Boosting Memory

Tea, Blueberries & Chocolate for Memory

The plant compound epicatechin, found in blueberries, chocolate, tea and other foods and beverages, may help boost memory, a new animal study suggests.

Researchers from The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California explained natural nutrients found in plants may enhance brain function. The study investigated whether consumption of epicatechin enhances cognition in sedentary or wheel-running female mice.

The study found that retention of spatial memory in the water maze was enhanced by ingestion of epicatechin, especially in combination with exercise. Also, improved spatial memory was associated with increased blood vessel formation and neuronal spine density, but not newborn cell survival, in the hippocampus, the part of the brain important for learning and memory.

The study authors concluded that that ingestion of epicatechin may improve spatial memory retention in adult mammals.

Integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence for the enhancement of memory include ginkgo, aromatherapy, bacopa, ginseng and music therapy.

References

1.Natural Standard Research Collaboration: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/  Copyright © 2007.

2.van Praag H, Lucero MJ, Yeo GW, et al. Plant-derived flavanol (-)epicatechin enhances angiogenesis and retention of spatial memory in mice. J. Neurosci. 2007 May 30;27(22):5869-78. View Abstract

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