Alzheimer’s disease affects over 5.7 million American and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It’s also the only top 10 cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. However, recent research is showing promising results in an herb traditionally used in the ancient Hindu system of healing known as Ayurveda. It’s called gotu kola it may be beneficial to prevent and even treat Alzheimer’s disease according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University.
Gotu kola, also used in Chinese medicine as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer, appeared to normalize the behavior in mice bred to express a protein mutation that causes Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, according to a study conducted by OHSU and Portland Veterans Affairs Medical neurologists.
The behavioral changes may be the result of gotu kola’s antioxidant qualities, said lead author Joseph Quinn M.D., associate professor of neurology and cell and development biology, OHSU School of Medicine and an investigator at the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center. The herb reduce the oxidant known as nitric oxide which is triggered by the build-up in the brain of beta amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
A 2016 study showed that the herb also boosted cognitive function after subjects suffered a stroke. Researchers say that gotu kola was shown to be most effective in resorting memory.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease revealed that gotu kola may be able to improve memory at the molecular level by enhancing the activity of a pathway that is associated with long-term memory.
Another study found that supplementation with gotu kola was able to boost both memory and cognitive function in elderly patients.
“Thanks to its strong memory-enhancing abilities, this powerful plant has found itself in the spotlight lately as a natural treatment to help slow down age-related decline and the progression of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease,” says Rachael Link, M.S. R.D,
According to Healthline.com, this herb has also been shown to reduce anxiety and stress as well as sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep, say experts, can cause oxidative damage and neuroinflammation which can also affect the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Al Sears, M.D., a leading physician in the field of complementary and natural health care, recommends gotu kola to his patients.
“The natives in Bali often called this the ‘student ‘herb,” he says. “That’s because it sharpens the mind. This ancient herb is a brain-boosting marvel. It can help spur growth in brain cells as well as restore cognitive function.”
While gotu kola is generally well tolerated in some cases it can cause headache, upset stomach and dizziness. Experts advise starting with a low dose and gradually working up to a full does to reduce your risk of side effects. Check the bottle of liquid extract for dosing suggestions or try gotu kola tea. Always check with your health care practitoner before trying any new herb or supplement.
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