Herbs Used for Memory

A decrease in recall can be a normal part of aging. However, when the memory loss results in confusion, loss of skills and the inability to function independently, seniors may find themselves dependent on the care of others. Some herbs demonstrate success in reducing memory loss and returning cognitive function.

Gastrodin

• A Chinese study reported in the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" concluded that gastrodin could be effectively used in improving memory orientation, language and calculation skills, daily living activities and behavior in patients who suffer ischemic strokes. The study used lab rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury to determine if gastrodin might be as effective as the French drug Duxila. The study concluded that gastrodin worked as effectively as Duxila and had fewer side effects.

Centella Asiatica

• Centella asiatica grows in India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa and some portions of Eastern Europe. Ayurvedic medicine uses the leaves of this plant to enhance memory. A trial using young rats fed leaf extract from the centella asiatica demonstrated that the herb could be effectively used to enhance memory function and treat brain degeneration.

Rosemary

• In 2002, Reuters reported that smelling rosemary could boost memory and alertness. Volunteers who were seated in cubicles with rosemary aromas scored better than those volunteers who were exposed to lavender smells. The experiment in the United Kingdom confirmed that herbalists who recommended rosemary as a memory boost were correct in their observations.

Ginkgo Biloba

• A study reported in "Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental" concluded that ginkgo biloba was effective in improving memory functions in healthy seniors. The seniors were all 60 years or older and none of them showed signs of dementia or cognitive impairment prior to the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants who received the supplement reported improvement in delayed free recall and recognition on a variety of tests. Both objective and subjective analysis determined that ginkgo biloba was effective in enhancing the memory processes of seniors with no cognitive dysfunction.

Brahmi

• A study reported in the "Neuropsychopharmacology" in 2002 found that Brahmi, also known as water hyssop, was tested on adults ages 40 to 65 to determine its effectiveness on memory retention. Ayurvedic medicine has used this herb as a memory enhancer similar to gotu kola. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study determined that Brahmi was effective in helping individuals retain new information and in reducing forgetfulness.

Bilberry

• A Chinese study in the January 2008 edition of the Journal of Jilin Medical College reported that mice were given sodium pentobarbital to impair the brain function and then a group of them were given bilberry extract powder. The randomized, controlled study concluded that bilberry extract powder improved both the learning and memory abilities of the mice.