Plant-based nootropics are a diverse group of natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through various physiological mechanisms, especially in cases where these functions are weakened or impaired. In many cases, the nootropics enhance erythrocyte plasticity and inhibit aggregation, which improves the blood's rheological properties and increases its flow to the brain. Many of these formulations possess antioxidant activity that protects brain tissue from neurotoxicity and improves the brain's oxygen supply. They can induce the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids for constructing and repairing neurohormonal membranes. These natural compounds can potentially be present in a great variety of herbs, shrubs, and even some trees and vines. The plant species reviewed here were selected based on the availability of verifiable experimental data and clinical trials investigating potential nootropic effects. Original research articles, relevant animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials were included in this review. Selected representatives of this heterogeneous group included Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim., Ginkgo biloba L., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Paullinia cupana Kunth, Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The study provides brief descriptions of the representative species, their occurrence, history, and the chemical composition of the principle medicinal compounds, with uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosages, possible side effects, and contraindications. Most plant nootropics must be taken at optimal doses for extended periods before measurable improvement occurs, but they are generally very well tolerated. Their psychoactive properties are not produced by a single molecule but by a synergistic combination of several compounds. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits.

• Keywords
• Ayurvedic medicinal plants, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, antioxidant activity, brahmi, gotu kola, learning ability, medicinal herbs, memory, smart drugs,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

This work focused on the effect of Maca on lipid, anti-oxidative, and glucose parameters in hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rat. Maca (1%) was administred to rats as a part of a high-sucrose diet (HSD) for 2 weeks. Rosiglitazone (0.02%) was used as a positive control. Maca significantly decreased the levels of VLDL (very low density lipoproteins), LDL (low density lipoproteins), and total cholesterol, and also the level of TAG (triacylglycerols) in the plasma, VLDL, and liver. Maca, as well as rosiglitazone, significantly improved glucose tolerance, as the decrease of AUC (area under the curve) of glucose showed, and lowered levels of glucose in blood. The activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) in the liver, the GPX (glutathione peroxidase) in the blood, and the level of GSH (glutathione) in liver increased in all cases significantly. Results demonstrate that maca seems to be promising for a positive influence on chronic human diseases (characterized by atherogenous lipoprotein profile, aggravated antioxidative status, and impaired glucose tolerance), and their prevention.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants pharmacology   MeSH
• Cholesterol blood   MeSH
• Glucose metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Peroxidase metabolism   MeSH
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV drug therapy   metabolism   MeSH
• Liver enzymology   metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances analysis   MeSH
• Cholesterol, LDL blood   MeSH
• Lepidium chemistry   MeSH
• Lipid Metabolism drug effects   MeSH
• Carbohydrate Metabolism drug effects   MeSH
• Area Under Curve MeSH
• Rats, Wistar MeSH
• Plant Extracts pharmacology   MeSH
• Superoxide Dismutase metabolism   MeSH
• Triglycerides blood   MeSH
• Cholesterol, VLDL blood   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antioxidants MeSH
• Cholesterol MeSH
• Glucose MeSH
• Glutathione MeSH
• Glutathione Peroxidase MeSH
• Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances MeSH
• Cholesterol, LDL MeSH
• Plant Extracts MeSH
• Superoxide Dismutase MeSH
• Triglycerides MeSH
• Cholesterol, VLDL MeSH