title: Zingiber officinale Improves Cognitive Function of the Middle-Aged Healthy Women.
abstract: The development of cognitive enhancers from plants possessing antioxidants has gained much attention due to the role of oxidative stress-induced cognitive impairment. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of ginger extract, or Zingiber officinale, on the cognitive function of middle-aged, healthy women. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo or standardized plant extract at doses of 400 and 800 mg once daily for 2 months. They were evaluated for working memory and cognitive function using computerized battery tests and the auditory oddball paradigm of event-related potentials at three different time periods: before receiving the intervention, one month, and two months. We found that the ginger-treated groups had significantly decreased P300 latencies, increased N100 and P300 amplitudes, and exhibited enhanced working memory. Therefore, ginger is a potential cognitive enhancer for middle-aged women.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Program and Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Naritsara
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saenghong
authors.forename: Jintanaporn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wattanathorn
authors.forename: Supaporn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muchimapura
authors.forename: Terdthai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tongun
authors.forename: Nawanant
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Piyavhatkul
authors.forename: Chuleratana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Banchonglikitkul
authors.forename: Tanwarat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kajsongkram