Eleutherococcus 1g capsules

Plant-based nootropics are a diverse group of natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through various physiological mechanisms, especially in cases where these functions are weakened or impaired. In many cases, the nootropics enhance erythrocyte plasticity and inhibit aggregation, which improves the blood's rheological properties and increases its flow to the brain. Many of these formulations possess antioxidant activity that protects brain tissue from neurotoxicity and improves the brain's oxygen supply. They can induce the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids for constructing and repairing neurohormonal membranes. These natural compounds can potentially be present in a great variety of herbs, shrubs, and even some trees and vines. The plant species reviewed here were selected based on the availability of verifiable experimental data and clinical trials investigating potential nootropic effects. Original research articles, relevant animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials were included in this review. Selected representatives of this heterogeneous group included Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim., Ginkgo biloba L., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Paullinia cupana Kunth, Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The study provides brief descriptions of the representative species, their occurrence, history, and the chemical composition of the principle medicinal compounds, with uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosages, possible side effects, and contraindications. Most plant nootropics must be taken at optimal doses for extended periods before measurable improvement occurs, but they are generally very well tolerated. Their psychoactive properties are not produced by a single molecule but by a synergistic combination of several compounds. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits.

Abstract licence: CC BY

BACKGROUND: Ginseng is a source of pharmacologically active compounds with cardioprotective properties. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of ginseng on vascular function. METHODS: Electronic databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using relevant keywords from inception until February 2025. The eligibility criteria for a full-text review of papers consisted of clinical trials involving subjects aged ≥ 15 years who consumed ginseng and evaluated at least one of the cardiac function markers: flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and circulating biomarkers of vascular function. RESULTS: From a total of 328 initial search records, 13 randomized controlled trials were included in the study. Pooled analysis showed a significant increase in FMD level (effect size: 5, SMD: 0.571%, 95% CI: 0.198, 0.943, P = 0.003), and endothelium-derived nitric oxide levels (effect size: 4, SMD: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.59, P = 0.045) as well as a significant decrease in PWV (effect size: 7, SMD: ‒0.29 cm/s, 95% CI: ‒0.51, ‒0.06, P = 0.014). No significant effect was observed in AIx (effect size: 9, SMD: ‒0.53%, 95% CI: ‒1.08, 0.03, P = 0.063) following ginseng intake. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results revealed beneficial effects of ginseng on endothelial function and arterial stiffness, as measured by PWV, while it did not change AIx. Further studies are recommended to investigate the effects of ginseng on vascular function.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Extracts from Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and, in particular, plant adaptogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of plant adaptogens in the past and now, as well as to outline the prospects of their future applications. The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history-they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance. Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited. The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract licence: CC BY

BackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and often disabling chronic condition emerging worldwide, with no curative or definitive therapy yet identified. Ginseng has been widely used to treat fatigue in other patient groups and conditions; however, a systematic review focusing solely on the impact of ginseng on fatigue in patients with CFS has not been performed.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the current state of evidence regarding ginseng for CFS.MethodsMultiple databases were searched from inception to October 2020. All data was extracted independently and in duplicates. Outcomes of interest included the effectiveness and safety of ginseng in patients with CFS.Results2 studies enrolling 68 patients were deemed eligible, including one randomized clinical trial and one prospective observational study. The certainty of evidence in the effectiveness outcome was low and moderate from both studies, while the safety evidence was very low as reported from one study.ConclusionStudy findings highlight a potential benefit of ginseng therapy in the treatment of CFS. However, we are not able to draw firm conclusions due to limited clinical studies. The paucity of data warrants limited confidence. There is a need for future rigorous studies to provide further evidence.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC