Understanding Neurotransmitters
When the dendrites (receiving ends) of a nerve cell are stimulated, the nerve fires an electrical impulse down its axon (the sending end). At the end of the axon are synapses, gaps which separate that nerve cell from other nerve cells. When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the axon, it releases neurotransmitters into the synapse, which stimulates or inhibits the next nerve cell.
Neurotransmitters work on a system similar to a “key and lock." Keys work because they have a specific shape that inserts in a specific lock and allows that lock to turn on or off. Like a key, each chemical messenger has a three-dimensional shape. Like a lock, a receptor site also has a specific shape into which the messenger chemical fits. When the two are joined, cellular processes are activated or inhibited, like turning a keyed switch on or off.
Drugs and compounds from plants can affect neurotransmitters in a number of ways. First, they can mimic the effect of the neurotransmitter because they possess a similar molecular shape, which allows them to fit into the receptor. It's sort of like having a counterfeit key.
Secondly, chemical drugs or phytonutrients from plants can also sensitize the receptor sites (sort of like lubricating the lock to make the key fit easier). Finally, they can also influence enzymes that create neurotransmitters or break them down or influence their release or re-uptake (absorption back into the cell that released them).
The beautiful thing about plants is that they contain numerous compounds, which can influence these systems in very subtle and complex ways. This prevents them from having the serious side-effects of drugs. With that understanding, let’s look at the neurotransmitter involved in memory, acetylcholine, and the herbs we can use to influence it.
Boosting the Memory Molecule
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter to be discovered. It’s the neurotransmitter that is deficient in Alzheimer’s disease and acetylcholine deficiency is known to cause memory loss and depression. Acetylcholine is also released by muscle neurons (nerve cells) to cause muscle contraction.
Choline, a substance that is grouped with the B-vitamins, is the base used to produce acetylcholine. Choline-rich foods, such as egg yolks, green leafy vegetables and legumes (peanuts, soybeans and other beans) will automatically increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
Phosphatidyl-choline, found in lecithin is known to enhance acetylcholine production, as is DMAE. Both of these substances cross the blood brain barrier more easily than choline, so they are better at enhancing acetylcholine production than straight choline. Vitamins B1 and B5,( Pantothenic Acid) are also needed to synthesize acetylcholine.
Nerve synapses that house and release acetylcholine are termed cholinergic and the receptor sites for them are cholinergic receptors. Cholinergics are substances that promote the release, prevent the degradation of, or otherwise enhance the action of acetylcholine. Herbs with cholinergic activity include lemon balm, sage, rosemary, ginkgo, gotu kola and Chinese club moss.
Lemon balm has a reputation for creating alertness and lifting sadness and melancholy. It contains a compound that makes cholinergic recepters more sensitive.
Sage has long been considered an herb to improve memory (hence, the term “sage” in reference to someone who is wise). Sage inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine.
Rosemary is another herb that has a reputation for enhancing memory. It contains about a half-dozen compounds that are reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Furthermore, rosemary contains antioxidants that protect the brain. (Sage and Rosemary are found in HSN-W)
Some of the memory-boosting compounds in these three herbs are aromatic. Smelling lemon balm, sage and rosemary will immediately make you feel more mentally alert, so a blend of these oils, plus a little peppermint could help you stay alert and focused when you need to study or concentrate.
Ginkgo/Gotu Kola
My favorite formula for enhancing memory and cognition is Ginkgo/Gotu Kola with Bacopa. I have used it with a number of elderly people with beneficial results, including one of my uncles. It made a huge difference in his memory, one that my cousins found very noticeable. I have taken it myself, with positive effects, when I felt I needed to improve my concentration.
Ginkgo appears to enhance both the release of acetylcholine and the sensitivity of acetylcholine receptors. It definitely can enhance cognitive function in the elderly and helps prevent memory decline associated with aging. You can read more about this formula on our website.
Gotu kola is another herb with a long history of use in enhancing memory. It’s unclear whether it affects acetylcholine. It does act as an antioxidant and studies show it does enhance cognitive function, but it’s difficult to determine exactly how it does this.
Ginkgo/Gotu Kola is not likely to help younger people with good mental function to be "smarter," but it's great for slowing age-related memory decline. It also has positive effects on circulation and has some anti-aging effects.
Steven Horne
