Does a Polyherbal Medicine Enhance Cognition in Healthy Older Adults? An Exploratory Open-Label Study

Objective: This 12-week open-label study evaluated a multi-herbal tablet containing Reynoutria japonica, Vitis vinifera, Silybum marianum, Ginkgo biloba, and Panax ginseng, for potential improvement of cognitive function in 25 healthy older adults (50-75 years). Methods: The primary outcome, cognition, was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Results: Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1). Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest memory improvement, but further rigorous testing is needed.