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Does a Polyherbal Medicine Enhance Cognition in Healthy Older Adults? An Exploratory Open-Label Study.

  • 2025-01-31
  • Journal of integrative and complementary medicine 31(2)
    • Evelin Tiralongo
    • Vanessa Vigar
    • Keith Potent
    • Robert S Ware

Study Design

Type
Clinical Trial
Population
25 healthy older adults (50-75 years)
Methods
12-week open-label study evaluated a multi-herbal tablet containing Reynoutria japonica, Vitis vinifera, Silybum marianum, Ginkgo biloba, and Panax ginseng, for potential improvement of cognitive function. The primary outcome, cognition, was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.
Blinding
Open-label
Duration
12 weeks
Funding
Unclear
Objective: This 12-week open-label study evaluated a multi-herbal tablet containing Reynoutria japonica, Vitis vinifera, Silybum marianum, Ginkgo biloba, and Panax ginseng, for potential improvement of cognitive function in 25 healthy older adults (50-75 years). Methods: The primary outcome, cognition, was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Results: Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1). Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest memory improvement, but further rigorous testing is needed.

Research Insights

  • Asian Knotweed→Improved Working Memory

    Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
  • Ginkgo→Improved Working Memory

    Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
  • Panax Ginseng→Improved Working Memory

    Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
  • Red Grape→Improved Working Memory

    Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
  • Thistle→Improved Working Memory

    Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
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