Very droll
In this month's Cosmos science magazine there is an article by
Ramez Naam, one of the creators of internet explorer and outlook
(good issue on the brain SEE: - )
He talks about some research being done by Mark Tuszynski and co on NGF "nerve growth factor" a brain chemical that triggers the growth of neurons. When this was enhanced genetically (?) the progress of Alzheimer's was reduced by a factor of three. This looks like being a very promising way to go in treating the disease.
However there are other implications; NGF therapy can give rats and mice better than normal memory (University of Rochester NY Tim Tulley; and Eric Kandel). mice can learn 2-5 times quicker than normal mice.
Namm says this therapy may lead us to drugs that can not only teach us how memory works but will enable smarter faster learning doctors, engineers scientists etc
Namm talks about the ethical issues involved; but I say bring it on. I have always had a bad memory. give me the pill!
There are a few herbs that are said to enhance memory. I wonder if they contain drugs that enhance NGF? They include:
gotu kola (Hydrocotlyte asiatica) ,
(Red) sage (Salvia officinalis var?) especially when in flower;
BBC NEWS | Health | Sage herb 'can boost memory'
Rosemary and Ginseng (probably just help blood flow to brain, altough ginseng probably also promotes testosterone)
Ginkgo biloba
Wiley InterScience :: Session Cookies
Galanthus nivalis
This would be an interesting paper to read has anyone access to it
Quote:
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Peter J. Houghton (peter.houghton@kcl.ac.uk)
|
huperzine A (isolated from Chinese club moss)
Vinca minor (periwinkle plant)
U.S. Pharmacist
Zanthoxylum fruit
SpringerLink - Journal Article
Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort)
Behavioural Pharmacology - Abstract: Volume 12(3) May 2001 p 173-182 An investigation into the acute nootropic effects of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) in healthy human volunteers.
and many others?
Happy gardening
