Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Cognition as Modulated by Cardiovascular Reactivity

Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Cognition as Modulated by Cardiovascular Reactivity

There is some evidence to suggest that ginseng and Ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive performance, however, very little is known about the mechanisms associated with such improvement. Here, we tested whether cardiovascular reactivity to a task is associated with cognitive improvement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers ranging in age between 18 and 30.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Ginseng group: exclude those that regularly consume caffeine or Panax Ginseng, or those that are diabetic, have hormone sensitive conditions, autoimmune diseases, bleeding conditions, heart conditions or take medications that are known to interact with Panax Ginseng. These include anticoagulants, Warfarin, Ibuprofen, MAOIs, medications that are changed by the liver, and stimulant drugs (e.g. pseudoephedrine, epinephrine).
• Ginkgo Biloba group: exclude those that regularly consume caffeine or Ginkgo Biloba, or those that are diabetic, have experienced seizures in the past, have bleeding disorders, or take medications that are known to interact with Ginkgo Biloba. These include Ibuprofen, anticoagulants, Warfarin, Buspirone, Fluoxetine, Trazodone