From Proyar Laboratory we want to share with you the 1st part of an exclusive article for our clients, written by Dr. Jorge Alonso. Physician, MN 67.640, Director of the Phytomedicine postgraduate program at U.B.A. and President of the Latin American Society of Phytomedicine.
Natural Products for Memory (Part 1)
Current living conditions subject us daily to stressful situations that end up affecting not only the immune system but also attention, memory, concentration, learning, sleep quality, and overall physical performance. To this, we must add the unavoidable passage of time, which also affects our intellectual abilities, leading to a decline in our general cognitive functions.
Modern medicine has sought alternatives to alleviate and slow down this progressive intellectual decline, doing so through the incorporation of certain supplements derived from natural food sources, which, through the scientific research method (so-called “evidence-based medicine”), have produced very promising and encouraging results in this field. As a result of these investigations, in recent years a series of essential compounds have been identified to preserve the transmission of received information and neuronal connectivity, giving rise to a new family of brain products: we are referring to nootropics.
What are nootropics? First of all, they are substances with a direct affinity for neurons, which is why science has called them “smart drugs.” This new concept goes beyond the simple notion of enhancing memory, extending its activity to the stimulation of general cognitive functions that involve aspects as important as creativity, motivation, concentration, reflexes, and learning. For this reason, a large portion of their consumers are young or middle-aged individuals holding important decision-making positions in life.
Initially, science investigated chemical drugs that could provide these benefits, including piracetam, nicergoline, memantine, and citicoline. However, final reviews of meta-analyses and clinical studies concluded that their benefits were limited and even potentially dangerous for certain adults. For this reason, much of the research shifted toward the field of foods and medicinal plants that could address the three essential aspects any drug must ensure: safety, efficacy, and quality.
Thus, we encounter phosphatidylserine, a type of beneficial fat currently obtained from soy derivatives (specifically lecithin) or from cabbage. The general mechanism of action of phosphatidylserine is based on increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin (linked to harmony, relaxation, and stress relief), dopamine (linked to attention and stimulation), and acetylcholine (related to memory maintenance and information processing). In addition, it improves glucose uptake by neurons (an essential energy source), enhances oxygen supply to the brain, and stimulates hormonal growth. For all these reasons, and due to its safety for both young and older individuals, phosphatidylserine stands as the main modern nootropic agent. It is dosed in capsules or tablets at 100 mg, 1 to 3 times per day (depending on needs). Several products are already available in the pharmaceutical market in Argentina.
Another plant-based compound that belongs to the new group of nootropics is the species Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine), which has shown very good results in children with attention and memory deficits. It is not yet commercially available in Argentina, although it is available in compounded prescriptions. In adults, it plays a neuroprotective and antioxidant role and improves attention and memory. The active principles are bacosides A and B, and bacosaponins. Useful doses for early memory disorders range from 200–500 mg per day, and in cases of Alzheimer’s disease, between 500 and 1000 mg per day.
Continued in second part.
