From Glaxo to Paxo? neurocognitive and mood effects of natural products

Over the past decade or so there has been an increase in research into the behavioural effects of nutritional interventions and herbal extracts, including their potential to modulate behaviour. Provision of simple energetic substrates (glucose and oxygen) can improve aspects of cognitive function - especially during periods of cognitive demand. Such interventions are useful tools to investigate cognitive phenomena, however they result in only short-lived physiological changes. Unlike more mainstream monopharmacological agents, herbal extracts may contain dozens of active components. It appears that some have these may have evolved with a combination of properties which, in concert, may affect multiple neuronal, metabolic and hormonal systems. Since behavioural processes are themselves modulated by such systems, the effects of herbal extracts may particularly depend upon complex interactions within and between physiological systems (which may be further modulated by dispositional and situational factors). In our laboratory we have concentrated on a systematic assessment of the behavioural effects of herbal extracts. These have been selected on the basis of their historical or anecdotal use as agents which may influence mood and cognitive performance. This work is in its infancy but may uncover promising candidates for maintenance of wellbeing and mental health throughout the lifespan and even treatments for conditions where mental function becomes fragile - including dementia