Herbal Medicines: A Boon for a Healthy Brain

Globally, the most frequent cause of serious and prolonged impairment of bodily function is brain disease. Specifically, people with brain ischemia, which alters the physiological functions of the central nervous system (CNS), display irreversible behavioural, cognitive, and emotional alterations. Furthermore, progressive neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis (MS) culminate in the loss of cognitive abilities. These illnesses have been linked to numerous economic and social issues. A growing body of research shows that herbal medicines can improve brain performance and treat neurological conditions. In addition, traditional medicines around the world have all historically used medicinal herbs to enhance brain function. We conducted a thorough search of numerous databases indexing published literature related to herbal medicines and brain functions. In this chapter, we present recent evidence that plant extracts, by preserving the appropriate level of neurotransmitters in the brain, can enhance memory and brain functions. Formulations of poly-herbal supplements have also been reported to exhibit positive effects on the CNS. In addition to preclinical research, some clinical trials are also being conducted to treat several brain diseases in humans. However, comprehensive research dissecting the mechanisms of action and suitable clinical doses of brain-enhancing phytochemicals is still limited. Importantly, there is a significant debate in the literature regarding the effectiveness of herbal extracts in enhancing brain function due to observed withdrawal symptoms and limited studies in humans. Therefore, to ensure repeatable and accurate clinical data, research using standardized herbal medicines must be encouraged. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Anurag Kumar Singh, Vivek K. Chaturvedi, and Jay Singh; individual chapters, the contributors.