Category Archives: Brain

Creatine and Cognitive Function

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Robert Barrington

Creatine is an important component of cells because it is used to buffer phosphocreatine during energy utilisation. Higher levels of creatine mean a greater buffering capacity, and this means the cell has a larger amount of energy for important processes. … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain, Creatine | Comments Off on Creatine and Cognitive Function

Convolvulus pluricaulis: Anxiolytic Herb

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Robert Barrington

Convolvulus pluricaulis is a herb used in traditional herbal medicine. It is also sometimes called shankhapushpi. The main medicinal use of Convolvulus pluricaulis is as a brain tonic, where it is used to treat a number of mental disorders. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Brain, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Depression, Mood | Comments Off on Convolvulus pluricaulis: Anxiolytic Herb

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Cognitive Enhancer

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Robert Barrington

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a herb that has a long history of use as a general tonic. Gotu kola is a herb that is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and it has been extensively researched for its health effects. … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain, Gotu Kola | Comments Off on Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Cognitive Enhancer

Plants As A Source of Opioid Peptides

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Robert Barrington

Plant are important dietary components for humans and animals. Plants contain a large number of proteins and many of these are enzymes. Plants use enzymes to synthesise phytochemicals. Evidence suggests that some of these enzyme may be useful as pharmacological … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain, Opioids, Rubisco | Comments Off on Plants As A Source of Opioid Peptides

Ellagic Acid For Brain Health

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Robert Barrington

Ellagic acid is a phytochemical antioxidant found in a number of foods including walnuts and berries. Ellagic acid belongs to the polyphenol group of phytochemicals and a number of studies have shown positive health effects from consumption of ellagic acid … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Brain, Depression, Ellagic Acid, Mood, Polyphenols | Comments Off on Ellagic Acid For Brain Health

L-Theanine: It’s Effects on Mental State

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Robert Barrington

L-theanine is an amino acid found in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). When tea is brewed, L-theanine passes from the tea leaves into the water. Consuming tea therefore provides a source of L-theanine, and studies show that the L-theanine from … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Tea, Brain, Green Tea, L-theanine, Tea | Comments Off on L-Theanine: It’s Effects on Mental State

Iron Supplements Decrease Anxiety

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Robert Barrington

Iron is an essential mineral required for oxygen transport and neurotransmitter formation. A number of physiological conditions are associated with iron deficiency, including changes to cognition and mood. Research studies have investigated the mental and physical effects of iron supplementation … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Brain, Depression, Iron, Mood | Comments Off on Iron Supplements Decrease Anxiety

Iron Deficiency and Mood

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Robert Barrington

Iron deficiency results in anaemia, because red blood cells require iron to carry oxygen. Poor iron status can therefore have wide ranging effects on physiology as all cellular processes ultimately rely on oxygen. Iron is also needed as a cofactor … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Brain, Depression, Iron, Mood | Comments Off on Iron Deficiency and Mood

Vitamin D: Vital for Cognition and Mood

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Robert Barrington

Vitamin D has a range of biological functions, and may be required for correct immunity, correct mineral homeostasis and mental function. Vitamin D deficiencies is increasingly being found to be widespread amongst the populations that live in developed countries. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Brain, Cholecalciferol, Depression, Mood, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Vitamin D: Vital for Cognition and Mood

Rosmarinic Acid: Brain Effects

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Robert Barrington

Rosmarinic acid is a metabolite produce by a number of plants including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and wormwood (Artemisia capillaris). Rosmarinic acid has a number of effects in animals including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Researchers … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Anxiety, Brain, Depression, Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Mood, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) | Comments Off on Rosmarinic Acid: Brain Effects