Traditional Indian herbs may help regrow aging brain cells
Muralidhara M, Vismaya, Lalith Kumar V
Medicinal Plants
The Gotu Kola creeping along shady, damp corners of your garden and the Ashwagandha some gardeners grow as an ornamental shrub are the same plants researchers are studying for their ability to spark new brain cell growth.
Scientists looked at a group of herbs long used in Ayurvedic medicine, including Brahmi, Gotu Kola, and Ashwagandha, and found they seem to help the brain grow new cells and strengthen connections between them. This could make them useful as a natural add-on treatment for memory problems that come with aging or diseases like Alzheimer's, partly by boosting a protein called BDNF that keeps brain cells healthy and well-connected.
Key Findings
Six key Ayurvedic herbs (Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, Shankhapushpi, Guduchi, and Yashtimadhu) are highlighted for cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective effects
Herbs appear to work through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, neurotransmitter modulation, and gut microbiota effects to support neurogenesis
Antidepressant-like effects are linked to upregulation of BDNF and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
chevron_right Technical Summary
A review of ancient Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Gotu Kola finds growing scientific evidence that they can boost brain cell growth and connectivity, potentially helping fight age-related memory loss and conditions like Alzheimer's.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Ayurvedic Herbs as neurogenesis modulators: Current understanding on their potential therapeutic relevance in enhancing neuroplasticity and cognition in aging and neurodegeneration.
Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian health system, promotes a category of Ayurvedic herbs (AH) known as Medhya Rasayanas (nootropic rejuvenators) for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Cu...
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Brahmi is a writing system from ancient India that appeared as a fully developed script in the 3rd century BCE. Its descendants, the Brahmic scripts, continue to be used today across South and Southeastern Asia.