How to Stay Mentally Sharp and Support Cognitive Health

Cognitive decline during aging is well documented, with age being the strongest risk factor for dementia.¹

In the U.S., an estimated 10% of adults aged 65 and older have dementia and 22% have mild cognitive impairment.^1,2

Specific plant compounds have demonstrated neuroprotective effects.³

In preclinical studies, green oat extract promoted faster learning performance and reduced markers of brain inflammation.^4,5

In a clinical trial, a combination of Boswellia tree resin and haritaki fruit extract significantly improved measures of short-term and long-term memory.⁶

In another clinical trial, standardized green oat extract showed significantly better performance than a placebo.⁴

Combining these ingredients is a science-based strategy to optimize cognitive function and promote long-term brain health.

Understanding the Aging Brain

Inside the brain, billions of neurons (nerve cells) communicate with each other at junctions called synapses.⁷

Neurons use neurotransmitters to send messages across synapses.⁷

As we age, cognitive function gradually declines. One reason is decreased production and release of neuro-transmitters, including acetylcholine and dopamine.⁸

Acetylcholine is essential for learning and memory, including episodic memory, the recall of life events.^8,9

Dopamine helps regulate synaptic plasticity (the ability to form new synaptic connections) and neurogenesis (the ability to generate new neurons), both of which are also critical for learning and memory.^8,10

With aging, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also fall. This protein promotes the growth of neurons and synapses and supports acetylcholine-associated memory processes.¹¹ Therefore, BDNF plays a crucial role in learning and memory.^11,12

Scientists have identified botanicals that target these and other mechanisms of cognitive aging and help keep the brain sharp.

Brain Botanicals

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic medical system, has traditionally used Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense) resin^13,14 and haritaki (Terminalia chebula), a fruit from Southeast Asia,^15-17 for various medicinal purposes.

Modern preclinical research has since explored the neuroprotective potential of Boswellia^18-20 and haritaki plants,^21,22 including their effects on cognitive function.

Preclinical research shows that Boswellia^20,23,24 and haritaki²⁵ may help inhibit the activity of the enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 adults aged 40–65 with subjective memory complaints received either 300 mg of a standardized Boswellia serrata and haritaki extract or placebo daily for 120 days.⁶

Cognitive function was assessed using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, where participants listen to and recall word lists several times, then remember them again after short and longer delays, and finally recognize the words from a larger list.

Compared to placebo, the treatment group showed statistically significant improvements in:⁶

• Immediate (short-term), and delayed recall,
• Overall learning and learning rate,
• Total learning capacity, and
• Recognition memory.

Some improvements were observed as early as 15 days after treatment initiation.

An additional battery of computerized tests was used to assess non-verbal cognition. Compared to placebo, the treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in visual learning, processing speed and task accuracy.

The intervention also significantly improved sleep quality and increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a biomarker associated with neuronal health and synaptic plasticity.⁶

Green Oat Supports Cognition

Green oat (Avena sativa) has been traditionally used as an antispasmodic, diuretic, and neurotonic agent. Its extract is rich in avenanthramides, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, and sterols.²⁶ Preclinical research suggests that a standardized green oat extract may help reduce markers of brain inflammation and improve measures of cognitive function.⁵ It exerts these effects through multiple mechanisms, including:⁵

• Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant defense pathway, which mitigates oxidative stress-related neuronal damage,
• Inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK neuroinflammatory signaling pathway in microglial cells, reducing inflammatory responses, and
• Upregulating the CREB/BDNF pathway, which supports neuroprotection and memory formation.

In an animal model of mild cognitive impairment (similar to Alzheimer's symptoms), mice were given a standardized green oat extract for 14 days, while a control group received no treatment.⁵ The extract attenuated spatial memory learning impairments, as assessed by maze tests.

Improve Memory and Multitasking

The benefits of green oat extract have been seen in human studies as well.

In a clinical trial of 132 healthy adults (ages 35 to 65), those who took 430 mg of standardized green oat extract daily for 29 days showed significantly better performance than a placebo group on a computerized test of visuospatial working memory.⁴

This test requires a participant to reproduce a sequence of blocks in the same order as they were presented, with difficulty increasing over time.

In everyday life, visuospatial working memory is important for tracking locations of moving objects and navigating dynamic environments, such as when driving.

Participants also completed a multitasking test that involved performing serial subtraction while simultaneously tracking an asterisk moving across a screen.⁴

Participants taking 430 mg of standardized green oat extract demonstrated improved tracking performance without compromising subtraction accuracy, suggesting improved divided attention.

This may translate to better performance in real-world situations that require managing multiple tasks at once, such as driving while holding a conversation.

Taking a combination of Boswellia, haritaki, and green oat extracts daily may help support cognitive performance and long-term brain health.

Summary

Specialized botanical extracts may help support cognitive performance and promote healthy brain aging.

Boswellia tree resin, haritaki fruit, and green oat extracts have been studied for their effects on acetylcholine activity and BDNF levels, which are involved in cognitive function.

In clinical trials, daily intake of these extracts was associated with improvements in several measures of memory, learning performance, and improvements in multitasking ability.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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