Evaluation of Yashtimadhu kalpa Medhya rasayana on memory and cognitive performance of school going children

Abstract

newline Background Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.(Yashtimadhu),is one of the important neuro-nutrient herb (Medhya Rasayana)mentioned in Ayurveda classics. Also, its usefulness on memory and cognition has been shown in many studies. Yoga, a part of rich Indian heritage has also shown promising results in memory enhancement of children and adults. Thus, a study was planned to assess efficacy of their combined schedule in teenage students. Glycerriza glabra Linn. was converted into an herbal formulation Yastimadhu Kalpa (YK) as per principles of Ayurveda pharmaceutics. newlineObjective - The objective of this study was to evaluate effect of YKand Yoga schedule on memory and cognitive performance of teenage (13-16 years old) students. newlineMethods- In this open-labeled, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 100 assenting healthy students between 13-16 years of age were enrolled and randomized into trial and control groups, after obtaining EC approval and parent consent. Those in the trial group received YK and Yoga, control group participants received placebo (Ragi malt) and Yoga. The YK and placebo were to be taken with cow milk in the morning. A 30-minute Yoga schedule was also taught to them. The duration of treatment was of 90 days. Effect on memory and cognition was assessed by cognitive ability and mental ability tests devised by Jnana-Prabodhini s Institute of Psychology, Pune. These assessments were done on randomization visit (Day 0) and end of study visit (Day 90). Appropriate statistical tests applied to the data to obtain results. newlineResults- Both groups showed significant improvement in cognition and memory after 90 days treatment duration. However, YK group showed more significant improvement in cognition of figural classes and cognition of figural system in cognitive ability and memory of figural transformations, memory of symbolic transformations, total memory and mental ability among memory test parameters when compared to control group. Inclusion of Yoga schedule in both groups was found to be effective on improvement