The role of glucoregulatory processes in the cognition-enhancing effects of selected botanicals

Relationship between cognitive and glucoregulatory properties of selected botanical extracts were accessed in a series a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose, repeated measures design studies. American ginseng significantly improved various aspects of working memory performance in both young and middle-aged healthy adults, although the dosage required for optimal effects varied according to the cognitive task employed. Peripheral blood glucose measures were unaffected suggesting that cognitive benefits were unrelated to the glucoregulatory properties of the herb. Differences of a Steady State Visually Evoked Potential measures in response to the active treatment compared to placebo suggest greater neural efficiency following American ginseng ingestion.