Acing Exams - Cognitive Optimisers from Nature

As exam season looms, the air becomes charged with determination and, often, anxiety. Students end up having to navigate a strange combination of excitement, fatigue, and pressure. Yet, success during exams goes beyond the late-night cramming sessions and stacks of textbooks. It's about tapping into the full potential of your mind – enhancing memory, sharpening concentration, and mastering stress management, all while maintaining your cool. 

In this blog post we’ll share the secrets to optimising cognitive abilities and conquering the challenges of exam season. The world of evidence based herbal medicines and nutrients, that have the power to unlock your brilliance, awaits.  

Our brain is a complex organ that relies on neurotransmitters to facilitate communication between cells. Factors like stress, poor nutrition, and a lack of sleep can impede its performance and leave you feeling mentally drained.

Nootropics, often referred to as "smart drugs" or cognitive enhancers, have become a new buzzword for their potential to enhance brain function. While they won't miraculously transform you into a genius overnight, they can help you overcome some of the common challenges associated with exam season.   

Nootropics (noh-ə-TROHP-iks) – any substance that can enhance mental function

Meet the Sfera Nootropics 

Now, let's meet the stars of the show. In the quest for peak mental performance during exam season, we’ve handpicked our favourite nootropics.

Ashwagandha: The Stress Buster 

Meet Ashwagandha, your stress-busting ally for exam season. Research, including a study by Baker et al. (2022), has shown that Ashwagandha supports sustained energy, heightened mental clarity, and enhanced sleep quality. This natural adaptogen helps you adapt to stress without inducing drowsiness, keeping you calm and focused during demanding study sessions.

MemoryCare: Cognitive Superstars in one powerful formula

Memory Care is a cognitive powerhouse formulated to elevate memory and focus, the two cornerstones of exam success. Supported by rigorous research, including meta-analysis by Kongkeaw et al. (2014) and a systematic review by Pase et al. (2012), this formulation harnesses the cognitive-enhancing potential of its ingredients.

• Bacopa monnieri: Research suggests that Bacopa has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention (Kongkeaw et al., 2014). There is also some evidence to suggest that it enhances memory free recall (Pase et al., 2012).
• L-Theanine: Findings from Dassanayake et al. (2022) indicate that L-Theanine can increase attentional processing. 

Lion's Mane: Unleash Your Focus

For those seeking to sharpen their focus and cognitive abilities, Lion's Mane is the answer. Studies, such as the one conducted by Saitsu et al. (2019), have demonstrated that Lion's Mane significantly improved cognitive functions. Their research suggests that various chemical compounds, including hericenones, found in the mushroom have multiple effects on brain neural networks and thereby improving its function.  

Bacopin: Standardised Bacopa Extract

Bacopin, a standardised Bacopa extract, is renowned for its memory-enhancing properties. Research, exemplified by studies led by Pase et al. (2012), has shown that Bacopa can significantly enhance memory and cognitive function. Adding Bacopin to your supplement regimen is a smart choice for those gearing up for exams, as it could empower your memory and cognitive capabilities.

With these formidable cognitive enhancers at your disposal, you're well-equipped to tackle the upcoming exams with confidence and brilliance.

Written By Cobus Botha
Natural Health Expert

REFERENCES:

Baker, C., Kirby, J. B., O'Connor, J., Lindsay, K. G., Hutchins, A., & Harris, M. (2022). The Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, 25(12), 1095–1101. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2022.0042

Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., & Norman Scholfield, C. (2014). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008

Pase, M. P., Kean, J., Sarris, J., Neale, C., Scholey, A. B., & Stough, C. (2012). The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 18(7), 647–652. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0367

Dassanayake, T. L., Kahathuduwa, C. N., & Weerasinghe, V. S. (2022). L-theanine improves neurophysiological measures of attention in a dose-dependent manner: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Nutritional Neuroscience, 25(4), 698–708. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1804098

Saitsu, Y., Nishide, A., Kikushima, K., Shimizu, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical Research (Tokyo, Japan), 40(4), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125