Spearmint Extract Improves Working Memory in Men and Women with Age-Associated Memory Impairment

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with a spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) extract, high in polyphenols including rosmarinic acid, on cognitive performance, sleep, and mood in individuals with age-associated memory impairment (AAMI).Design: Subjects with AAMI (N = 90; 67% female; age = 59.4 ± 0.6 years) were randomly assigned (n = 30/group) to consume 900, 600, or 0 mg/day (two capsules, once daily) spearmint extract for 90 days, in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Assessments were completed for cognition (days 0, 45, and 90), sleep (days 0 and 90), and mood (days 0 and 90) by using the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) System™, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), and Profile of Mood States (POMS™), respectively.Results: Quality of working memory and spatial working memory accuracy improved after supplementation with 900 mg/day spearmint extract by 15% (p = 0.0469) and 9% (p = 0.0456), respectively, versus placebo. Subjects consuming 900 mg/day spearmint extract reported improvement in their ability to fall asleep, relative to subjects consuming placebo (p = 0.0046). Overall treatment effects were evident for vigor-activity (p = 0.0399), total mood disturbance (p = 0.0374), and alertness and behavior following wakefulness (p = 0.0415), with trends observed for improvements after spearmint supplementation relative to placebo.Conclusions: These results suggest that the distinct spearmint extract may be a beneficial nutritional intervention for cognitive health in older subjects with AAMI.

The effects of polyphenols and other bioactives on human health

“…144 Conversely, an aqueous extract of spearmint containing polyphenols but none of the plant's substantial monoterpene content improved cognitive function in older adults. 145 Similarly, lemon balm, which has been shown to produce acute anxiolytic and cognitive effects, contains flavonoids as well as monoterpenoid aldehydes and glycosides. 146 Therefore, it appears that different classes of terpenes have distinct mechanisms of action that produce varying effects.…”

Dietary Flavonoids Interaction with CREB-BDNF Pathway: An Unconventional Approach for Comprehensive Management of Epilepsy

“…A recent randomised controlled trial addressed the therapeutic potential of a herbal extract of Maritime pine bark (pycnogenol) in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [107]. Herrlinger et al [108] demonstrated in their study that spearmint extract improved working and spatial memory in older patients with age-associated memory impairments. Patients who were administered spearmint extract (900 mg/day) reported improvement in their ability to fall asleep in comparison to placebo group [108].…”

Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function

“…Currently, only one controlled trial has investigated the brain function effects of Mentha species in humans. Here promising effects were observed on quality of working memory and spatial working memory as well as improved sleep onset and vigour, alertness and overall mood in a group of 50–70 years olds following 90 days supplementation with 600 mg and 900 mg of an aqueous extract of Mentha spicata (spearmint) that contained the phenolic constituents but not the terpene constituents of the plant material [ 34 ]. The current study extends this research by investigating the cognitive and mood effects of oral administration of mint essential oil comprised of the volatile terpene phytochemical constituents of a Mentha plant, in healthy, young humans.…”