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These can be signs of a potentially serious cognitive problem or simply the signs of an aging brain.

The following herbs and vitamins are known for enhancing cognitive function through various mechanisms. If you want to maintain youthful cognitive functioning or if you need a little extra help studying for that exam, look for a product with a combination of the following ingredients.

BACOPA

This herb is also known as Brahmi and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory and learning as well as treat epilepsy. It is considered a general nerve tonic as well as an adaptogen. Adaptogenic herbs help the body to minimize the impact of stress. Clinical studies have found that taking Bacopa for 12 weeks enhances verbal learning, memory, and information processing in healthy adults. Bacopa also acts as an antioxidant throughout the entire body, including the brain.

CHOLINE

This is a water-soluble nutrient related to the B complex family. High amounts of choline are found in egg yolks. Choline is used for liver disease as well as improving cognitive function. It may also be helpful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Free choline in the blood crosses the blood brain barrier where it is used to form one of the most important neurotransmitters, acetylcholine. Memory, intelligence, mood and muscular action potentials all rely on acetylcholine.

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L-THEANINE

Studies have found that this non-proteinic amino acid helps to protect neurons in the brain. It has also been shown to prevent cerebrovascular disease and memory loss. L- Theanine is best known for the relaxing effect it provides. It is often used to treat anxiety as well as lower the effects of stress on the body.

VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN, INOSITOL HEXANICOTINATE)

This vitamin has many therapeutic uses. It is used to treat schizophrenia, high cholesterol, depression, age related cognitive decline and many other conditions. There is some evidence that the consumption of Niacin may also reduce one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE)

Vitamin B6 is involved in the regulation of cognitive function and mood. It is also important for reducing homocysteine levels in the body. High homocysteine is correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and may also increase one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to seizures, migraines, chronic pain and depression.

VITAMIN B12 (METHYLCOBALAMIN)

Vitamin B12 is involved in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Adequate vitamin B12 levels are required for healthy cognitive function. Low levels are associated with neurodegenerative disease, cognitive impairment and a small subset of dementias.

FOLIC ACID

Like vitamin B6, folic acid is required to reduce homocysteine levels in the body. It has also been found that low folic acid levels increase susceptibility to depression.

BCM-95 (CURCUMIN)

Turmeric, the root from which curcumin is derived, is a staple spice in Indian cooking. Interestingly, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is 4.4 times less in India than it is in North America. Al-zheimer’s disease attacks the brain in many ways. Inflammation, oxidative stress, deposition of beta amyloid plaques and metal toxicity have all been correlated with the disease. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and has been found to clinically reduce the build up of beta amyloid plaques. In one study, mice that were given low doses of curcumin had beta amyloid levels that were 40% less than the control group. Curcumin has also been shown to reduce the effects of metal toxicity on the brain.

When choosing a curcumin supplement it is important to ensure that you choose one that is bioavailable. In order for curcumin to be absorbed it needs to be combined with a fat. BCM-95 (curcumin) utilizes the essential oils from Turmeric root as a fat source to enhance bioavailability. It is 7 times more bioavailable than most curcumin products on the market.

VINPOCETINE

This is a constituent found in the periwinkle plant that has many cognitive benefits. It is helpful for increasing circulation to the brain as well as improving oxygenation and glucose utilization by the brain. It is used for age related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular disease, recovery and prevention of strokes, chronic fatigue syndrome and seizures. Vinpocetine is also used in healthy subjects for enhancing memory. One study found improvements in short-term memory, specifically when Vinpocetine was used in combination with Ginkgo biloba.

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ROSEMARY

This herb is best known for it’s culinary use as a spice. It has also been found to improve cognitive function. In a recent clinical study, an increase in memory speed in adults between the ages of 65-90 was observed.

GINKGO BILOBA

This herb has many medicinal uses for improving cognitive function. It is used for anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular and mixed dementia, memory loss, tinnitus, headaches, vertigo, dizziness and much more. After 12 weeks of supple-mentation, studies have found improvements in memory, speed of cognitive processing as well as attention. In studies with dementia patients, it was found that supplementation for three months to one year resulted in stabilization or improvement in measures of cognitive and social functioning. There is also preliminary evidence that Ginkgo biloba may be helpful for protecting against Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the cell death that can occur as a result of beta amyloid plaques.

ASHWAGANDHA

This herb is best known as an adaptogenic herb or a herb that helps to decrease the effects of stress on the body. There is also evidence that it may be helpful for ADHD, Parkinson’s disease and Cerebellar ataxia. In a preliminary study, children with ADHD were supplement-ed with Ashwagandha for 4 months and significant improvements were seen in attention, cognition and impulse control. In a study of patients with Parkinson’s disease, Ashwagandha in combination with other herbs resulted in improvement of symptoms. In a small study of individuals with cerebellar ataxia, improvement in balance was found with a combination of Ashwagandha and Ayurvedic therapy. Aside from enhancing cognition, this herb has many other beneficial actions including: immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, increasing hemoglobin, increasing white blood cells, increasing neutrophils, antitumor, antiepileptic and hypotensive.

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• Supports cognitive health, brain function & peripheral circulation

• Enhances memory & cognitive function in adults