Can the banyan tree help improve your memory?

The banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) has been used traditionally as a treatment for brain-related conditions. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigated the effects of the tree’s root extracts on memory, anxiety, muscle coordination, and seizure in mice.

• The researchers divided mice into four groups: one positive control, one negative control, one receiving 100 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of banyan extract, and a group receiving 200 mg/kg of banyan extract.
• The mice were put through a number of tests meant to gauge the effect of banyan tree extract on their performance. These tests were:
  • Passive-avoidance (memory)
  • Open-field (anxiety)
  • Pentobarbital-induced Sleep Potentiation (sleep)
  • Rota-rod (muscle coordination)
  • Pentylenetetrazol-Induced and Maximal Electroshock Seizure Tests (seizure)
• The mice in the 200 mg/kg banyan extract group excelled in all tests and parameters, except in seizure-onset, which was most delayed in the group given 100 mg/kg banyan extract.

The researchers concluded that banyan extract can enhance memory and muscle relaxation, reduce anxiety, and modify seizures.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

Read about the brain and which nutrients to consume to ensure its health at Brain.news.

Journal Reference:

Panday DR, Rauniar GP. EFFECT OF ROOT-EXTRACTS OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS (BANYAN) IN MEMORY, ANXIETY, MUSCLE CO-ORDINATION AND SEIZURE IN ANIMAL MODELS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1413-5