Celastrus paniculatus as a Nootropic

Early animal research indicates that Celastrus paniculatus may possess multiple nootropic benefits.

Celastrus paniculatus is an Indian herb with a wide range of medicinal properties. It may have several nootropic effects:

• Enhanced learning & memory. Multiple animal studies report enhanced learning and memory.
• Neuroprotection. C. paniculatus may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s.
• Antidepressant & anxiolytic activity. C. paniculatus has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety in rodents.

Overview

Celastrus paniculatus, also known as Malkangni, Jyotishmati, climbing staff tree, and intellect tree, is a woody, climbing Indian shrub. Oil found in its seeds has been used by traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a brain tonic, sedative, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory.

Nowadays, celastrus paniculatus continues to be a popular medicinal plant in India, and is beginning to be sold worldwide as a dietary supplement. In particular, it is growing in popularity as a nootropic capable of boosting cognition and alleviating a variety of mental disorders such as depression and dementia.

How Celastrus Paniculatus Might Help the Brain

Antioxidant activity

Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species is involved in aging and neurodegeneration, suggesting that it plays a major role in cognitive dysfunction. Celastrus paniculatus contains potent antioxidant compounds that can help alleviate oxidative damage in the brain, as demonstrated by reduced levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, and increased levels of the body’s natural antioxidants – glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. ¹

Potential neurotransmitter receptor antagonism

Another proposed mechanism is that certain compounds in Celastrus paniculatus act as neurotransmitter receptor antagonists, blocking the receptor sites for three crucial neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. ²

Celastrus paniculatus Potential Nootropic Uses and Benefits

Celastrus paniculatus is mostly used in India, but it is beginning to rise in popularity as a nootropic supplement worldwide. Its potential cognitive benefits include:

• Enhanced learning and memory
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved mood
• Protection against Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions

However, because of the lack of clinical trials, these benefits have yet to be proven in humans and have only been demonstrated in animals.

Research

Animal Research

Current research of Celastrus paniculatus is largely restricted to animal studies, which exhibit a wide range of nootropic benefits.

 Celastrus paniculatus extract appears to improve memory in rats

This study examined  the effects of Celastrus paniculatus on learning and memory in rats. The animals were given Celastrus paniculatus seed extract (350 or 1050 mg/kg) or piracetam (100 mg/kg) – a popular nootropic – as a comparison drug, and underwent several behavior tests. The extract was found to improve performance in the memory test, possibly through increasing brain acetylcholine levels.

• The researchers concluded that “the aqueous extract of Celastrus paniculatus seed has dose-dependent cholinergic activity, thereby improving memory performance.” ³

Celastrus paniculatus oil may help fight dementia

In this study, rats with induced Senile Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (SDAT) were treated with 0.5 and 1 ml doses of C. paniculatus oil. The oil was found to improve animal behavior in several tests, a finding that was matched by reductions in neural damage and oxidative stress.

• The researchers concluded that “CP seed oil has a pronounced antidementic effect and could prove to be a potent deterrent against SDAT.” ⁴

Celastrus paniculatus oil may have antidepressant activity

This study examined the antidepressant potential of Celastrus paniculatus oil. Mice were given the oil at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg doses for 14 days, and undertook two behavioral tests of depression. The oil improved performance in both tests, suggesting notable antidepressant effects.

• The researchers concluded that “Celastrus paniculatus seed oil produced significant antidepressant-like effect in mice.”⁵

Celastrus paniculatus oil may alleviate stress-induced cognitive impairment

This study tested the use of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) oil for stress-related cognitive dysfunction. Rats were split into several groups: control, chronic stress, and stress + CP (400 or 600 mg/kg). Next, they underwent tests of anxiety, spatial learning, and memory. Rats given the oil performed better in all three tests.

• The researchers concluded that “The current study provides a novel perspective on beneficial effect of herbal therapy on stress-induced cognitive dysfunctions.” ⁶

Nootropic Dosage

• There is currently no established dosage of Celastrus paniculatus in humans
• Single ingredient supplements typically come in 500 mg capsule doses

Available Forms

• Celastrus paniculatus seeds
• Celastrus paniculatus oil isolated from the seeds
• Celastrus paniculatus extract – dry extract of the seeds, usually sold in capsules