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31.07.2018

Mentha spicata extract fixes lapses in your memory

If forgetful over-50s take 2 capsules with an extract of the green mint plant Mentha spicata every day, their memory improves. Moreover, they feel more energetic and sleep better. Researchers from Kemin Industries [kemin.com] report this in Nutrients.

Neumentix
The extract that the researchers used is on the market as Neumentix. Neumentix is made from a Mentha spicata cultivar that is patented by Kemin. This cultivar contains more rosmarinic acid and less carvone than regular green mint plants.

There are indications that continuous and substantial intake of regular mint products lowers testosterone levels, [Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):444-7.] [Phytother Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):186-8.] [Urology. 2004 Aug;64(2):394-8.] [Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014 Nov;4(6):420-9.] but in toxicological studies Kemin did not detect any effect of Neumentix on the LH and FSH levels. [Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;86:167-76.]

Study
The researchers experimented with about ninety test subjects aged 50-70 years, who started to become a little forgetful. They had "age-associated memory impairment', as the researchers say. The researchers divided the subjects into 3 groups.

One group took a placebo for 90 days. A second group took a supplement with 600 milligrams of Kemin's Mentha spicata extract, a third group took 900 milligrams. Before and after the supplementation period, the researchers tested the cognitive ability and mental health of the subjects.

Results
At a dose of 900 milligrams per day, the Mentha spicata supplement improved the working memory of the subjects. They could memorize numbers and words easier during tests.

In addition, the 900 milligram dose also improved the functioning of the spatial memory.

The subjects felt better when they used 900 milligrams of Mentha spicata daily. Their scores for Total Mood Disturbance halved. This improvement in mood was mainly due to an increased feeling of vitality and energy [Vigor/Activity].

Click on the figure below for a larger version.

The improvement of the mood was possibly the result of an increased sleep quality. The subjects who used 900 milligrams of Mentha spicata every day slept earlier, and felt less sleepy and alert during the day.

Click on the figure for a larger version.

Conclusion
"In summary, healthy older subjects with age-associated memory impairment taking 900 mg/day of the spearmint extract improved their working memory and self-reported ability to get to sleep", write the researchers.

"Taken together, these findings suggest that this dried aqueous spearmint extract, containing more than 50 phenolic compounds including higher rosmarinic acid relative to native spearmint species, [Molecules. 2016 Aug 3;21(8).] shows promise as an ingredient for improved cognitive performance, sleep and possibly mood, all of which may improve quality of life."

Source:
J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jan;24(1):37-47.

More:
Worn knee joint? Drink two cups of mint tea a day 21.07.2018

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