Plants containing bio-active compounds fill the natural world. Some of these bio-active compounds elicit a physiological effect in the mammals that eat these plants. This makes sense. Plants are sedentary creatures, so they rely on their ability to synthesize chemical compounds for defense.
Sometimes, these plant-based compounds are toxic to the mammals that eat these plants. Occasionally a plant produces a compound that is safe at low dosage. This can inadvertently add value to the mammal that eats the plant.
How Do Plants Act as Brain-Boosters?
The coffee plant is a great example. The coffee plant produces caffeine. At high dosage, caffeine can be destructive to a predator that feeds on the coffee plant. However, at low dosage, caffeine will stimulate our nervous system and keep us alert throughout the day. Coffee is one of many brain-boosters found within the world of plants.
EthnoHerbalist finds medicinal plants and the physiological changes created by them fascinating. Click here to read their review of natural brain stimulants. Plants produce almost all the compounds described. The article includes both the science and the neurological effect of these brain boosting plants.
Included in the review are:
- Coffee
- Huperzine-A
- L-theanine
- Coconut oil
- Gotu kola
- Kola nut
- Rhodiola
- Guarana
- Lion's mane
- Mate
- Oat straw
- Ashwaghanda
- Bacopa
- Artichoke
- Ginseng
- Maca
YOUR TAKEAWAY
Most of us would like to feel energized and focused as we move through our day. There are several natural substances, most naturally occurring in plants or mushrooms, that can help.
Remember that everyone’s physiology is unique and results will differ.
Not all plants covered in the article have been reviewed by the FDA. Consult with your healthcare professional before trying anything new.
This article was provided to BrainSpeak by Dr. Kevin Curran, founder of EthnoHerbalist.com. Dr. Curran teaches Cell Biology and Ethnobotany at University of San Diego and has a particular interest in the biology of effective medicinal plants.
Featured image by Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6157239