What if I told you that an everyday yard weed could be one of the best brain boosters for focus and memory out there?
When we think about dandelions, typically what comes to mind is “that annoying weed that seems to sprout up everywhere.” As with many things that blossom, dandelions have a long list of health benefits that just simply cannot go unmentioned. Dandelions have been used for centuries and for various reasons among natural healers.
What makes dandelion especially useful as a natural nootropic and ‘brain booster’ (smart drug) is its high Luteolin content. Luteolin is a flavonoid that has the ability to eliminate free radicals and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. This is especially important when it comes to brain function, memory and cognition. It is also a PDE4 inhibitor, which basically means it has a strong positive impact on cAMP, a key kind of brain energy.
Let me break it down for you.
Luteolin is a naturally occurring compound found in various foods, primarily vegetables. It has the ability to reduce inflammation in the brain which is responsible for causing memory and cognitive dysfunction. Inflammation is the arch-nemesis of brain function, reducing neurotransmitters’ ability to transmit signals throughout the brain.
Doubly important, Luteolin is a high affinity phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitor. This means it reduces phosphodiesterases which degrades cAMP. And when it comes to cAMP you don’t want to be short changed. cAMP is a critical type of cellular energy that allows your brain to process signals. It’s the receptionist answering all of your brain’s internal phone calls.
As I’ve mentioned, dandelion isn’t the only source of Luteolin. This powerful flavonoid can also be found in parsley, artichoke leaves, celery, peppers, olive oil, rosemary, lemons, peppermint, sage, thyme, and other foods. However, Tranquility Labs research has found that dandelion extract is one of the most potent sources of Luteolin in the world (almost 10 times stronger than artichoke). Combine it with Forskolin, and you’ve got a truly powerful natural nootropic combo.
Studies show that Forskolin, a powerful herb on its own, compliments dandelion like no other. Forskolin directly boosts cAMP and increases brain signal strength. Dandelion’s ability to reduce inflammation and lower PDE4 (which degrades cAMP); enhances Forskolin’s ability to send sharper signals through the brain. This herbal mixture goes hand and hand, directly aiding one another to get rid of what inhibits the brain from functioning at its highest potential and supplying an abundance of what the brain needs to reach its peak.
Including dandelion extract in your diet is key when it comes to optimizing your brain’s ability to focus and build crisp memories. This preferred Luteolin source is a natural nootropic that works directly with the brain. According to Dr Johnson of the University of Illinois, Luteolin “can be used to mitigate age-associated inflammation and therefore improve cognitive function and avoid some of the cognitive deficits that occur in aging.” Dandelions are a very powerful weed, hence their invasive nature when it comes to your garden. It’s time to let this magical herb get to work in your brain as well!
