Bacopa monnieri which is also known as Brahmi is traditionally used in Ayurveda for variety of ailments including Alzheimer's disease, improving memory, anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among many other. Recent literature has also confirmed its memory enhancing effects. One of the mechanisms hypothesised is that it increases the blood flow in brain cells and regulates the release of signal chemicals (e.g. acetylcholine) in the brain.

• Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-535. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008
• Morgan A, Stevens J. Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(7):753-759. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0342

Ginkgo biloba comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, one of the oldest living plant species. Dating back more than 200 million years, it is often referred to as “a living fossil.” Because its leaves resemble the maiden- hair fern, it is also known as the maidenhair tree. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a memory enhancer and also has scientific credence for its use. The main mechanism postulated is that it improves the blood flow to the brain cells.

• Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, et al. Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;43(2):589-603. doi:10.3233/JAD-140837
• Stackman RW, Eckenstein F, Frei B, Kulhanek D, Nowlin J, Quinn JF. Prevention of age-related spatial memory deficits in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by chronic Ginkgo biloba treatment. Exp Neurol. 2003;184(1):510-520. doi:10.1016/s0014-4886(03)00399-6