Changes in MoCA scores with sequential administration of Trikatu Cūrṇa and Brahmi Ghṛta in mild cognitive impairment: an exploratory single-arm clinical study
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Saurav Sharma1, Devipriya Soman1, Sreelekshmi Remadevi1
1Department of Kayachikitsa, School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India.
Introduction:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate clinical state between normal cognitive aging and dementia. MCI can impair complex daily activities and social functioning. Ayurveda recognizes age-related changes (Jarā) as a natural phenomenon; however, pathological cognitive decline is considered when influenced by doṣa-vaiṣamya. Descriptions of Buddhi-bhraṁśa and Smṛti-bhraṁśa can be correlated with cognitive decline. Current pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches show variable outcomes, highlighting the need for supportive and integrative strategies.
Methods:
The single-arm, open-label clinical study evaluated 24 participants diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. The patients were administered Trikatu Cūrṇa 3 g twice daily, after food, for 7 days, followed by Brahmi Ghṛta 5 mL twice daily with milk as Anupāna, after food, for 90 days. Out of the 27 enrolled participants, 24 completed the study and 3 dropped out. Cognitive assessment was carried out using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale. This study is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India under CTRI/2024/07/070223 before enrolment of the first participant.
Results:
Post-intervention assessment demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall cognitive scores compared to baseline (p < 0.001), with a large effect size and no adverse events. However, these findings are strictly limited by the open-label, single-arm design, lack of lifestyle standardization, and unrecorded concomitant medications.
Discussion:
Trikatu Cūrṇa, through its Dīpana-Pācana action, may support Agni and help in Āma reduction, thereby improving metabolic efficiency and drug absorption. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) formulation, Brahmi Ghṛta, is traditionally described as a Medhya Rasāyana, and based on experimental and pharmacological evidence, it may support cognitive function through mechanisms such as modulation of cholinergic pathways, enhancement of synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotective effects in hippocampal circuits relevant to MCI.
Clinical Trial Registration:
https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MTEwODI2&Enc=&userName=.
Insights
This study found that Trikatu Cūrṇa and Brahmi Ghṛta significantly improved cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. The Ayurvedic intervention showed no adverse events, suggesting potential for integrative cognitive support.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, impacting daily activities and social functioning.
- Ayurveda views age-related cognitive decline within the framework of Jarā, with pathological decline linked to doṣa-vaiṣamya, correlating with Buddhi-bhraṁśa and Smṛti-bhraṁśa.
- Existing treatments for MCI offer variable outcomes, necessitating exploration of supportive and integrative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic intervention involving Trikatu Cūrṇa and Brahmi Ghṛta in individuals with mild neurocognitive disorder.
- To assess the safety and impact of this integrative approach on cognitive function as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm, open-label clinical study involving 24 participants diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder (DSM-5 criteria).
- Participants received Trikatu Cūrṇa (3g twice daily for 7 days) followed by Brahmi Ghṛta (5mL twice daily for 90 days).
- Cognitive function was assessed using the MoCA Scale pre- and post-intervention. The study is registered under CTRI/2024/07/070223.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant improvement in overall MoCA scores was observed post-intervention compared to baseline (p < 0.001).
- The intervention demonstrated a large effect size for cognitive improvement.
- No adverse events were reported during the study period.
Conclusions:
- The Ayurvedic formulation of Trikatu Cūrṇa and Brahmi Ghṛta shows promise as a safe and effective integrative strategy for improving cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment.
- Trikatu Cūrṇa's potential Dīpana-Pācana action may enhance metabolic efficiency and drug absorption, while Brahmi Ghṛta, a Medhya Rasāyana, may support cognition via cholinergic modulation, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection.
- Further research with robust designs, including lifestyle standardization and control groups, is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
