Will cramming chili cheese fries the night before your final
provide the energy and ability to cram lecture notes into your
head?
Perhaps a healthier alternative can be found in herbal
supplements like ginkgo biloba and ginseng.
Several studies have shown ginkgo improves the memory of elderly
individuals in the early stages of the dementia-causing disease
Alzheimer’s.
But, it has not been proven to boost memory in young, healthy
adults, and therefore may not help you cram for that final
exam.
Ginkgo is an antioxidant, which aids in cancer prevention. Some
studies show it can even relieve depression and anxiety.
A ginkgo supplement can also lower cholesterol levels and the
risk of heart attack or stroke.
In the United States, ginkgo can be obtained in pill or liquid
forms.
But an unmonitored dosage of gingko can lead to blood thinning
and clotting complications, and even fainting.
Ginseng is also often found in the form of a once-a-day pill
with ginsenosides, the potent ingredient.
Among athletes, ginseng is known for its anti-fatigue
properties. But there is even less existing evidence that ginseng
improves academic performance.
However, studies have found that students taking ginseng report
a better sense of well-being.
Additional effects of ginseng suggest it lowers cholesterol,
aids in the treatment of diabetes, and has some anti-cancer and
anti-aging effects.
Its anti-fatigue properties spring from its ability to enhance
metabolism during prolonged exercise.
But, contrary to popular belief, it is not a sexual
rejuvenator.
The gentler effects of ginseng are thought to stimulate the
nervous system ““ similar to caffeine.
But Kerckhoff Coffeehouse won’t be carrying ginseng
anytime soon.
Unlike ginkgo, high doses of ginseng can cause numerous adverse
effects, including anxiety and insomnia, high blood pressure, heavy
menstrual bleeding and even liver damage.
Ginseng and ginkgo can also be taken together.
Check with your doctor about any herbal supplement to make sure
it won’t adversely interact with medications you are
taking.
Roybal is a first-year medical student at the UCLA David
Geffen School of Medicine and a writer for The Diagnosis, an
organization comprised of UCLA medical students. The Diagnosis is
coordinated by Daniel Zaghi, a second-year medical student. Send
questions to dzaghi@media.ucla.edu.