Smart Publications

Clarifying the Complex World of Nutrition Science

  • Email this article
  • Print this article
  • A
  • A
  • A

Be Smarter, Think Faster and Protect Your Brain with 12 Smart Nutrients!

Smart Nutrient #9: Panax Ginseng
Broad protection for many areas of your health

Botanical name: Panax ginseng
Common names: Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng

At the outset, it’s important to distinguish between true ginseng—Panax ginseng—and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) or American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

Siberian and American ginseng are not true ginsengs. And while they have positive physiological effects, they do not have the same mode of action as Panax ginseng, which is true ginseng. Panax ginseng has higher levels of important brain-protective components called ginsenosides than either American or Siberian ginsengs.

Brain-related clinical and research findings

A number of clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Panax ginseng in improving different aspects of mental functioning. In one study, 112 healthy volunteers older than 40 years were given 400 mg per day of Panax ginseng for eight weeks. They showed better and faster reactions to psychometric tests and improved abstract thinking.40

Two other studies—each involving healthy volunteers who received 200 mg daily of Panax ginseng for eight weeks—demonstrated improvement in attention, processing, and auditory reaction time, social functioning, and mental health.41

In another study, 20 healthy young volunteers received a single 400 mg dose of ginseng. They showed improvement in cognitive performance, memory performance, speed of memory tasks, and accuracy of attention-related tasks.42


                                                 “The importance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds                                                                                           in preventing mental deterioration and improving overall mental acuity                                    cannot be emphasized enough in this discussion. ”

The ginsenosides in Panax ginseng have a variety of beneficial actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.43 The importance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in preventing mental deterioration and improving overall mental acuity cannot be emphasized enough in this discussion.

Other physiological effects

In traditional medicinal uses, ginseng is used to enhance physical, sexual, and mental performance and to increase energy and resistance to the harmful effects of stress and aging. Ginseng appears to reduce blood sugar levels and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol—the “good” cholesterol.

Side effects and toxicity

Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that ginseng has a good safety record. Because Panax ginseng is a stimulant, the most common side effects are nervousness and excitability, which usually decrease after the first few days.

Smart Nutrient #10: Peony
Proven learning enhancer

Botanical names: Peonia suffruticosa, P. lactiflora,
P. veitchii, and P. obovata
Common names: moutan (mu dan), red peony(chi shao), white peony (bai shao)

The roots of peony plants have been used in traditional medicines in China and Japan for a wide range of physical problems.

Brain-related clinical and research findings

Paeoniflorin is one of the major constituents of peony root. Paeoniflorin has various biological actions including improving of memory44 and antioxidant activity.45 The importance of antioxidants in protecting against mental deterioration has already been discussed.

The exact action of peony in improving memory has yet to be determined. But research reported within the last two years has determined that peony protects neurons from damage. This improves learning and memory and reduces the opportunity for mental deterioration to take hold.46


“ Research reported in the last two years
has determined peony protects neurons from damage. ”

Other physiological effects

Peony is traditionally used in Asia to treat muscle cramps, cardiovascular disorders, chronic viral hepatitis, and menstruation difficulties.

Side effects and toxicity

Peony has no appreciable toxicity or side effects when taken at dosages below 4 grams per day.47

Smart Nutrient #11: Schisandra Berry

Protecting memory by protecting
nerve impulses

Botanical name: Schisandra chinensis
Common names: Wu wei zi, schizandra, five flavor berry, magnolia vine

Schisandra is a climbing vine grown not only for its ornamental and medicinal properties but also for consumption. Fruits, leaves, and bark contain the active components (called schisandrins).

Schisandra has traditionally been used to treat viral and chemical hepatitis, but recent animal experiments and human studies have shown that it improves mental clarity, concentration, and coordination. 48

Brain-related clinical and research findings

In one set of experiments, mice were given the chemical scopolamine, which induces amnesia. One group was then given an herbal treatment containing schisandra. The researchers stated that the treatment “significantly reduced scopolamine-induced memory deficits.”49

Schisandra’s exact mode of action is not well understood at this time. However, in vitro (test tube) experiments found that schisandra limits neurotoxicity induced by amyloid-beta peptide (which causes oxidation) in cultured cortical rat neurons. These results suggest that schisandra has “protective characteristics against neuronal cell death and cognitive impairments often observed in Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, ischemic injury, and other neurodegenerative diseases.”


                                             “Schisandra has protective characteristics against neuronal cell death                                                                                       and cognitive impairments often observed in Alzheimer’s disease, stroke,                                                    ischemic injury, and other neurodegenerative diseases. ”

Other physiological effects

Schisandra is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat poor circulation and heart function, diarrhea and dysentery, fatigue, liver disease, mental and emotional illness, respiratory disease, sexual function, skin rash, and sleep disorders.

Side effects and toxicity

Schisandra is a natural food substance and is safe for long term use. It is uncommon for schisandra to cause side effects. However, it may cause upset stomach, heartburn, decreased appetite, and skin rash if taken in very large quantities.

Smart Nutrient #12: Vinpocetine
A powerful memory enhancer

Botanical name: Vinca minor
Other common names: vinca, periwinkle

Vinpocetine is made from vincamine, an alkaloid extracted from the periwinkle plant. Research has shown that vinpocetine is superior to vincamine because it has a greater range of clinical and metabolic benefits than vincamine without vincamine’s minor side effects.

Brain-related clinical and research findings

Vinpocetine is a powerful memory enhancer. It does this by improving blood flow in your brain (cerebral microcirculation), stepping up brain cell ATP production (ATP is the cellular energy molecule), and increasing your brain’s use of glucose and oxygen.50

One double-blind study of healthy volunteers without any signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease showed incredible short-term memory improvement only one hour after taking 40 mg of vinpocetine.
Volunteers took a computer-administered short-term memory test before and after being given vinpocetine. When given vinpocetine, they showed
better than 35% improvement over their scores before taking vinpocetine.51

The reason for this huge improvement in such a short amount of time relates to the way vinpocetine works in the brain. Vinpocetine improves circulation in your brain, feeding all the cells including neurons. It ensures brain cells get the right amount of food in the form of glucose and enough oxygen to metabolize it properly. And finally, it assures that ATP (the molecule that converts glucose into energy) is functioning at peak performance.

When your brain’s energy mechanism is functioning at peak performance levels, so will your brain … and so will you. Peak brain performance translates into improved memory and improved overall cognitive functioning. This is how vinpocetine makes you smarter!

Other physiological effects

Vinpocetine is used to treat acute or chronic eye diseases of various origins and sensori-neural hearing impairment.

Side effects and toxicity

The Gedeon Richter company has funded more than 100 hundred studies on vinpocetine. The incidence of side effects in humans using vinpocetine orally is less than 1% of a study’s participants, with the unwanted effects usually disappearing with continued use.

Lots of information, but what does it all mean?
Improved brain function and brainpower!

This is a lot to absorb, I know. So I’ve summarized it all below. Pay particular attention to the different modes of action these smart nutrients display.

Smart Nutrient      Mode of Action

Ashwagandha      Antioxidant; anti-stress

Bacopa                   Enhances neurotransmission; stablizes ACh-AChE activity; antioxidant; rebuilds ATP

Centella asiatica   Increases density of dendrites; anti-stress

Ferulic acid            Disrupts amyloid plaque formation; anti-inflammatory in brain tissue; antioxidant

Ginger                    General anti-inflammatory by interrupting prostaglandin / lukotriene synthesis

Ginkgo biloba       Changes genetic programming for aging; protects mitochondria; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory

Huperzine-A          Stabilizes ACh-AChE activity; antioxidant

Magnolia                Major stress reliver; very powerful antioxidant

Panax ginseng      Antioxidant; anti-stress

Peony                    Protects neurons; improves memory through unknown pathways; antioxidant

Schisandra           Protects against neuron cell death

Vinpocetine          Improves cerebral circulation; improving brain cell ATP use; improves O2 / glucose use in brain

 

The power of synergism to keep your brain strong and healthy

This table shows the amazing variety of activity these smart nutrients possess. This is the basis of these 12 smart nutrients’ powerful synergy.

Recall that synergy means that when added together, two or more components have a greater impact than each would have had if taken separately. The familiar way of looking at it is “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”

For example, when you look at the table, you see that ferulic acid and ginger both have anti-inflammatory properties. But each one does it through different complex interactions.

Ferulic acid works in brain tissue to protect it against inflammation directly. Ginger, on the other hand, combats against inflammation by interrupting prostaglandin/leukotriene synthesis—a systemic cause of inflammation throughout your entire body. This type of multiple action is how synergy works on a cellular, subcellular, and chemical level.

Synergistic effects occur among many of these smart nutrients. Often their seemingly similar modes of action are similar only in the broadest sense. The smart nutrients are working differently and synergistically on the cellular and subcellular levels.


                                          “Smart nutrients are working differently and synergistically on the                                          cellular and subcellular levels. ”

Armed with knowledge about smart nutrients … what do you do now?

The smart nutrients I’ve told you about today are a positive, safe, and very effective way to increase your brainpower while protecting yourself from age-related mental deterioration. They should form a central part of your strategies for staying mentally young for the rest of your life. But here are five other positive steps you should be taking at the same time.

1. Reduce Stress

Stress and anxiety are key factors in free radical formation. Free radicals lead to inflammation and oxidation of brain tissues that lead to mental deterioration. Start your brain-boosting program by reducing stress in your life. I know this isn’t easy. But it is possible.

2. Exercise Your Brain

Your brain isn’t a muscle, but it does benefit from being exercised. I know you’ve heard that people who engage in brain stimulating activities stay mentally sharp much longer than people who don’t. (Plus, there’s lots of evidence that mentally active people reduce their odds of getting Alzheimer’s disease.)

Take a look at the sidebar for enjoyable activities that help you “pump up” your brain.

3. Stay Armed with the Most Current, Trustworthy Information

Researchers are discovering more about age-related mental deterioration and how to prevent and counteract it all the time. By keeping informed, you stay armed against this dreadful scourge to a long, productive,
and fulfilling life. Your best resource for this type of information is the Smart Publications Health & Wellness Update newsletter.

4. Stay Physically Active

Physical activity reduces stress and produces endorphins that help combat many causes of age-related mental deterioration. But you don’t have to sweat and pant to be physically active.

5. Start on a Smart Nutrient Supplementation Program

Okay, I’m repeating myself here, I know. But starting on a supplementation program containing the smart nutrients you’ve learned about today should be your first step in getting back and keeping your mental youthfulness … just like George Burns, Joel Hildebrand, Grandma Moses, and other 80, 90, and 100 year olds did.

And … as an added bonus … many of these same smart nutrients have been shown to be powerful weapons in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

A brief warning about safety again

I stand by what I just said. These smart nutrients can vastly improve your brainpower while protecting against mental deterioration, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease … quickly, effectively, and safely.

The problem is not whether these actual smart nutrients are safe. They are. But if you remember back to the discussion of ginkgo, I mentioned ginkgolic acid, which is toxic. If you’re taking ginkgo, for instance, be sure you’re getting the active ginkgolides and bilobalides … and not ginkgolic acid!

So, be careful. These smart nutrients are perfectly safe if you get them from a reliable source that commits itself to providing compounds in bioactive forms, in the proper amounts, and without toxic components.

One last thought about the smarter life ahead of you

If you adopt these strategies—including using smart nutrients—you’ll live life with more enthusiasm and gusto. You’ll stop struggling to find the right word that’s on the tip of your tongue. You’ll feel … and be … more creative. You’ll have more fun in all that you do. You will enjoy life far more.

And you will enjoy the admiration of those around you for your improved outlook and youthful attitudes … and for being the person they turn to for the right answer.

Thank you for your time.

Yours for a bright, active, and mentally stimulating future,

 

 

John Morgenthaler
CEO, Smart Publications 

Page 4 of 4 pages  « First < 2 3 4

Editor's Note:

The natural health solutions described in this article are available through many on-line retailers including those listed below. By clicking these links you help support the important alternative health research we provide.

Visit www.amazon.com – a great way to find competitive deals on supplements offered by many different manufacturers.

Visit www.hfn-usa.com – when commitment to quality and freshness is important, this factory direct solution is preferred by many of our readers.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a physician before embarking on a dietary supplement program.

References

  1. Dhuley JN. Effect of ashwagandha on lipid peroxidation in stress-induced animals. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;60:173-178.
    Abstract

    Bhattacharya SK, Satyan KS, Chakrabarti A. Effect of Trasina, an Ayurvedic herbal formulation, on pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity in hyperglycaemic rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1997;35:297-299.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  2. Li T, Zhang XJ. Role of oxygen-derived free radicals in stress -induced gastric ulceration [Article in Chinese] Sheng Li Xue Bao. 1993 Jun;45(3):286-91.
    Abstract

    Murat Kayabali, Hovsep Hazar, Mehmet Ali Gürsoy, and Türker Bulut, Free oxygen radicals in restraint-induced stress gastritis in the rat. Surgery Today. Volume 24, Number 6; pp 530-533. June, 1994

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  3.  Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Sairam K, Ghosal S. Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine 2000;7:463-469.
    Abstract

    Bhattacharya A, Ghosal S, Bhattacharya SK. Antioxidant effect of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides in chronic footshock stress-induced perturbations of oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rat frontal cortex and striatum. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;74:1-6.
    Abstract

    Singh B, Saxena AK, Chandan BK, et al. Adaptogenic activity of a novel, withanolide-free aqueous fraction from the root of Withania somnifera. Phytother Res 2001;15:311-318.
    Absrtact

    Archana R, Namasivayam A. Antistressor effect of Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;64:91-93.
    Abstract

    Dhuley JN. Adaptogenic and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;70:57-63.
    Abstract

    Bhattarcharya SK, Muruganandam AV. Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75:547-555.

    Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract ↑

  4. Prakash J, Gupta SK, Dinda AK. Withania somnifera root extract prevents DMBA-induced squamous cell carcinoma of skin in Swiss albino mice. Nutr Cancer 2002;42:91-97.
    Abstract

    Jayaprakasam B, Zhang Y, Seeram N, Nair M. Growth inhibition of tumor cell lines by withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves. Life Sci 2003;74:125-132.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  5. Aphale AA, Chhibba AD, Kumbhakarna NR, Mateenuddin M, Dahat SH. Subacute toxicity study of the combination of ginseng (Panax ginseng) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in rats: a safety assessment. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1998 Apr;42(2):299-302.

    Abstract ↑

  6. Mukheijee DG, Dey CD. Clinical trial on Brahmi. I. J Exper Med Sci 1966:10:5-11.
    Chopra RN. Indigenous Drugs of India. 2nd ed. Calcutta, India: U.N. Dhur and Sons: 1958:341.

    ↑

  7. Kapoor LD. CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc; 1990;61.

    Chakravarty AK, Garai S, Masuda K, et al. Bacopasides III-V: three new triterpenoid glycosides from Bacopa monniera. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2003;51:215-217.
    Abstract

    Hou CC, Lin SJ, Cheng JT, Hsu FL. Bacopaside HI, bacopasaponin G, and bacopasides A, B, and C from Bacopa monniera. J Nat Prod 2002;65:1759-1763.
    Abstract

    Mahato SB, Garai S, Chakravarty AK. Bacopasaponins E and F: two jujubogenin bisdesmosides from Bacopa monniera. Phytochemistry 2000;53:711-714.
    Abstract

    Chakravarty AK, Sarkar T, Masuda K, et al. Bacopaside I and II: two pseudojujubogenin glycosides from Bacopa monniera. Phytochemistry 2001;58:553-556.

    Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract ↑

  8. Singh HK, Dhawan BN. Neuropsychopharmacological effects of the Ayurvedic nootropic Bacopa monniera Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Pharmacol 1997;29:S359-S365.

    ↑

  9. Chowdhuri DK, Pannar D, Kakkar P, et al. Antistress effects of bacosides of Bacopa monnieri: modulation of Hsp70 expression, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 activity in rat brain. Phytother Res 2002;16:639-645.

    Abstract ↑

  10. Russo A, Borrelli F, Campisi A, et al. Nitric oxide-related toxicity in cultured astrocytes: effect of Bacopa monniera. Life Sci 2003;73:1517-1526.
    Abstract

    Russo A, Izzo A, Borrelli F, et al. Free radical scavenging capacity and protective effect of Bacopa monniera L. on DNA damage. Phytotherapy Res 2003;17:870-875.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  11. Bhattacharya SK, Ghosal S. Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera in an experimental study. Phytomedicine 1998;5:77-82.

    ↑

  12. Singh RH, Singh L. Studies on the anti-anxiety effect of the Medyha Rasayana drug, Brahmi (Bacopa monniera Wettst.)--Part 1. J Res Ayur Siddha 1980;1:133-148.

    ↑

  13. Elangovan V, Govindasamy S, Ramamoorthy N, Balasubramaanian K. In vitro studies on the anticancer activity of Bacopa monnieri. Fitoterapia 1995;66:211-215.

    ↑

  14. Singh HK, Dhawan BN. Neuropsychopharmacological effects of the Ayurvedic nootropic Bacopa monniera Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Pharmacol 1997;29:S359-S365.

    ↑

  15. Moser MB. Making more synapses: a way to store information. Cell Mol Life Sci. 1999;55:593–600.

    Abstract ↑

  16. Rao Mohandas KG, Rao Muddanna S, Rao Gurumadhva S. Centella asiatica (linn) induced behavioural changes during growth spurt period in neonatal rats. Neuroanatomy. 2005;4:18–23.

    Tang AC. Neonatal exposure to novel environment enhances hippocampal dependent memory function during infancy and adulthood. Learn Mem. 2001;8:257–64.

    Abstract ↑

  17. Mook Jung I, Shin JE, Yun SH, Huh K, Koh JY, Park HK, et al. Protective effects of asiaticoside derivatives against beta amyloid neurotoxicity. J Neurosci Res. 1999;58:417–25.

    Abstract ↑

  18. Kartnig T. Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Herbs Spices Med Plants. 1988;3:145–173.

    ↑

  19. i-Jing Yan, Jae-Young Cho, Hee-Sung Kim, Kyoung-Li Kim, Jun-Sub Jung, Sung-Oh Huh, Hong-Won Suh, Yung-Hi Kim and Dong-Keun Song. Protection against bold beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in vivo with long-term administration of ferulic acid. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 133, 89-96.

    Gary L. Wenk, Kristin McGann-Gramling, Beatrice Hauss-Wegrzyniak, Daniela Ronchetti, Raffaella Maucci, Susanna Rosi, Laura Gasparini, and Ennio Ongini. Attenuation of chronic neuroinflammation by a nitric oxide-releasing derivative of the antioxidant ferulic acid. Journal of Neurochemistry. Volume 89 Issue 2. Page 484  - April 2004.

    Abstract ↑

  20. W. Kuenzig, J. Chau, E. Norkus, H. Holowaschenko, H. Newmark, W. Mergens and A.H. Conney. Caffeic and ferulic acid as blockers of nitrosamine formation. Carcinogenesis. Voume 5, Number 3. Pp 309-313.

    ↑

  21. Supplement Watch: http://www.supplementwatch.com/suplib/supplement.asp?DocId=1116

    ↑

  22. No author given. Ginger - An herbal medicinal with broad anti-inflammatory actions. Journal of Medicinal Food/ Sept 2005

    ↑

  23. Judith Horstman. Ayurvedic Herbs. Arthritis Today, 1997.
    http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/1999_archives/
    1999_05_06explorations.asp

    ↑

  24. Judith Horstman. Ayurvedic Herbs. Arthritis Today, 1997.
    http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/1999_archives/
    1999_05_06explorations.asp

    ↑

  25. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/SideEffects/Gingerch.html
    No author given. University of Maryland Medical Center.

    ↑

  26. Watanabe CMH, Wolffram S, Ader Pe, Rimbach G, Packer L, Maguire JJ, Schultz PG, and Gohil K. The in vivo neuromodulatory effects of the herbal medicine ginkgo biloba.  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001 June 5; 98(12): 6577–6580.

    Abstract ↑

  27. Magalhaes JP. Human disease-associated mitochondrial mutations fixed in nonhuman primates. J Mol Evol. 2005 Oct;61(4):491-7.

    Abstract ↑

  28. Ginkgo Biloba. MayoClinic.com, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginkgo-biloba/NS_patient-ginkgo#B2FA0BBD-E7FF-0DBD-128F19D6D949550C

    ↑

  29. Zangara A. The psychopharmacology of huperzine A: an alkaloid with cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective properties of interest in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jun; 75(3): 675-86.

    Abstract ↑

  30. Xiao XQ, Yang JW, Tang XC. Huperzine A protects rat pheochromocytoma cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury. Neurosci Lett. 1999 Nov 12; 275(2): 73-6.
    Abstract

    Shang YZ, Ye JW, Tang XC. Improving effects of huperzine A on abnormal lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase in aged rats. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1999 Sep;20(9):824-8.
    Abstract

    Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, Yang RM, et al. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1999  Jun;20(6):486-90.

    Abstract Abstract Abstract ↑

  31. Zhang Z, Wang X, Chen Q, Shu L, Wang J, Shan G. Clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2002 Jul 25; 82(14): 941-4. [Article in Chinese]

    Abstract ↑

  32. Kuribara H, Stavinoha WB, Maruyama Y.Honokiol, a putative anxiolytic agent extracted from magnolia bark, has no diazepam-like side effects in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999 Jan;51(1):97-103.
    Abstract

    Hong-Yen Hsu, Chau-Shin Hsu. Commonly Used Chinese Herb Formulas. 1980. Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, California.

    Abstract ↑

  33. Proc Natl Sci Counc Republic China B 13 (4) pp 307-313. October 1989. Biochem Pharmacol 60 (3) pp 433-440. August 2000.

    ↑

  34. Neurosci Lett 186 (1) pp 49-52. February 1995. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 28 (3-4) pp 379-384; 2000.

    ↑

  35. Wang JP, et al., “Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of magnolol,” Archives Pharmacology 1992; 346(6): 707-712.
    Abstract

    Choi J, Shin KM, Park HJ, Jung HJ, Kim HJ, Lee YS, Rew JH, Lee KT, “Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of sinapyl alcohol and its glucoside syringin,” Planta Med. 2004 Nov;70(11):1027-32.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  36. Park J, et al. “In vitro antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of honokiol and magnolol against Propionibacterium sp.” Eur J Pharmacol. 2004 Aug 2;496(1-3):189-95.

    Abstract ↑

  37. Lo YC, Teng CM, Chen CF, Chen CC, Hong CY. Magnolol and honokiol isolated from Magnolia officinalis protect rat heart mitochondria against lipid peroxidation. Biochem Pharmacol 1994 Feb 9;47(3):549-53.

    Abstract ↑

  38. Lo YC, Teng CM, Chen CF, et al: Magnolol and honokiol from Magnolia officinalis protect rat heart mitochondria against lipid peroxidation. Biochem Pharmacol 1994;47:549-553.

    Abstract ↑

  39. Dharmananda S, Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon. Ph.D. Magnolia Bark. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/magnolia.htm

    ↑

  40. Sorensen H, Sonne J. A double-masked study of the effects of ginseng on cognitive functions. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 1996;57:959-68.

    ↑

  41. D’Angelo L, Grimaldi R, Caravaggi M, Marcoli M, Perucca E, Lecchini S, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on the effect of a standardized ginseng extract on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol 1986;16:15-22.
    Abstract

    Ellis JM, Reddy P. Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life. Ann Pharmacother 2002;36:375-9.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  42. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults. Physiol Behav 2002;75:739-51.

    Abstract ↑

  43. David Kiefer D, M.D., and Pantuso T. Panax Ginseng (article). http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1539.html

    ↑

  44. Ohta H, Ni JW, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H, Shimizu M. Peony and its major constituent, paeoniflorin, improve radial maze performance impaired by scopolamine in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1993;45:719–723.

    Abstract ↑

  45. Okubo T, Nagai F, Seto T, Satoh K, Ushiyama K, Kano I. The inhibition of phenylhydroquinone-induced oxidative DNA cleavage by constituents of Moutan Cortex and Paeoniae Radix. Biol Pharm Bull. 2000;23:199–203.

    Abstract ↑

  46. Tsai TY, Wu SN, Liu YC, Wu AZ, Tsai YC. Inhibitory action of L-type Ca2+ current by paeoniflorin, a major constituent of peony root, in NG108-15 neuronal cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2005 Oct 31;523(1-3):16-24.
    Abstract

    Liu J, Jin DZ, Xiao L, Zhu XZ. Paeoniflorin attenuates chronic cerebral hypoper fusion-induced learning dysfunction and brain damage in rats. Brain Res. 2006 May 17;1089(1):162-70.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  47. No author given. Encyclopedia: Peony. eVitamin. http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=3658006

    ↑

  48. Nishiyama N, et al. An Herbal Prescription, S-113m, Consisting of Biota, Ginseng and Schizandra, Improves Learning Performance in Senescence Accelerated Mouse. Biol Pharm Bull. Mar1996;19(3):388-93.

    Abstract ↑

  49. Kang SY, Lee KY, Koo KA, Yoon JS, Lim SW, Kim YC, Sung SH. ESP-102, a standardized combined extract of Angelica gigas, Saururus chinensis and Schizandra chinensis, significantly improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.Life Sci. 2005 Feb 25;76(15):1691-705.

    Abstract ↑

  50. Hadjiev D, Yancheva S. (1976) Rheoencephalographic and psychological studies with ethyl apovincaminate in cerebral vascular insufficiency. Arzneim-Forsch, 26(10a): 1947-1950.
    Abstract

    Orosz E, Deak Gy, Benoist,Gy. (1976) Effect of ethyl apovincaminate on the cerebral circulation. Arzneim-Forsch, 26(10a): 1951-56.

    Abstract Abstract ↑

  51. Subhan, Z., Hindmarch, I. “Psychopharmacological Effects of Vinpocetine in Normal Healthy Volunteers.” European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1985, Vol. 28, pp. 567-71.

    Abstract ↑

Articles of Interest from Smart Publications Health & Wellness Update