Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review

Substances with modulatory capabilities on certain aspects of human cognition have been revered as nootropics from the dawn of time. The plant kingdom provides most of the currently available nootropics of natural origin. Here, in this systematic review, we aim to provide state-of-the-art informatio...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lorca, Cristina, Mulet, Maria, Arévalo Caro, Catalina, Sánchez, M. Ángeles, Pérez, Ainhoa, Perrino, María, Bach Faig, Anna, Aguilar Martínez, Alicia, Vilella, Elisabet, Gallart Palau, Xavier Ramon, Serra Maqueda, Aida
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Universitat de Lleida (UdL)
Repositorio:Repositori Obert UdL
OAI Identifier:oai:repositori.udl.cat:10459.1/73114
Acceso en línea:https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2021137
http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/73114
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Plant nootropics
Cognitive enhancers
Learning
Memory
Anxiety
Motor skills
Perceptual skills
Cognitive decay
Natural compounds
Herbal extracts
Phytotherapy
Tinnitus
Dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Descripción
Sumario:Substances with modulatory capabilities on certain aspects of human cognition have been revered as nootropics from the dawn of time. The plant kingdom provides most of the currently available nootropics of natural origin. Here, in this systematic review, we aim to provide state-of-the-art information regarding proven and unproven effects of plant-derived nootropics (PDNs) on human cognition in conditions of health and disease. Six independent searches, one for each neurocognitive domain (NCD), were performed in parallel using three independent scientific library databases: PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus. Only scientific studies and systematic reviews with humans published between January 2000 and November 2021 were reviewed, and 256 papers were included. Ginkgo biloba was the most relevant nootropic regarding perceptual and motor functions. Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) modulates anxiety and social-related cognitions. Caffeine enhances attention and executive functions. Together, the results from the compiled studies highlight the nootropic effects and the inconsistencies regarding PDNs that require further research.