Latest news with #JournalofPsychopharmacology
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Can ashwagandha boost memory and thinking? Study unlocks unknown potential of this herb
Ashwagandha can improve memory and slow down cognitive decline in people, says a recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. The study, published on March 18, 2025, observed that when ashwagandha was standardised with a compound called sominone, it can demonstrate significant benefits for brain health. Also read | What is ashwagandha and what does it do? Here's all you need to know about the Ayurvedic superfood Ashwagandha helps to improving brain health.(Shutterstock) The study observed that the participants who took ashwagandha for two months demonstrated better results in memory and spatial reasoning than the ones who took a placebo. Also, no significant side effects were reported by the participants. The study was conducted on 40 people with MCI. MCI refers to mild cognitive impairment that leads to declining memory and thinking skills that are noticeable but are mild in nature, so as to not interfere with daily life. Participants between the ages of 25 and 65 were chosen for the study. The participants were randomly assigned to consume either 250 mg of Somin-On™ or a placebo capsule once daily for 60 days. Even the study authors were unaware who is consuming what. Also read | Study says Ashwagandha boosts brainpower and eases stress in just 60 minutes Ashwagandha helps in improving memory.(Shutterstock) With multiple standardised tools, the cognitive function of the participants was studied to understand the effect on their memory and thinking skills. Changes in immediate memory, general memory, working memory, attention, and visuospatial processing were recorded. The results were surprising: The results demonstrated that participants who consumed the herbal tablet showed more positive results across all domains than the ones who consumed the placebo. The results started showing up within 30 days after the medication was prescribed to them. However, in 60 days, the results were more significant with the least side effects. In the paper, the researchers noted, 'Subjects treated with Somin-On™ showed significant improvements in immediate memory, general memory, working memory and visuospatial processing. The supplementation of Somin-On is an effective therapy to improve the immediate, general and working memory, as well as cognitive functions like attention and information processing speed in adults with MCI.' Also read | Can ashwagandha cause liver damage? Doctor warns against possible side effects of supplements: 'Risk is higher if...' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
One spoonful of kitchen cupboard item can help sleep say doctors
A study found that the breakfast staple can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as improve sleep - and all it takes is one spoonful a day One spoonful of an unusual kitchen cupboard ingredient could lead to vastly increased mental function and much better sleep, according to scientists. Sleep can be greatly affected by a variety of factors, but a major one is brain health. What we eat plays a significant role in our alertness levels, with one study finding that a common kitchen spread could boost your brain health. Marmite could help alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep. This is because it is rich in B vitamins, such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and cobalamin. These vitamins aid the nervous system and assist the body in releasing energy from food. It is also rich in B12, according to the NHS. In the study conducted by psychologists at the University of York, Marmite was discovered to increase levels of a neurotransmitter known for calming the brain, called GABA. The research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, suggested that consuming one daily teaspoon of Marmite for a month could lessen the brain's unhealthy response to stressful visual stimuli. During the study, participants consumed a teaspoon of Marmite each day for a month, while a control group ate peanut butter. As a result, they experienced a significant reduction of about 30 percent in their brain's response to visual stimuli, measured by recording electrical activity using electroencephalography (EEG). Researchers believe this may be due to the high content of vitamin B12 in Marmite increasing levels of GABA in the brain. GABA, a chemical fundamental for brain health as it reduces neural excitability, can be influenced by diet, and Marmite has been found to play a role in this process. Led by PhD student Anika Smith, the study indicated a spoonful of Marmite could boost GABA levels, potentially offsetting neurological disorders linked to imbalances of the chemical. Anika Smith explained the significance of the findings, saying: "These results suggest that dietary choices can affect the cortical processes of excitation and inhibition - consistent with increased levels of GABA - that are vital in maintaining a healthy brain." She went on to detail the lasting impact of a Marmite-rich diet, noting: "As the effects of Marmite consumption took around eight weeks to wear off after participants stopped the study, this suggests that dietary changes could potentially have long-term effects on brain function." Smith highlighted the potential future benefits of their findings, stating: "This is a really promising first example of how dietary interventions can alter cortical processes and a great starting point for exploring whether a more refined version of this technique could have some medical or therapeutic applications in the future." Further research is necessary, Smith noted, but she believes the study lays solid groundwork, saying: "Of course, further research is needed to confirm and investigate this, but the study is an excellent basis for this." Marmite could also manage brain health Not only could Marmite's high magnesium content aid sleep quality, but it may also become a pivotal part of managing brain health through diet. Dr Laura Phipps from Alzheimer's Research UK has weighed in on the 2017 study concerning Marmite, indicating that while it's rich in vitamin B12, there's no certainty if it can actually improve memory or reduce dementia risk. She said: "Marmite contains high levels of vitamin B12, and while deficiency in this vitamin can cause memory problems, this study does not tell us whether Marmite could be beneficial for our memory or affect the onset of dementia. The interesting outcome of this study of young people is the suggestion that particular foods may influence brain activity but we don't know if or how this could translate into long-term benefits against particular brain diseases. "While a healthy, balanced diet has been linked to a healthy brain as we age, no one particular food or supplement has been shown to be most effective at reducing dementia risk." She added: "As well as a balanced diet, there are lifestyle changes we can all make to reduce our risk of developing dementia. "Keeping physically and mentally active, eating a healthy balanced diet, not smoking, drinking in moderation, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure under control and your weight in check are all ways to support healthy brain ageing."
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Are ‘The Munchies' Real? Cannabis, Science, Food & Flavor, Explained
What are the munchies—and why does weed increase appetite in such a specific, intense way? This ... More explainer breaks down the biology, cravings, and cultural meaning behind the foods we reach for when we're high. Yes, it's more than a meme. The 'munchies' effect—those sudden, often intense cravings for salty, sweet, or high-fat snacks after cannabis use—isn't just anecdotal. It's biological. According to a 2009 study in Nature Neuroscience, cannabis compounds activate the brain's endocannabinoid system, which heightens our senses of smell and taste. That sensory boost makes food more appealing and can override the body's natural signals of fullness. THC also promotes the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which further stimulates appetite and encourages food-seeking behavior. In short, weed doesn't just make you hungry—it makes food feel more vivid, more rewarding, and harder to resist. But it's not just about flavor. A 2019 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that cannabis also increases dopamine activity in the striatum, the part of the brain that controls reward-seeking behavior. So the munchies aren't just a reaction—they're a reward loop. A full-body yes to whatever feels good, fast, and easy. That said, the effect isn't one-size-fits-all. Chronic cannabis use can alter how the reward system responds over time, and not all users experience the same intensity of dopamine-driven food desire. That might explain why cannabis-friendly food holidays like 4/20 have become unofficial showcases for fast-food indulgence. From extra-cheesy nachos to triple-patty burgers, the food isn't just functional—it's engineered to satisfy every level. The appeal is emotional as much as it is physical. A craving, yes—but also a comfort. Fast food and weed go hand in hand—but it's not random. When you get the munchies, you're looking ... More for comfort, ease, and something that hits all your flavor buttons fast. But the munchies don't happen in a vacuum. What we reach for when that craving hits is shaped by something else entirely: culture. And in 2025, that culture is increasingly fast, familiar, and available through an app. A recent Tastewise survey found that 75% of Americans eat fast food at least once a week. Among Gen Z and Millennials, nearly half say they're eating more fast food than they were just a year ago. Their top reasons? Cravings, comfort, and convenience. That trifecta is also the blueprint for a munchies meal. Salty. Satisfying. No prep required. So when 4/20 rolls around, it's not just a stoner holiday anymore. It's a high-demand food moment—one where brands can lean into what consumers are already doing when they're tired, overstimulated, or emotionally frayed: reaching for something hot, fast, and reliable. The munchies aren't just slang. From global health surveys to neuroscience labs, researchers are ... More treating cannabis-induced appetite as a serious behavior worth tracking. What used to be whispered about is now tracked in government databases. In the latest WHO Global School-based Student Health Survey, cannabis use is listed right alongside fast food, soda, and physical activity as a behavioral health metric. That might not seem groundbreaking on its face. But it points to a broader shift in how cannabis is framed—not as moral failure, but as measurable behavior. Not as deviance but as data. That shift matters. When public health frameworks start treating cannabis use the same way they treat food frequency or screen time, brands are quick to follow. Not with warnings—but with promotions. With late-night bundles. With stoner-safe snacks that feel more like self-care than vice. Who gets the munchies? Not just teens or stereotypes. With cannabis use up across Millennials and ... More Gen X, this appetite shift is changing the way we snack, crave, and connect to food. That normalization shows up in the numbers, too. According to Gallup, 16% of U.S. adults said they smoke marijuana in 2022—up from just 7% in 2013. That's a doubling in less than a decade, thanks to legalization, cultural softening, and a generational shift in what cannabis means. It's not just a niche anymore. It's mainstream. And fast food brands are watching. For Millennials and Gen Z—many of whom came of age alongside dispensary menus and infused gummies—4/20 doesn't feel transgressive. It feels like a craving calendar. And the brands lining up to feed it? They know it's not just about the weed. It's about what comes after. The bite. The hit. The relief. Cannabis cravings don't always lead to junk food—and they aren't always unhealthy. As brands race to ... More meet 4/20 appetites, they're missing how deeply personal the munchies can be. Cannabis users aren't fringe anymore—and brands know it. In recent years, everyone from Taco Bell to Jack in the Box to Fatburger has rolled out food and drink promotions that nod to the 4/20 crowd without saying the quiet part out loud. The strategy is familiar: bigger, bolder, cheesier. Add more sauces. Name it something slightly chaotic. Drop it after 10 p.m. And yes—it's working. According to a recent GlobalData survey, early findings show a potential rise in the consumption of savory snacks, chocolate, and confectionery, especially in North America. Unlike the energy drink space, where Gen Z dominates, these snack spikes are driven largely by older Millennials and Gen X. In other words, the munchies market isn't just younger—it's broader. And it's reshaping what indulgence looks like across demographics. The relationship between cannabis, appetite, and health isn't as linear as it looks. While cannabis clearly heightens cravings, studies suggest it isn't necessarily linked to obesity—and may even correlate with lower diabetes risk. That tension between indulgence and impact complicates the old narratives. The munchies aren't just about eating more. They might be about eating differently—or seeking out satisfaction on entirely different terms.
