ron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a 16-week, randomized and placebo controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010 Oct;35(5):581-8. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01133.x.
Quan Y, Ma A, Yang B. Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Brain Injury. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1182:159-180. doi: 10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_6. PMID: 31777018.