Supplements for Memory Retention

The ability to recall or restore information within the short term memory bank can become hampered for a variety of reasons including age, alcoholism and dementia. Herbal supplements can provide the brain the ability to bolster active memory retention and recall and help you maintain a healthy state of mental activity.

Ginkgo Biloba

• Gingko biloba has been traditionally used for memory enhancement. Laboratory studies show that this herb improves blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels and improving alertness, memory recall and retention as well as mental clarity. The University of Adelaide, South Australia, notes that longer-term memory showed improvement in the older adult population during usage.

Gotu Kola

• Gotu kola is an herb recommended for nervous disorders, epilepsy and senility. It is said to aid memory and intelligence as a brain tonic. It has a positive effect on the circulatory system, improving the flow of blood. Kasturba Medical College showed an impressive improvement in memory in rats that were treated with the extract. In one clinical trial, children showed an increase intelligence in test scores.

Sage

• Sage can help improve brain function and memory and has been studied extensively for the use of Alzheimer's disease. The Medicinal Plant Research Centre of England conducted studies at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities with sage oil pills and placebo pills and found that those who took the sage performed much better on a word recall test than those who took the placebo.

Rhodiola

• Rhodiola rosea is an herb used for memory enhancement. It can also strengthen your nervous system, enhance immunity, increase sexual function and improve energy levels. According to the Armenian State Medical University, volunteers showed significant improvement in perceptive and cognitive cerebral functions including associative thinking, short-term memory, calculation and concentration.