In the month of May, we are primarily focusing on ‘exam season’ and supporting cognitive health. We’re aiming to support individuals going through exams, who will benefit from supplements to improve memory, focus, concentration and brain health.
In our previous blog post ‘Naturally supporting students through their exams’, we shared how ‘exam season’ can have a negative impact on a students’ life and we explored a variety of vitamins and minerals to improve cognition, memory, concentration in order to achieve optimal academic performance.
We also discussed how sleep may impact the brain and how hydration, a healthy diet and specific foods can be a hugely positive driver to greater academic achievements and cognitive performance.
This blog examines herbal supplements and the potential benefits for students seeking to optimise their ability to learn, focus and memorise information efficiently and effectively through supporting cognitive health.
Herbal remedies have been used successfully for centuries by different cultures; Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine are two particularly well-known paths.
The process of making herbal supplements typically involves several stages, including sourcing the herbs, extraction, formulation, manufacturing, and finally, quality control.
The first step is to obtain high-quality herbs for the supplements. Herbal material may come from various parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, flowers, roots, or seeds. The active compounds then need to be extracted to create a concentrated form. Different extraction methods can be employed, including:
The way herbs are produced plays an important role in its biological activity. Using the parts of the plant with a higher nutrient content results in a more effective supplement. The concentration and efficacy of herbal nutrients can therefore vary from brand to brand depending on the ingredients used.
Interestingly herbal combinations or complex formulas may be more powerful than using only one single herbal component, as the compounds work more effectively in synergy.
Herbs have the potential to have a highly positive impact on cognitive health, particularly if they have been specifically selected for the needs of the individual. Boosting cognitive performance with herbal supplements may prove an important tool for achieving academic success.
Plants and herbs contain variety of phytochemicals which have been shown to enhance intelligence, concentration and memory; here our lead nutritionist highlights some of her favourites:
Gingko is perhaps the first herb which comes to mind when we talk about enhancing memory and brain support. Gingko biloba is a flavonoid, which has been traditionally used as a vasodilator, opening (dilating) blood vessels, to increase cerebral and peripheral perfusion. It is also commonly used to support memory and improve anti-oxidant status within the body by reducing free radical levels in the human body.
Based on standardised neuropsychologic assessment, 6 weeks oral administration of gingko biloba extract resulted in improvement in neurocognitive function in older adults.
Gingko supports blood circulation into the nervous system and enhances the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the brain which in turn may help support memory and alertness.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures such as China, Japan, and Korea. It is known for its distinctive appearance, resembling the mane of a lion, hence the name. In herbal medicine, lion’s mane is primarily valued for its potential cognitive and neurological benefits.
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel-group comparative study, this medicinal mushroom resulted in an improvement in cognition after 12 weeks of administration. In fact, it’s worth noting that lion’s mane has a long history of traditional use and shows promise in scientific research.
Bacopa Monnieri, also known as Brahmi or water hyssop, has been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for enhancing memory as well as reducing anxiety. It has also been used in the treatment of different conditions such as lack of concentration, mental well-being and as a learning enhancer. Bacopa Monnieri is thought to have neuroprotective properties that can help protect the brain against oxidative stress and other forms of damage.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most popular herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Primarily known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha is often referred to as ‘Indian Ginseng’. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it may support the body’s ability to adapt to stressors, both physical and psychological. Ashwagandha has been studied to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and a prominent feature of exam season.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It contains a variety of phytochemicals, including flavonoids and tannins. It has been suggested to enhance mental clarity, improve focus, and promote overall brain health. Some studies have indicated that Gotu kola may have a particularly positive impact on learning and memory retention.
As we have shown, there are several herbal remedies that have been traditionally used and studied for their potential effects on cognitive health and function. We encourage you to research and explore this exciting world of natural health.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal remedies, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or you are taking other medications, to ensure they are appropriate for your specific circumstances. The above article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The information is provided for research purposes only.
Lorca C, Mulet M, Arévalo-Caro C, Ángeles Sanchez M, Perez A, Perrino M, Bach-Faig A, Aguilar-Martínez A, Vilella E, Gallart-Palau X, Serra A (2022) ‘Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition’ A systematic review Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022 Jan 3;1-25. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2021.2021137. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34978226/
Mix A J, Jr C D W (2000) ‘An examination of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults’ J Altern Complement Med. 2000 Jun;6(3):219-29. doi: 10.1089/acm.2000.6.219. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10890330/
Halder S, Anand U, Nandy S, Oleksak P, Qusti S, Alshammari ME, Batiha El-S G, Koshy PE and Dey A (2021) ‘Herbal drugs and natural bioactive products as potential therapeutics: A review on pro-cognitives and brain boosters perspectives’ Saudi Pharm J. 2021 Aug; 29(8): 879–907. Published online 2021 Jul 15. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.07.003 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8363108/
Saitsu Y, Nishide A, Kikushima K, Shimizu K, Ohnuki K (2019) ‘Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus’ Randomized Controlled Trial Biomed Res. 2019;40(4):125-131. doi: 10.2220/biomedres.40.125. Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413233/
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