Herbs and phytochemicals have been extensively researched for their ability to treat mood disorders. In many cases these effects are comparable to those of pharmaceutical drugs. A number of mechanisms by which herbs and phytochemicals can affect the central nervous system have been shown and in many cases these effects are similar to those exerted by drugs. While administration of single herbs may be effective, there is some evidence that polyherbal formulas, as traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine may be particularly effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression. One such polyherbal formula is called Mentat, and it is used in Ayurvedic medicine mainly as a treatment for memory impairment, but may also be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Mentat contains the herbs Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica and Withania somnifera, all of which have been evidenced to be beneficial in the treatment of mood disorders, particularly anxiety and depression.
Mentat is a polyherbal formula containing Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) and gotu kola (Centella asiatica. Mentat is effective at treating anxiety, depression and effective at improving cognition in subjects with mood disorders. Gotu kola (pictured) is a key ingredient in Mentat. Image from: By © Vespertunes, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:/ /commons.wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=59398340.
Researchers have investigated the effects of Mentat on subjects with anxiety and depression. In particular, the researchers were interested in the ability of mentat to prevent mental fatigue and improve memory, as these parameters can be affected by both anxiety and depression, although in different ways. The subjects took two tablets twice a day for 3 months. The results of the study showed that there were significant improvements in memory and this was most substantial for those individuals who had impairments in memory due to their mood disorder. There was also a reduction in mental fatigue in the subjects. Not surprisingly, there were also improvements in the anxiety and depression experienced by the subjects. Therefore Mentat may cause significant improvements in mood and mental function. One likely scenario is that mood disorders cause mental deterioration, and by addressing the underlying mood disorder through effective treatment with polyherbal formulas, improvements in cognitive function become evident.
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