10/26/2018 / By RJ Jhonson
A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine is mum about the banyan’s (Ficus benghalensis) spiritual benefits, but it does reveal that extracts from the tree’s roots have mind-boosting effects, are able to improve memory and relaxation, and can reduce anxiety and the occurrence of seizures.
The brain-related benefits of the banyan tree are not a recent discovery. Traditional medicine prescribes its parts, including the bark, buds, leaves, fruit, and even its latex for a wide array of neurological problems. These include insomnia, anxiety, and other nervous disorders. Past scientific inquiries about the mental benefits of the plant confirmed the ability to enhance certain aspects of cognition.
There have been attempts to study and prove other health claims related to the tree, including its ability to treat pain and inflammation, but scientists have, so far, yet to arrive on a promising outcome. The absence of any substantial literature on banyan’s neurological benefits prompted the researchers to look into the effects of its aqueous extracts on brain health and performance.
They divided mice into four groups: one positive control, one negative control, one receiving 100 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of banyan extract, and a group receiving 200 mg/kg of banyan extract. The mice were put through a series of tests designed to gauge the extracts’ effects on memory, as well as sleep, muscle relaxation, seizures, and anxiety. (Related: Memory and sleep: Researchers finally discover why getting sufficient sleep dramatically boosts brain performance.)
The researchers noted that the mice given 200 mg/kg of banyan extract demonstrated superior outcomes in all areas tested except for one – the mice in the 100 mg/kg of banyan extract displayed the largest delay in seizure onset. According to the scientists, these results were good indicators of banyan extract’s ability to improve memory, relax muscles, relieve anxiety, and modify seizures.
The banyan is a fascinating tree. It is a type of fig and although its fruits are not poisonous, they aren’t too edible for humans either. Here are other interesting facts about the banyan.
Discover natural ways to boost mental performance at Brain.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, Anxiety, banyan tree, brain health, Ficus benghalensis, herbal medicine, improving memory, muscle coordination, muscle relaxation, natural cures, natural treatment, Seizure, sleep, sleep quality
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