12 Natural Substances that Help Boost Brain Power

Abstract: This article provides a summary of the scientific and clinical evidence for 12 natural substances that can be used to boost brain performance. The information is referenced to publications and research articles, to help the reader to make an informed decision on supplements for memory and brain health.

Introduction

We are what we eat?. Yes, we take this for granted. Read through the pages on this article and you’ll realize that naturally-occurring substances all around us, in our food and packaged as health supplements can help to boost our brain performance and memory. Some natural substances also seem to help keep dementia and age-related memory loss at bay. Please also look up the references herein and conduct your own research!.

1. Omega 3

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain growth and development. They play an important role throughout life, as critical modulators of neuronal function and regulation of oxidative stress mechanisms, in brain health and disease. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), the major omega-3 fatty acid found in neurons, has taken on a central role as a target for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A plethora of in vitro, animal model, and human data, gathered over the past decade, highlight the important role DHA may play in the development of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including AD. Cross sectional and prospective cohort data have demonstrated that reduced dietary intake or low brain levels of DHA are associated with accelerated cognitive decline or the development of incipient dementia, including AD. Several clinical trials investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in AD have been completed and all failed to demonstrate its efficacy in the treatment of AD. However, these trials produced intriguing data suggesting that the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may depend on the stage of disease, other dietary mediators, and apolipoprotein E status. (Ref: Gregory A Jicha and William R Markesbery Clin Interv Aging. 2010; 5: 45–61).


2. BE55 Plant Extract

BE55 plant extract is a proprietary standardized extract of Bacopa monniera and probably the only Bacopa extract that has been standardized. BE55 is standardized to 55-percent com¬bined bacosides A and B. This combination of bacosides A and B provide optimal results. It is not known whether there are other Bacopa extracts available with this optimal combination of bacosides A and B. Standardization of herbs or plant extracts is important for comparing herbal therapy with conventional medicines. Standardization is also important for the delivery of the correct dose in a consistent manner. Since BE55’s primary therapeutic use is to enhance cognitive function, most research has fo¬cused on the mechanism behind these properties. The triterpenoid saponins and their bacosides are respon¬sible for BE55’s ability to enhance nerve impulse transmission. The bacosides aid in repair of dam¬aged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal synthesis, and restoration of synaptic activity, and ultimately nerve impulse transmission (Ref: Singh HK, Dhawan BN. Neuropsychopharmacological effects of the Ayurvedic nootropic Bacopa monniera Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Pharmacol 1997;29:S359-S365.)........... a complete text copy of this article is available at www.activmind.com.sg or click on this link http://www.activmind.com.sg/add_page.asp?pid=38&mcid=18

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