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| Shankapushpi |
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Review
Summary |
Plant and herb extracts often figure prominently as natural supplements in many cultures overseas, especially in parts of Asia. A plant extract known simply as Shankapushpi has evidently been used throughout India and elsewhere in the region for a variety of purposes, including for memory enhancement and cognitive support in general. This substance is known to be a good source of some vital nutrients, which may be why many supplement makers seem to have included this ingredient in their products. As with all nutritional aids, a closer look at the herb is necessary for a better understanding of its pros and cons.
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| Herb at a Glance |
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With the botanical name Canscora Decussata, this plant and herb extract can be found in many different forms in today's marketplace. The entire plant is believed to be edible or serviceable as a supplement, as is its juice, which can be found in some health stores. This plant is said to be found in parts of India, as well as in Burma, where natives reportedly used the extract as a supplement to boost their overall health and wellness. One of its common applications, according to many reports, is memory enhancement, though most reports seem to be based on anecdotal evidence.
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| Herb in Focus |
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The plant extract is known by other names, such as Sankh Pushpi, Shankhini and Sankaphuli, depending on whom you ask and from what part of the region the ingredient is derived. The plant's branches, which extend across the ground, are said to grow to lengths of up to 30 centimeters, with blue, elliptic shaped flowers. A good source of such nutrients like glucose, sucrose, alkaloids and glycosides, this extract has been tied to improved cognitive function, as well as relief from hypertension, hypotension and anxiety, among other health concerns.
However, while Shankapushpi may have been used for generations overseas, it is not clear whether the extract is capable of addressing some of the brain's core needs for proper function. For example, the substance may be devoid of such nutrients as Alpha GPC, which improves the production of Choline in the brain. Choline has come to be recognized as one of the most important nutrients for manufacturing new cells as well as for improving neurotransmitter activity. Neurotransmitters are vital for supporting basic memory functions and thought processes, so it is critical to keep them active, especially as we age.
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| Lifestyle |
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It appears that more and more Americans across the country are considering natural alternatives to prescription drugs to improve their memory, capacity for learning and concentration. There are certainly pharmaceutical grade options for those whose physicians deem such medications necessary, but many men and women have been shown to respond well to select natural supplements. While the natural plant extract in question may be supported by anecdotal reports, however, supplements that feature this ingredient do not appear to be counted among the most promising cognitive aids on the market.
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| Positives |
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• Shankapushpi is plant based and can be found in many supplements
• The extract is not believed to cause any serious side effects
• The extract has been used traditionally for many years in India
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| Negatives |
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• Any evidence of desirable results seems to be limited to anecdotes
• The ingredient may not be a good source of Phosphatidylserine
• The extract may not improve neurotransmitter activity in the brain
• It is uncertain whether the ingredient can increase Choline production
• The plant extract does not seem to be backed by many testimonials
• The extract generally is not found in top quality memory enhancers
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| Final Thoughts |
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Some of the most popular natural supplements are based on herb and plant extracts that have been used traditionally for many years in overseas cultures. Many of these ingredients have been linked to general health and wellness support, if only anecdotally, and many Americans seem to be interested in this segment of the supplement market. But products based on the plant extract Shankapushpi may not address the core needs of those looking for cognitive support, including better neurotransmitter activity, nutrient production and enhanced cerebral circulation. It does remain a good source of nutrients, however, and may serve as an adequate, general nutritional aid, according to some reports.
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| Our
Editors Choice:
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Week
of: Tue Sep 07th, 2010 |
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Neurostin® -
Neurostin™ is a blend of non-prescription ingredients that were carefully formulated to reverse and prevent the depletion of the nutrients your brain needs to perform optimally. This is a very well received product that customers speak highly of. The unique formula of Neurostin™ provides your body with all the necessary building blocks to make choline which is the most vital component needed by the cells that comprise both short and long term memory. The formula has also been proven to produce both oxygen and blood flow to the brain which decrease and reverse the effects of deterioration. Neurostin is one of the few formulas that regulates the levels of homocysteine which is key in preventing both long term memory loss and Alzheimer’s. This is an awesome overall formula that enhances overall brain function, sharpness and clarity Click Here to read our full review. |
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