Research shows herbal remedy improves memory

If your memory is not what it once was a herbal remedy could help, according to new research by academics at Southern Cross University.

The research, which was published last week and presented over the weekend at the International Conference on Herbal Medicine at Tweed Heads, has provided evidence that the herb popularly known as brahmi improves memory performance in adults.

Bacopa monnieri, or brahmi, which has been commonly used for many years in Indian traditional medicine to promote intellect and longevity, was tested in a controlled trial of almost 100 healthy Australians over the age of 55 years – the largest study to date on the herb.

Annette Morgan, lecturer in Southern Cross University’s School of Health and Human Sciences said the results of the research could have implications for the future treatment and prevention of dementia.

“We conducted validated neuropsychological tests and found that participants taking 300mg of baccopa monnieri extract each day for 12 weeks showed improved memory acquisition and improved memory acquisition and retention of learnt information,” said Ms Morgan.

“The probability of these improvements being simply chance was calculated to be only one in 10 000 for some of the results, and the findings support all previous studies so there is now strongly significant scientific evidence to show that it really works.

“For people past middle age experiencing memory difficulties, this herb can help support mental performance.

“We are facing a dementia epidemic, so the next logical step would be to carry out more trials to see if the same benefits can be shown in people with mild dementia.”

Photo: Annette Morgan (high resolution image available on request)