Knowledge is power.
Or so they say.

In today’s technological age, our brains are required to work faster and longer than ever before. There is a constant flow of new information. Our attention spans are stretched to the max. And while technology opens many new doors, our brains are essentially working on overdrive.

It poses the dilemma of mental burnout. The constant pull on our attention and cognitive processes is exhausting. Ever feel mentally drained after a full day? You aren’t alone.

More and more individuals seek out medication, such as Adderall and even, street drugs. The hope is that these drugs will help ease the demand placed on the brain, leading to increased focus and concentration abilities and if you have done something like, make sure you have drug test checkup from I Drug Screen. But, what if drugs aren’t the only answer?

Nootropic herbs are gaining speed in the medical and scientific communities. These herbs can enhance brain functioning, including memory and concentration. It might sound a little out-there. But, hear us out. Some of these herbs have been used for centuries — and some even have roots in ancient cultures. Perhaps our ancestors were onto something.

Let’s take a closer look.

The Top 5 Nootropic Herbs

Below, we explore some of the most-talked-about nootropic herbs and adaptogens, including Bacopa, Cat’s Claw, Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, and Gotu Kola. Do they actually work? Will taking these actually boost your brain function? What’s the science behind it all?

First and foremost, always make sure to check with your doctor before taking any new supplements or medication — especially if you are already taking other medication or drugs. It’s also important to conduct your own research and read labels properly before consuming any product.

1. Bacopa

Bacopa, also known as bacopa monnieri, has been part of Ayurveda medicine for centuries. It is commonly called ‘Brahmi’ in India — which is a word that means ‘to expand consciousness.’ Traditionally, it was used for its memory-enhancing effects, as well as for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antiepileptic properties.

Further, it is an adaptogen. In other words, it’s a non-toxic plant that helps promote homeostasis and balance throughout the body, as well as helps the body withstand stress.

In the more recent day, Bacopa is boosted about for improving memory and learning abilities. In a 2001 study, researchers explored how Bacopa may increase learning and memory functioning. The experimental group — the group that received Bacopa — proved to have an accelerated speed in visual information processing when compared to the control group. From this, researchers concluded that Bacopa does have the potential to improve learning and memory processes.

But, how does it work exactly?

Researchers have noted that it impacts the hippocampus part of the brain. The hippocampus plays a major role in learning and memory. Bacopa was found to increase the protein found in the hippocampus, which can lead to enhanced neural functioning.

Surprisingly, lower brain protein levels are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This has many wondering if Bacopa could possibly reduce incidences of Alzheimer’s. However, further research is required in this area. But, it does pose hope for the future!

2. Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw grows in the Amazon, as well as other parts of Central and South America. It is a woody vine, with ends shaped like a cat’s claw — hence, its name origin.

In the past, indigenous tribes in Peru and the Amazon used this vine to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, and tumors. Shamans are also known to use Cat’s Claw to treat spiritual illness. They believe it removes disturbances between the body and spirit that cause disease.

Today, you can find Cat’s Claw down your local pharmacy’s supplement aisle. The bark and root are used to make extract which is found in capsules, liquid, and tea forms. While it is frequently used as a dietary supplement to aid in many health conditions (such as viral infections, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, gastritis, and more), recent research has also shown it to impact and possibly improve brain activity.

But, how does it work exactly?

Studies show that Cat’s Claw increases BDNF, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tames NMDA activity, and repairs damaged DNA. BDNF plays a critical role in the growth and maintenance of nerve cells. Individuals with lower levels of BDNF may experience major depression, OCD, schizophrenia, and dementia.

On the other hand, NMDA is part of learning and memory processing. Yet, higher amounts of NMDA are linked to learning and memory impairments. Thus, it’s critical to keep these levels stable. These combined factors create an environment in your hippocampus for optimal neurogenesis. In turn, learning, memory, and mood factors vastly improve. It might be worth a stop at your next pharmacy run to check out this natural herb.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a shrub that is a hot topic in the press as of late. Similar to Bacopa, it has traditional roots in Ayurveda medicine and is an adaptogen — an adaptogen, as explained above, helps promote balance in the body and works well against stressors, chemical, biological, or physical. It grows in India, Africa, and the Middle East. It’s historic uses include treatment for arthritis, insomnia, stress, gastrointestinal issues, fevers, and memory loss.

4. Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is derived from the Ginkgo tree, which is native to China. In ancient China, the Ginkgo tree was worshipped by Buddhist monks. Medicinally, it was used for a variety of purposes. And it’s likely because of these monks that Ginkgo Biloba is now used worldwide today.

Today Ginkgo Biloba is used for memory and concentration issues, depression, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and headaches. How? Scientific studies indicate that it potentially increases blood flow, decreases blood thickness, alters the neurotransmitter systems, and reduces free radical damage.

However, despite it’s popular and widespread use, further research is necessary to help back up these claims. It is also not recommended for individuals that are already taking blood thinner medication, as this could pose serious health complications.

5. Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is found in Australia, South East Asia, and India. Surprisingly, in the 20th century, Gotu Kola was found to have positive impacts in those with leprosy — an infectious disease that causes skin sores and nerve damage. It also has a long-standing reputation in wound healing. Further, it has been found to reduce anxiety, decrease stress, and improve memory functioning.

Again, there is a call for more studies to narrow down how exactly Gotu Kola functions in the body and its effects. Yet, the research so far is promising. In a 2016 study, Gotu Kola was found to improve cognitive functioning, specifically memory, in stroke patients. The study stated that “Gotu kola is as effective as folic acid in improving post-stroke vascular cognitive impairment.” While, again, further research would help clarify the effects and how it works, current studies do touch on the cognitive benefits of it. Gotu Kola is, also, widely available. It can easily be found at your local pharmacy in capsule and powder forms.

What Will The Future Look Like?

Further research will help clarify and expand on what we already know regarding the above nootropic herbs. In the future, we could potentially be increasing our brain power further through natural and holistic means — moving away from potentially harmful drugs. There is also the potential for rehabilitation as well, where these nootropic herbs could help in post-stroke patients and individuals with Alzheimer’s. With more research comes more knowledge. The more we know, the more we can continually improve and maintain our own cognitive functioning and health.