Does a Polyherbal Medicine Enhance Cognition in Healthy Older Adults? An Exploratory Open-Label Study

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> This 12-week open-label study evaluated a multi-herbal tablet containing <i>Reynoutria japonica</i>, <i>Vitis vinifera</i>, <i>Silybum marianum</i>, <i>Ginkgo biloba</i>, and <i>Panax ginseng</i>, for potential improvement of cognitive function in 25 healthy older adults (50-75 years). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The primary outcome, cognition, was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Significant improvement in working memory was observed. Errors in the Paired Associate Learning (PAL) task and spatial working memory reduced by -7.9 (95%CI: -12.3, -3.5) and -3.3 (95%CI: -6.3, -0.3) respectively, while PAL memory score increased by 2.0 (95%CI: 0.9, 3.1). <i><b>Conclusion:</b></i> These preliminary results suggest memory improvement, but further rigorous testing is needed.