Natural remedies to improve cognitive abilities
Information for nursing staff, 2022, 55(4), 52-60.
E. Manasiev1, A. Balabanov2, M. Yotova3, V. Belcheva4, E. Grigorov5
1 National Center of Public Health and Analyses – Sofia
2 Faculty of Management and Administration, UNWE – Sofia
3 Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Pleven
4 Medical College, Trakia University – Stara Zagora
5 Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Varna
Abstract. In the modern world, in addition to diff erent herbal medicinal products, various nutritional supplements and remedies from plant and animal origin that improve brain function, memory and ability to concentrate are widely distributed. Their use is associated with increasing the level of motivation, energy and easier overcoming of diffi culties. This review describes the most common natural cognitive enhancement products on the market and in use. A number of medicinal plants have a stimulating eff ect on brain activity; some of them contain caff eine and their action is due to this purine alkaloid, and in others, the action is due to other groups of biologically active substances such as mono-, di- and triterpenes, saponins, phenolic acids and fl avonoids. The purpose of this review is to systematize the scientifi c information supporting the use of these plants as nootropic agents. Some of the considered medicinal plants have been known for millennia for their stimulating eff ect, others, such as coff ee, are not perceived as medicinal plants at all, and others are widely used spices.
Key words: cognitive enhancers, nootropics, neurons
Address for correspondence: Emanuil Manasiev, PhD, e-mail: emon@abv.bg