May 27th, 2024
Contributing writer for Wake Up World
Nootropics are sometimes called “smart drugs” since they enhance cognitive performance and especially executive functions like memory, focus and creativity. Naturally occurring nootropics support focus and concentration by improving neural mechanisms related to learning and memory.
Nootropic herbs have long been a staple of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other traditional medicine practices. They have gained wide recognition in alternative and complementary medicine for their ability to boost mental processes. Rooted in centuries of traditional use, nootropic herbs form a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary natural health.
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Among the most widely used and extensively researched nootropic herbs are Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Rhodiola rosea. Each herb has a unique profile of benefits, from improving memory retention and speeding up reaction times to reducing mental fatigue and enhancing overall brain function.
In combination with lion’s mane mushrooms and GABA, which are not nootropic herbs, nootropic herbs can help promote mental clarity without the harsh side effects often associated with pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers. Each possesses unique properties and components worth further examination.
Consider These Five Nootropic Powerhouses
The rich tradition of herbal remedies is an effective solution for individuals seeking natural ways to support their focus and concentration. These powerhouse nootropics can serve as a cornerstone to a natural approach to cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.
Bacopa monnieri
Also referred to as brahmi or water hyssop, this perennial and non-aromatic herb is hailed in Ayurvedic medicine for its memory-enhancing properties. Studies suggest it improves cognitive function and facilitates better communication between brain cells.1
The bioactive phytochemical constituents of Bacopa monnieri are alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and cucurbitacin. Bacopa monnieri contains a compound called bacosides, which are the principal active ingredient and play a pivotal role in neuroprotection. They contribute to the herb’s ability to enhance brain function and protect neural structures.2
Enhanced memory acquisition, verbal learning, reduced anxiety and general cognitive improvement were found in clinical trials of Bacopa monnieri.3 Both Bacopa monnieri and its extracts are famous for their antioxidant powers, working along several pathways to shield your brain from oxidative damage and help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
The brain-boosting benefits of this potent herb likely come from the antioxidant properties found in both extracts and bacosides.4 Based on animal studies, the B. monnieri?extract and bacosides were shown to enhance antioxidant status in the brain region of the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and striatum.5
Ginkgo biloba
Often celebrated as one of the oldest living tree species, Ginkgo biloba is renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, its ability to enhance cerebral blood flow, improve oxygen delivery, and protect against damage from free radicals. Ginkgo biloba is one of the best-known nootropic herbs.
It has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of ailments. Today, it is best known for its capacity to improve cognitive functions, particularly in the elderly. Compounds found in Ginkgo biloba, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, contribute to its neuroprotective effects, helping to combat cognitive decline and increase attention span and memory processing.6
Flavanol glycosides are primarily responsible for the antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba. Oxidative stress contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, causing changes to the protein structure, lipid denaturation, and DNA damage. Since Ginkgo biloba has such strong antioxidant activity it is being studied and applied as a treatment modality for ADHD.
Ginkgo biloba also significantly improves attention and memory, making it a staple in natural cognitive enhancement.7
In a comprehensive review, Ginkgo biloba extracts were shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function, memory, and the overall quality of life in patients with cognitive impairment, highlighting its significance in supporting brain health and combating age-related cognitive decline. While ideal for improving memory and concentration, we have only scratched the surface of its potential.8
Rhodiola rosea
This adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries to enhance memory and concentration. Rhodiola rosea also goes by the names golden root and arctic root. By reducing fatigue and improving resilience to stress, it addresses factors that significantly affect cognitive functions.9
Packed with active ingredients like rosavins and salidroside, it’s a powerhouse for boosting your brain’s dopamine levels. Not only does it enhance neurotransmitter function, but it also fights back against stress-induced cognitive fog, helping to promote a clear and focused mind. Rosavins have been specifically tied to reducing oxidative stress.
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that manifests through a low mood, sluggish thinking, and notably slower speech and movement. Clinical studies reveal that Rhodiola rosea extract shows remarkable potential for its antidepressant properties in individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression.
Studies have demonstrated rhodiola’s capability to increase attention to detail, cognitive processing speed, and overall ability to multitask efficiently.10 This herb’s adaptogenic qualities make it particularly effective for those under stress, ultimately contributing to improved cognitive outcomes and productivity.
Panax ginseng
This herb is often referred to as Asian or Korean ginseng. It stands out as a potent adaptogenic herb with significant cognitive enhancement potential. Revered for centuries in TCM, this root possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This makes it an excellent nootropic for improving memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Ginsenosides are the active components in Panax ginseng and have been extensively studied for their ability to modulate neurotransmitter activity, while increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
The role of BDNF in diseases of the central nervous system provides a window into the mechanism through which Panax ginseng mitigates stress on the brain and thereby enhances cognitive function and mental performance.11
Panax ginseng is a popular choice among students and professionals looking to boost their mental clarity and focus in a natural, sustained manner. Its benefits extend beyond temporary cognitive improvement, suggesting potential long-term effects in brain health and function.12
Ashwagandha
Known scientifically as Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is another highly regarded herb within traditional medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic properties. It is often referred to as Indian ginseng and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to bolster memory and improve concentration.
Its potent effects on mental acuity are attributed to a reduction in excessive cortisol levels, a stress hormone, which can adversely impact cognitive functions.13
Ashwagandha supports the regeneration of brain cells and stabilizes the chemicals responsible for learning and memory. By mitigating stress and anxiety, it creates an optimal environment for enhancing cognitive functions.
Clinical studies suggest that consistent supplementation with ashwagandha may lead to significant improvements in task performance, attention, and memory, validating its use to naturally enhance cognition.
Its antioxidants also protect against neural oxidative stress, further supporting brain health and cognitive longevity. This makes ashwagandha a pivotal addition to an herbal arsenal for those aiming to support their mental performance and cognitive capacities.14
Lion’s Mane Stimulates Production of Nerve Growth Factor
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While not technically an herb, Lion’s mane mushrooms are also associated with improved mental acuity, concentration, and memory. The core of this power packed mushroom are hericenones and erinacines.15
Lion’s mane mushroom stands at the forefront of natural cognitive enhancers due to its unique ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a protein that plays a crucial role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons.16
By promoting the production of NGF, lion’s mane directly contributes to the enhancement of neuroplasticity — your brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This capacity is fundamental to improving cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.17
Furthermore, animal studies have demonstrated that the bioactive compounds within lion’s mane, hericenones and erinacines, can cross the blood-brain barrier, directly facilitating the growth and development of brain cells. This direct action not only helps in sharpening focus and recall but also in potentially slowing the cognitive decline associated with aging.18
Serotonin — The Unhappy Hormone
Understanding the role of serotonin is another crucial component in a comprehensive strategy to optimize your memory and concentration. Often dubbed the “happy hormone,” the role of serotonin in dementia has been completely misconstrued in media coverage.
Serotonin is an antimetabolite, putting the brakes on your body’s energy production within the mitochondria’s electron transport chain. High levels of serotonin might leave you feeling fatigued, slow your metabolism, and even lead to weight gain.
The pharmaceutical industry, however, has a vested interest in keeping the darker side of serotonin under wraps. After all, the narrative that low serotonin levels in your brain lead to depression fuels the sale of most antidepressants on the market today.
Risk of Elevated Serotonin Levels
In the quest to balance and potentially mitigate elevated serotonin levels, GABA emerges as a natural ally. This neurotransmitter functions as a counterbalance to excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin. Elevated levels of serotonin can lead to a range of undesirable effects such as fatigue and slowed metabolism, as previously mentioned.
The calming effect of GABA on the brain supports relaxation, reduces stress, and can help improve sleep quality — all of which are beneficial for cognitive function and overall mental health.
By promoting a more balanced neurological environment, GABA supplementation can indirectly support improved memory, concentration, and mental clarity, making it a critical component in the holistic approach to enhancing cognitive performance and mitigating the adverse effects of excessive serotonin.19
Linoleic Acid Increases Inflammation and Lowers Cognitive Performance
Diet is a crucial aspect of maintaining and improving cognitive function. Slashing or eliminating your intake of linoleic acid (LA), a common polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in seed oils such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oils is crucial.
The overconsumption of LA can lead to a cascade of health problems that impact brain health. Excessive intake of LA has been associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress, conditions that are detrimental to brain cells and can impair cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.
Moderating your intake of LA by reducing the consumption of seed oils rich in PUFAs and instead focusing on a diet that includes healthy fats from sources like avocados and fatty fish, and “clean carbs” like ripe fruit and white rice can support brain health. These healthy fats contribute to the maintenance of cell membrane integrity and fluidity, facilitating optimal neuronal communication and cognitive function, while healthy carbs provide the needed fuel for optimal brain function.
Boost Your Cognitive Function and Brain Health With Nootropics
The pursuit of naturally enhanced memory and concentration encompasses a diverse array of powerful nootropics. The combination of these powerful natural compounds can help you optimize your mental performance and support long-term brain health.
A multi-pronged approach can also utilize GABA to mitigate high-serotonin levels, and include replacing PUFAs with healthy fats and clean carbs to optimize mitochondrial energy production, without which cognition will be compromised.
This article first appeared on Mercola.com
Article Sources and References
- 1 Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022; 9: 97237, Paragraph 2
- 2 Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022; 9: 97237, Paragraph 1
- 3 STATPEARLS, 2023; 3, Table 1
- 4 Annals of Neuroscience, 2017 May; 24(2): 111–122, Brahmi on Cerebral Blood Flow
- 5 Phytotherapy Research, 2000, May; 14, 174-9, Abstract
- 6 Neurotherapeutics, 2019, Jul; 16 (3), 666-674, Pharmacological Importance
- 7 Human Psychopharmacology, 2002 Aug;17(6):267-77, Abstract
- 8 Ginkgo Biloba, Mount Sinai Health, Memory and thinking
- 9 Molecules, 2022 Jun 17;27(12):3902, Abstract
- 10 Molecules, 2022 Jun; 27(12): 3902, Neuroprotective Effects
- 11 Neural Plasticity, Vol. 2017, Introduction
- 12 Journal of Ginseng Research, 2013 Apr; 37(2): 144–166, Table 3
- 13 Journal of Ayurvedic Integrated Medicine, 2022 Apr-Jun 13(2), Introduction, Discussion
- 14 Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2012 Jul-Sep; 34(3): 255–262., Discussion
- 15 Journal of Neurochemistry, 2023 January 20, Figure 6, 7
- 16, 17 International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 2013;15(6):539-54, Abstract
- 18 Behavioral Neurology, 2018 May 21, Protection against Alzheimer’s Disease, Table 2, Conclusion
- 19 Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2020 Sept 17, Introduction
About the author:
Born and raised in the inner city of Chicago, IL, Dr. Joseph Mercola is an osteopathic physician trained in traditional and natural medicine. Board-certified in family medicine, Dr. Mercola served as the chairman of the family medicine department at St. Alexius Medical Center for five years and, in 2012, was granted fellowship status by the American College of Nutrition (ACN).
While in practice in the late 80s, Dr. Mercola realized the drugs he was prescribing to chronically ill patients were not working. By the early 90s, he began exploring the world of natural medicine and soon changed the way he practiced medicine.
In 1997, Dr. Mercola founded Mercola.com, which is now routinely among the top 10 health sites on the Internet. His passion is transforming the traditional medical paradigm in the United States. “The existing medical establishment is responsible for killing and permanently injuring millions of Americans… You want practical health solutions without the hype, and that’s what I offer.”
Visit Mercola.com for more information, or read Dr. Mercola’s full bio and resumé here.
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