Ginkgo, Brahmi, Ashwagandha and Gotu kola are four of the most neurotonic herbs known in Ayurveda. Each of these herbs is a major nervous system adaptogen, capable of repairing, protecting, and enhancing nervous function. The synergy of these four herbs, together with the nutritional support of the mixed tocopherols, B₁₂ and folate produces an exceptional complex that can be used in all nervous system conditions. It is an effective formulation for the relief of stress, especially that associated with study or work. It may also provide stamina and endurance, and improve peripheral circulation.

Herbs and Nutrients that may Assist

Dosage: 2-4 tablets daily

Clinical Applications

The "rasayana" effect - that of a rejuvenating, adaptogenic tonic - of Ginkgo/Bacopa Complex helps maintain healthy nervous system function.

Scientific Research
Owing to its antiplatelet action, Ginkgo biloba is invaluable for the maintenance of peripheral circulation, especially to the head. It also has potent antioxidant properties. It protects nitric oxide from oxidation to peroxynitrite, which is an extremely reactive free radical commonly responsible for excitoneurotoxicity through the destruction of synaptic glutamate receptors. In the absence of these receptors, glutamate attaches to post-synaptic NMDA receptors, creating a secondary excitatory stimulus, instead of the usual inhibitory effect glutamate would normally exert. The result is hyperexcitation and neuronal death.

The Chinese have long used the seeds in their traditional medicine, but the tremendous potency in the leaves was only discovered in the 1970’s. To achieve sufficient potency, the extract from the leaves must be concentrated fifty-fold, so it is important to get a standardised extract equivalent to 2 grams of dried leaf per dose.

There are two herbs which are traditionally called ‘Brahmi’. The word derives from the Sanskrit ‘Brahma’, which denotes the (divine) intelligence behind creation and, from that, is associated with all aspects of general intelligence, such as cognition, reasoning and memory. The Ayurvedic herbs most closely associated with restoring these functions are Bacopa monniera and Centella asiatica. While these have both been known as ‘Brahmi’, Centella is better known to the West as ‘Gotu Kola’, whereas Bacopa more commonly retains the name of Brahmi.

Bacopa monniera is the premier Ayurvedic nerve tonic, traditionally used and clinically proven for nervous exhaustion and stress, but also traditionally used for virtually any nerve condition, including epilepsy and insanity.

Studies have demonstrated improvements in learning and motor performance in rats. Another showed benefits in epilepsy, with 5 of the 13 subjects having the onset of fitting completely checked after 2-5 months treatment.

The active constituents, like Centella, are saponins - the major ones, for which extracts are standardised, being Bacosides A and B.

Centella asiatica possesses powerful nervine activity, and is possibly the most important rejuvenative herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is credited with improving intelligence and memory, decreasing senility and ageing, and promoting longevity. The primary active constituents are triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, brahmoside). The herb has been found effective in the promotion of wound healing, peripheral circulation, and in the treatment of leprosy. When combined with Bacopa and Withania, it potentiates their activity to provide stamina and endurance.

Withania somnifera is an Ayurvedic adaptogenic tonic and restorative valued in Ayurveda for its tonifying and strengthening properties, particularly for its ability to restore vitality in those suffering from overwork or nervous exhaustion.

Withania has been called "Indian Ginseng" as it is used in Ayurvedic medicine in much the same way that Ginseng is used in China: to improve vitality and to aid recovery after chronic illness.

Its Hindi name means "horse smell", and refers not just to its smell but to a horse's strength, indicating its use as a tonic, strengthening and aphrodisiac herb.

By reducing over-activity, encouraging rest and relaxation, and sparing and restoring the adrenal glands, it counters the debility that accompanies long-term stress.

It contains high levels of organic iron, and is useful for anaemia.

Its traditional uses have been confirmed by research:

• Studies indicate that the alkaloids (isopelietierine, anaferine)are sedative, hypotensive and lower the heart rate. A spasmolytic action on smooth muscle similar to papaverine has been demonstrated.

• Research has shown that the steroidal lactones¹⁰ (withanolides, withaferins), which are similar to the body's own steroid hormones, are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hepatoprotective. They also inhibit the growth of cancer cells¹⁰. The herb may be of use in chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and as a cancer-preventative.

• Many studies have confirmed the adaptogenic and tonic effects of Withania. An anabolic effect may be exerted during growth, while indications of an adrenal-sparing activity have also been seen. The adaptogenic effect combines with an anti-inflammatory action in the observed reduction of stress-induced ulcers.

Vitamin E occurs naturally as a mixture of four tocopherols: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. The synergy of these mixed tocopherols produces far broader and superior therapeutic activity over a single tocopherol concentrate. While alpha-tocopherol is considered the most bioactive of the vitamin E family, supplementation of this alone has been shown to inhibit absorption of gamma-tocopherol.

Gamma-tocopherol is a potent quencher of the highly damaging free radical peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite has been implicated in the development of excitoneurotoxicity through the oxidative destruction of post-synaptic glutamate transporters. Consequently both alpha- and gamma- forms are now acknowledged to be necessary for maximal antioxidant protection, and it is probable that similar properties will eventually be found for the other tocopherols.

Vitamin B₁₂ and folate help reduce production of the toxic amino acid homocysteine, which has been implicated in the aetiology of a number of chronic disorders, including cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Trotti D, et al: Glutamate transporters are oxidant-vulnerable: a molecular link between oxidative and excitotoxic neurodegeneration? Trends Pharmacol Sci 1998;19(8):328-34.