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Stress (specifically elevated levels of circulating corticosteroids) has been associated with the cognitive deficits seen in human aging.[91] Many studies show that stress and fatigue negatively impact cognitive functioning in young adults.[92][93] Some level of stress in the learning environment may aid the ability to focus and retain information. However, stress levels, especially high, sustained or traumatic stressors, hinder declarative memory, spatial reasoning, learning, attention and working memory. Fatigue is also a stressor that impedes attention, processing, retrieval, working memory and short term memory.[92] The effects of stress on cognitive performance seem to be controlled by the sympatho-adrenal system and the hypothalamic-hypophysial-adrenal axis.[93] Depression and depressed mood negatively affect cognitive performance and memory.[94] Depression was found to increase false memory, especially with negative words or subjects.[94] It is reasoned that counteracting and preventing depression and stress management may be an effective nootropic strategy.[92][93] Proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and mechanisms for coping with stress, such as meditation, have been shown to improve learning and cognitive functioning both in the short and long term.[92][93] The term adaptogen applies to most herbal anti-stress claims.[citation needed] The substances below may not have been mentioned earlier on the page: Beta blockers—evidence from controlled trials spanning 25 years supports the claim that beta-blockers are effective for reducing anxiety, likely through peripheral blockade of beta-receptors; most data comes from studies of generalized anxiety and acute stress.[95] Theanine—relaxation; found in green tea; increases nicotinic acetylcholine and reduces nicotinic dopamine[citation needed] Lemon Balm—displays adaptogen properties; in rats it has been shown to possess GABA transaminase inhibitor activity[96] and in homogenates of human cerebral cortical cell membranes possesses activity at acetylcholine receptors.[97] In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 18 healthy volunteers, 600 mg of 'Melissa officinalis' extract attenuated volunteers' response to a laboratory-induced stress test 1 hour after administration; 300 mg significantly improved speed of mathematical processing 1 hour after administration.[98] Passion Flower—possible MAOI and neurotransmitter reuptake activity[citation needed] Rhodiola Rosea—adaptogen; possible MAOI activity[99] St John's Wort—herbal supplement approved (in Europe) to treat mild depression. Method of action is unproven but exhibits effects similar to both MAOIs and SSRIs.[citation needed] There is evidence that it may decrease the effectiveness of methylphenidate treatment.[100] Ginseng (including Siberian ginseng)—adaptogenic effects shown[citation needed] Sutherlandia frutescens—possible anti-inflammatory, reducing pain from those illnesses[citation needed] Kava—anxiolytic herb[citation needed] Grape seed extract—has shown some efficacy in reducing bodily stress[citation needed] Adafenoxate—possible anxiolytic effect[citation needed] Phenibut GABA receptor agonist excerting anxiolytic effects Picamilon GABA prodrug which excerts anxiolytic effects by releasing GABA and niacin in the CNS. Valerian—possible anxiolytic effect through agonism at GABA-A receptors[citation needed] Butea frondosa—possible anxiolytic effect[101] Gotu Kola—adaptogen and anxiolytic[citation needed] Foti[disambiguation needed]—adaptogen; possible MAOI activity[citation needed] Panax ginseng—Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies in healthy volunteers have been performed, results include increases in accuracy of memory, speed in performing attention tasks and improvement in performing difficult mental arithmetic tasks, as well as reduction in fatigue and improvement in mood.[102] Many Chinese herbs such as Polygala tenuifolia, Acorus gramineus and Huperzia serrata.[103] Bacopa monnieri[104] Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, sweet holy basil)[105] IAP(5-APDI) Lifts mood and promotes a peaceful mindset. Anti-anxiety. 2-methyl-2-butanol Anti-anxiety that lifts mood and increases sociability. Although it doesn't have the side effects or toxic metabolites that ethanol has, frequent use may cause dependence.[citation needed] |
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