Lots of people think that memory loss is an unpreventable component of aging, however this isn’t necessarily real. Whether we are referring to periodic lapse of memory or a loss of our short term memory, you ought to know that there are variables that could trigger even more youthful individuals to experience episodes of memory loss.
Several of these causes are medicine or alcohol abuse, lack of sleep, anxiety, depression, overwork, prescription medications, stroke, nutritional deficiency, or head injuries.
Do you ever seem like your brain simply can not satisfy your everyday demands? Do you feel that you sometimes forget things due to the fact that your brain is just overtaxed? Do you think that your memory is weak? Is concentration as well as focusing on jobs challenging for you?
If you have actually answered yes to any of these concerns, you might benefit from one or more of the herbs listed below. You could protect your brain from too much needs of the modern-day world or even safeguard it from brain related illness, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, by eating some of the natural herbs that are recognized to enhance the function of the brain.
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you could benefit from one or more of the herbs listed below. You can protect your brain from excessive demands of the modern world and even protect it from brain related diseases, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, by consuming some of the herbs that are known to improve the function of the brain.
Medicinal herbs such as the ones listed below can help lower your stress levels and help you function at your best.
- Ginseng
Ginseng refers to the different plants belong to the genus, Panax. Although there are different species of ginseng, true ginsengs such as Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) are more effective memory aids than false ginsengs such as Siberian ginseng.
Ginsenosides are also known as panaxosides. They are saponins and they belong to 2 broad classes: Rb1 and Rg1. Rg1 ginsenosides are the most abundant panaxosides in ginseng. They are known to improve spatial memory through the activation of neuronal activity in the hippocampus. Rb1 ginsenosides are also useful for improving memory. They have been demonstrate to reverse scopolamine-induced amnesia in animals.
They do this by increasing the release of acetylcholine and by stimulating cholinergic activity in the hippocampus and cortex, the two popular seats of memory in the brain.
- Ginkgo
Ginkgo is the name given to the herbal extract obtained from the leaves of one of the oldest tree species alive, Ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgo is known to prevent the formation of beta amyloid proteins (which are known to cause Alzheimer’s disease). It is believed to be especially good for preventing cognitive decline in the elderly.
In one study, a daily dose of 240 mg of the standardized extract of ginkgo was found effective for improving memory and learning in patients suffering from dementia. Therefore, while ginkgo has the active phytochemicals to help improve memory, it seems that it requires long-term supplementation to work.
- Gotu Kola
Gotu kola or Centella asiatica is a common herb in Indian, Chinese and African traditional medicines.
Gotu kola is an adaptogen with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and diuretic properties. It also stimulates blood circulation and is commonly taken as a brain tonic. Preliminary studies also show that gotu kola has nootropic effects. It is known to slow down the signs of aging and to improve concentration and attention span.
The herb has also been used to successfully treat neurodegenerative disorders and to enhance memory.
- Bacopa
Bacopa is more commonly known as Brahmi especially in Ayurveda traditional medicine. The effectiveness of bacopa on cognition and memory is well studied. For example, its antioxidant protection has been shown to extend to the hippocampus.
In the brain, bacopa not only mops up reactive oxygen species but it also breaks down beta amyloid proteins that causes Alzheimer’s disease. Bacopa’s antioxidant effect has been found comparable to that of vitamin E.
Although bacopa improves cognitive functions including memory in people with neurodegenerative disease, it does not have the same effect on normal, healthy subjects. This is because the antioxidant properties of bacopa is only useful where memory loss is caused by damage to the nerves and brain cells.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is also known as Indian ginseng although it belongs in the Nightshade family.
The root extract of this herb has shown promise as a possible Alzheimer’s disease drug candidate. It was able to reduce plaque load in mice by breaking down the beta amyloid proteins that form plaques in the brain.
- Rhodiola
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) also known as Aaron’s rod and King’s crown grows in cold regions of the world.
Its root has been used in the folk medicine of the inhabitants of these regions. Rhodiola is an adaptogen. It is also known to help improve mood and relieve depression. This effect on mood is due to rhodiola’s ability to increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Although it is not a stimulant, rhodiola influences opioid peptides such as endorphins.
- Huperzia
Huperzia serrata is also known as Chinese club moss. The major medicinal phytochemical in this herb is Huperzine A. Huperzine A is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Therefore, it increases cholinergic activity, an effect that is required for improving memory.
- Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is traditionally used in Europe to improve memory. It is commonly grown for its essential oil which contains active ingredients such as cineole and thujone.
Although it is recommended for a rather long list of ailments in traditional medicine, the indications for which scientific evidences have been provided for include the antibiotic, antifungal, antispasmodic, astringent, hypoglycemic and tonic properties of sage. However, sage stands out as an effective herb in the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
- Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a popular cooking spice but it is also a widely used medicinal agent.
Rosemary is used in traditional medicine to treat hair loss, muscle and joint pain as well as to enhance memory. A 2003 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience concluded that rosemary can enhance overall quality of memory as well as secondary memory factors.
- Green Tea
Green tea is prepared from the leaves of Camellia sinensis after allowing for only a slight oxidation during processing.
The polyphenol extract of green tea is a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. By inhibiting this enzyme, green tea increases the activity of acetylcholine in the brain. Since acetylcholine and the entire cholinergic pathway are required in memory stabilization and consolidation, this effect is another way green tea improves memory.
Source: pinterest