It’s an undeniable fact. Every brain changes with age–and unfortunately, mental function changes along with it. In fact, science indicates that certain aspects of age-related cognitive decline begin as early as our 20s and 30s. So, if you feel like you’ve been becoming more absentminded recently (“Where did I put the keys? Wait, did I turn off the iron?”), you’re not alone. More good news? Cognitive impairment is not inevitable. As it turns out, ginseng–an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries–can help with various aspects of cognitive functions, including boosting memory.

Has your curiosity about this well-known adaptogen been piqued? It has? Good. Continue reading, because we’ll explain the relationship between ginseng and brain health in a bit.

How does ginseng benefit brain function?

Here’s a fun fact: ginseng is a group of herbs with about 12 species belonging to genus Panax under the family Araliaceae. The name Panax is derived from the Greek word for panacea (i.e. ‘cure-all). Now, ginseng contains many bioactive compounds thought to have functional properties. Among these, ginsenosides and compound K are the main components thought to exert brain-beneficial effects.

Researchers have found over 100 ginsenosides so far; they have all been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Many of the pharmacological properties of ginseng have also been attributed to their polyacetylenic alcohols and polysaccharides.

What brain functions does ginseng benefit, exactly?

Ginseng can help improve many aspects of brain functions, including memory, behaviour, and even mood. More details below.

Improves cognitive functions

Research shows that ginseng can help improve cognition and thinking processes. A 2005 study examined the effects of ginseng supplementation on participants’ mental performance, mental fatigue, and blood sugar levels. The result? Participants reported enhanced cognitive performance and experienced less mental fatigue post-supplementation. This finding is also supported by a more recent 2010 study, which found that taking 400 mg of Panax ginseng daily for 8 days resulted in improved calmness and math skills.

Protects against neurodegenerative diseases

Just so you know, neurodegenerative diseases result in neuron (i.e. brain cells) death. These diseases–including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and dementia–can adversely impact an individual’s movement, speech, memory, intelligence, and much more. As you can imagine, these diseases are debilitating. Thankfully, though, accumulating evidence suggests that the active ingredients of ginseng can improve neurodegenerative diseases through different pathways. Perhaps more promisingly, many studies have found positive effects on the brain function and behaviour in people with Alzheimer’s disease when supplementing with ginseng.

Boosts mood and mental well-being

Ginseng’s benefits on the brain are not only limited to the cognitive aspects, too. Research also shows ginseng to be beneficial on mood and mental well-being. To be specific, many ginseng study participants report improved overall well-being, in addition to better energy, sleep, personal satisfaction, and even sex life. What’s more, ginseng is also thought to be a promising natural therapy for depression.

So… If you wish to keep your brain healthy and optimal, you should give ginseng a go.