Comparative efficacy of Medhya Rasayana, Bacopa monnieri, and Centella asiatica in enhancing memory and IQ of 8–10 year-old healthy boys: A prakriti-based double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Background

Cognitive problems like learning difficulties, memory problems, intellectual disability, and ADHD are highly associated with school absenteeism and high dropout rates. The novel approach to improving memory and learning in these children is using nootropic herbs known as Medhya Rasayana (intellect enhancer) in Ayurveda. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L. Pannel), one of the Medhya Rasayana, has proven to be useful through extensive research. Still, the other Medhya Rasayana requires thorough research based on the Ayurvedic principle of Prakriti (constitution) to utilize their optimum therapeutic effect.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Mandookaparni in enhancing the memory of healthy boys with dominant Prakriti.

Material & methods

The present study was a double-blind, randomized study to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L. Pannel) and Mandookaparni (Centella asiatica L. Urban) in enhancing the memory of 8-10-year-old healthy boys with dominant Prakriti. After obtaining informed consent from parents and assent from the participants, the eligible study participants were randomized to either the Mandookaparni or the Brahmi group. The participants were assessed at baseline and end of the treatment (91st day) for efficacy measures, which included total memory score and various domains of memory assessed by the Post Graduate Institute- Children's Memory Scale (PGI-CMS) and Intelligence Quotient.

Results

On analysis of 180 participants, the Brahmi group showed highly significant results in the total memory score, 9 out of 10 subsets of PGI-CMS, and IQ with p < 0.001. The Mandookaparni group showed highly significant results in 8 subsets of PGI-CMS, the total memory score, and IQ with p < 0.001. Brahmi increased the mean total memory score by 9.28 %, while a 13.45 % rise was observed with Mandookaparni. Significant differences were observed chiefly in Pitta Prakriti on Prakriti-wise analysis in the improvement of various memory domains between Brahmi and Mandookaparni.

Conclusions

Mandookaparni has clinically equivalent efficacy to Brahmi in enhancing memory. Mandookaparni is better in improving the memory of Pitta Prakriti people while Brahmi is more effective in Kapha and Vata Prakriti. Both drugs are safe and effective in the pediatric population.