Abstract:
Brain is an organ that is easily affected by the physical changes, especially in the modern time when people are easily poisoned by the increasing pollution. When the poisonous substances enter the body, every organ, including the brain will be endangered. Abnormalities will occur to the brain in terms of memory, eyesight, intellect, and balance. Because of these damages, people should know how to protect themselves from the poisonous substances. According to Ayurveda, a kind of herb called Brahmi has been applying in the treatment of Brain and Nervous System Disorders, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, including in helping people to stay calm. The Brahmi is also the medicine that nourishes the nervous system and enriches the memorial function of the brain. The significant substances that have been studied most are Bacoside A and Bacoside B, which both enhance the brains potentials in terms of memory and decision making. These substances also help protecting the brain cells, preventing amnesia and convulsion, reducing anxiety and help sleeping.
The objective of the research is to study the results of the consumption of the Brahmi extract whether it affects the spatial ability and electroencephalography
Methodology: Healthy Thai volunteers aged 20 40 years old were asked to consume the 300 mg Brahmi tablet once a day after breakfast, every day for eight weeks, did the spatial ability test, and checked their electroencephalography by using EEG test for totally three times; Before consuming the Brahmi extract, after four weeks and after eight weeks of consumption. After the eight weeks, the results were statistically analyzed, and finally interpreted.
It reveals that the volunteers that usually consumed the Brahmi extract everyday significantly and statistically have the better spatial ability, significantly improved score of spatial ability test (p<0.001) and speed of reaction time (p<0.001), and the electroencephalography has changed. The beta brainwave crucially decreases (p<0.05). This may be caused by the activated substance of the Brahmi, which helps in the decision making, memory and staying calm.
In conclusion, the consumption of the Brahmi extract of 300 mg per day for eight weeks causes the significant and statistical improvement of the spatial ability, as well as the electroencephalography.