Sacha Inchi, Plukenetia volubilis also called Incan peanut, native of the Peruvian amazon is an oleaginous (containing oil) plant. Its seeds are the most natural source of oil that used for oil production destined for human consumption.

Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function.¹¹ We should know that it is very important to maintain a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.¹² Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly one omega-3 fatty acid to four omega-6 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 11 to 30 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.

Sacha Inchi contains an adequate balance of Omega-3 (48%), Omega-6 (36%), Omega-9 (9%), Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Iodine. Omega-6 and 9 are oils that we can easily find in many of our daily meals, but it is very hard to find a natural resource or Omega-3 in our environment. The supply of omega-3 can balance the high omega-6 in our diet and also can assist the body’s formation of nerve tissues, eye tissues, and cell membranes.

Recent researches demonstrated that omega-3 is an important fatty acid that related to healthy mental function^13,14 and cognitive performance.¹⁵ Deficiency of fatty acid intake increases the risk of incident dementia¹⁶ and Alzheimer disease.^17,18,19,20 And suggested fatty acid has its important role in Alzheimer disease therapy.²¹

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used successfully in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for various aliments. Ashwagandha is a plant, while the root and berry are used to make medicine. The name Ashwagandha is from the Sanskrit language and is a combination of the word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell. The root has a strong aroma that is described as “horse-like.” In other meaning, since Ashwagandha can be classified as an adoptogen²² it can provide energic force as an horse does. Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha with great interest and as of this date have carried out more than 200 studies of its healing benefits. The positive effects of Ashwagandha included improves learning, memory,²³ and reation time (increased acethycholine receptor activity);²⁴ stimulate neural cells regeneration (increased growth of axons and dendrites),²⁵ reduces anxiety and depression (GABA-like action);²⁶ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory;²⁷ and confers immune system protection.²⁸ Studies shown Ashwagandha could be a substant use in the therapeutic treatment of neurodegenerative disese by it potent regeneration activity on nerve cells.²⁹ Reseraches also demonstrated Ashwagandha can protect the neuronal cells from beta-amyloid induced cell damage which is the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.³⁰

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is essential to the function of all the cells in the body. It provides building block for cell membranes, and neurotransmitter receptors. It is a nutrient to the brain cell. A high concentration of PS can found in a healthy person’s brain. Its relative abundance in the brain reflects its proven involvement in an assortment of nerve cell functions, including nerve transmitter release and synaptic activity. It enhances mental function in young people,³¹ strengthens memory, boosts learning, increases vigilance and attention, intensifies concentration, increases mental acuity, semantic skills, and controls over mood. It improves age-related memory loss,^32,33,34,35 Alzheimer’s disease,³³ slows the loss of brain functions and rejuvenates them.³⁶ While the body can make its own PS, there is increasing evidence that a daily supplement can improve memory, mood, stress resistance, learning, and concentration.

Quercetin, one of the flavonoids in fruits and vegetables, has a powerful antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo. Quercetin is one of a broad group of natural polyphenolic flavonoid substances that are being investigated for their widespread health benefits. These benefits have generally been ascribed to its combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but recent in vitro evidence suggests that improved brain and muscle mitochondrial biogenesis could play an important role.³⁷ Study shown quercetin attenuated d-galactose-induced (a toxin) spontaneous behavioral and spatial memory impairments, suggesting a potential antiaging effect of quercetin.³⁸ Study also found that quercetin dramatically elevated the GAP43 mRNA expression in the brain of D-gal-treated mice to regenerate normal function of neurons against the cellular injury caused by D-galatose.³⁹ According to researchers in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Cornell University the effect of against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration quercetin may be beneficial in helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.⁴⁰ Quercetin also have antiviral, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and gastroprotective activities. It may also have antial lergy activity and activity in preventing secondary complications of diabetes.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant native to tropical South Asia belonging to the ginger family. Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds. Research has identified curcumin as responsible for most of the biological activity of turmeric.⁴¹

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant which can fight free radicals to prevent its damage effect on cell membranes and DNA. Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer’s disease,^42,43 cancer,44 arthritis, pancreatis, and eye inflammatoy disease.

Result of study from the UCLA found that turmeric may play a role in slowing down the progression of the neurodegenerative disease.^45,46 Data were then published in 2001,⁴⁷ demonstrating that curcumin was particularly effective in reducing neurodegeneration, oxidative damage, diffuse plaque deposition, aberrant inflammation and impaired inflammatory clearance.^48,49 In the matter of facts, all these bad processes are found in the brain of patients suffering massive dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric is widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color. The finding may help to explain why rates of Alzheimer’s are much lower among the elderly in India who take curry food than in their Western peers.

There are three main varieties of tea — green, black, and oolong, that all are derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant The difference between the teas is in their processing. Green tea is prepared from unfermented leaves, the leaves of oolong tea are partially fermented, and black tea is fully fermented. The more the leaves are fermented, the lower the polyphenol content and the higher the caffeine content.⁵⁰ Polyphenols particularly Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) are powerful antioxidants.⁵¹ Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for improving mental function,⁵² preventing neural degeneration,^53,54 atherosclerosis,⁵⁵ high cholesterol,⁵⁵ diabetes,⁵⁶ inflammatory disease, cancer,⁵⁷ liver disease and weight loss.⁵⁸

Extract of Green Tea offers a convenient way to get the benefits of green tea in a highly concentrated form. It is standardized for polyphenols, particularly EGCG.

Bioperine is a standardized extract form the fruit of Black pepper and / or long pepper that are cultivated in the damp, nutrient-rich soil regions of south India. Bioperine has been clinically tested and shown to significantly enhance the bioavailability of other supplements through increased absorption. For example, Vitamin B6 can be absorbed 30-50 % more by adding Bioperine. Some of the nutrients which may be co-administered with Biopherine to increase their absorption include herbal extracts (such as Curcumin, Ashwagandha and Gingo biloba), vitamins (such as B1, Niacin, B6, Vitamin A and E), amino acids (such as lysine and methionine), and minerals (such as calcium, zinc, selenium manganese and potassium). Possible mechanism of its effect included increases blood supply to the GI tract, increases emulsifying content of the gut, and increases active nutrient transport.

Vitamin B1 functions in combination with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to form coenzymes necessary for converting carbohydrates into energy in nervous system and muscles.⁵⁹ Vitamin B1 maintains normal function of nervous system, enhances mental alert, reduces physical and mental fatigue, and improves depression. Studies had shown

Thiamin deficiency contributes to dementia of Alzheimer’s type,⁶⁰ and supply this vitamin benefit patients with Alzheimer’s disease.^61,62

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. The B vitamins play an important role in maintaining muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting the health of the nervous system,⁶³ skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. Vitamin B6 acts as coenzyme for metabolic functions affecting protein, carbohydrates and fat utilization participating in the process of making important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 is essential for normal brain development and function,^64,65 enhances energy production, and helps sleep by increasing serotnin. In addition pyridoxine is considered an “anti-stress” vitamin^66,67 because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions.

Gastrodiae Elatae, Tien Ma, cultivate mainly in China, had been used for thousands of year. The root contains a number of phenolic compounds, mainly Vanilline, with medicinal actions. Vanilline can be absorbed in the small intestine rapidly shows up in the liver and quickly permeates the blood-brain barrier to the brain. It is a sweet, acrid, herb that is analgesic, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, sedative and tonic Tien Ma improves blood flow to the brain and the heart. It’s sedative effect give an action of anti-convulsion and painkilling. Studies shown it can increase the tolerance of brain to lack of oxygen. Tien Ma also improves the immune system.⁶⁸

Astragalus Membranaceus is an important and wildly used herb in Chinese medicine for many years. Astragalus is usually combined with other plants to achieve the desired effect. It is thought that it strengthens the vital energy of the body whereas in Western world the possibly nearest approximation to this concept is that it is an adaptogenic plant meaning it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Modern researches have shown Astragalus protects the blood-brain barrier of brain from injury,⁶⁹ protects against ischemic brain injury,⁷⁰ and helps brain recovery from ischmic trauma.⁷¹ Astragalus also has properties of antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immune stimulation and anticancer that works as an anti-aging herb.

Ginseng is widely used in Asia, China, Japan and Korean and regarded by the professionals and the public as a stimulant. In traditional Chinese herbology, Panax ginseng was used to strengthen the lung and digestion, calm the spirit, wake the mind, and increase overall energy. In the West many consider ginseng as an adaptogen.⁷² The active contents in ginseng are believed to be substances known as ginsenosides. Different ginsenosides appear to have differing actions, and the exact mixture of ginsenosides in a given ginseng product may play a large role in its efficacy. Ginseng can increase the defense ability of the organism, promote healing and reduce the toxicity of certain chemicals.⁷³ It increases the ability of analysis, promotes cognitive functions,⁷⁴ mental functions, and psychomotor performance.⁷⁶ Ginseng increases the function of adrenal cortex, the immunity response, increases the resistance to disease, and stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more sex hormone.

Rehmannia Root is one of the most popular and important tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has been used for thousands of years. The fresh or dried roots have been used in China for centuries to treat a long list of ailments and was even used as a tonic to counter the effects of aging.⁷⁷ The processed Rehmannia Root (Shu di huang) is considered a “Tonic for the Blood” and supports the body’s resources to enhance circulation throughout the body, especially to the brain. A chemical Catalpol containg in the Rehmannia is considered as the effective components, has many pharmacological actions, such as ameliorates cognition deficits and attenuates oxidative damage in the brain,⁷⁸ anti-brain ischemia, anti-senile dementia,^79,80 promoting neuro-remodeling81 and reducing capillary permeability.

Angelica sinensis, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in treatment of gynecological disease. Modern scientific study demonstrated that Angelic sinensis extract possessed the activity to prevent the neurotoxicity induced by Ab-associated oxidative stress (Ab is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease) and AChE activity implying that Angelica has a potential role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s diseases.⁸² Angelica improves mental function on cerebral infarction type of stroke through multiple pathways, including anti- arthrosclerosis, improving microcirculation, anti-platelet aggregation , anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.⁸³ Study shown angelica has neuroprotective efficacy on mitigating brain infarction and global ischemia as well as preventing the neurodegeneration following ischemia. Owing to their multi-function, including improving cerebral blood circulation, they therefore have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of degenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).⁸⁴ Ferulic acid has been identified to be an active component of Angelica Sinensis which may reverse memory deficits induced by a variety of toxins.^85,86,87,88 Z-ligustilide has been identified to be another active component from volatile of Radix Angelica sinensis. It may protect brain and cognition especially against focal and global ischemia induced by permanent common carotid arteries occlusion and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.^89,90,91 Treatment with Z-ligustilide reduces brain injury after a subarachnoid hemorrhage.⁹² Study also shown Angelica not only can suppress growths of malignant brain tumors of rat and human origin but also shrink the volumes of tumor, significantly prolonging survivals.⁹³

Bupleurum is also known as Hare’s Ear. The part of this plant used medicinally is the root. In Chinese Herbology Bupleurum is classified into a category of vital energy regulator and liver smoother. This herb contains a chemical known as saikosaponins that account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Bupleurum is an adaptogen and its function included hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antipyretic, and analgesic. Bupleurum has a unique reputation for deeply cleansing the overburdened liver. It helps the liver to eliminate impurities and waste matter from the system. It plays a role of protector to the brain and other organs.

Shi Cheng Pu, Rhizoma Acorus gramine in Chinese, is a very old herb that had been used for regain consciousness, calm convulsive attack and eliminate fullness in the stomach in China and other Asia countries such as India. Modern scientific researches demonstrated it has many effects that can be used for human aliments including antiacetylcholinesterase,⁹⁴ antioxident,^95,96,97,98 neuroprotective,^{99,100,101,102,103} antiproliferative,¹⁰⁴and immunomodulartory.¹⁰⁵ Studies also shown Acrous can enhance learning and memory functions by increasing norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin relative levels, and by decreasing the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the cerebra.¹⁰⁶

One of the chemical component of Acrous, eugenol, may act by blocking Abeta-induced- Ca(2+) intake and provide a strong case for further pursuit of the therapeutic and prophylactic potentials of Acrous and its active principles for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.¹⁰⁷