POTENTIAL OF NATURAL SUBSTANCE USAGE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA FOR MEMORY ENHANCEMENT: A REVIEW

The use of natural substance-based supplements and treatments for mental wellness is increasingly gaining attention. Southeast Asia, with its rich heritage of medicinal practices and cultural reliance on natural remedies, presents a unique opportunity to explore such interventions. Delightex is actively collaborating with research partners in Southeast Asia to investigate natural substances that may enhance mental well-being and create enriching experiences. Memory, defined as the capacity to record, retain and recall sensory stimuli, events and information, is a fundamental aspect of mental health. Memory loss and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are significant and growing concerns worldwide, particularly due to aging populations. Nootropics are generally well tolerated and typically mild. However, occasional complications can still occur. Hence, it is important to explore more natural alternatives for memory enhancement or treatment of memory loss. In this review, following an initial comprehensive literature search on mental well-being, we focused on memory improvement, identified and summarized 57 natural substances from 31 families with potential memory-enhancing effects. This review highlights their traditional use in Southeast Asia and examines the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in enhancing memory and potential as nootropics alternatives. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 ( 7)