Sailuotong (SLT) is a herbal medicinal formula composed of panax ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and crocus sativus.
Clinical trials focused on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) revealed that SLT led to memory improvement in study participants within a span of fewer than three months. Individuals diagnosed with MCI also exhibited enhanced performance in tasks involving executive functions, such as maintaining focus amidst distractions and multitasking.
The Australian research team responsible for the study suggests that SLT could potentially serve as a preventive measure for dementia, with MCI being considered a precursor to this condition.
SLT has been developed as part of a longstanding collaboration between the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University, Xiyuan Hospital, and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing.
Sailuotong is a herbal medicinal blend containing panax ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and crocus sativus.
SLT has exhibited potential in addressing various aspects of MCI pathophysiology, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and cholinergic-enhancing properties.
Prior research has indicated its safety and potential cognitive advantages in managing vascular dementia and enhancing neurocognition in healthy adults.
MCI is characterized by cognitive decline, encompassing memory and thinking difficulties, and is often considered a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. It impacts 17 percent of the global population aged 60 and above.
As of now, there are no approved pharmaceutical interventions for MCI. However, the recent study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, aimed to evaluate SLT as a potential treatment for MCI.
In a 12-week trial involving 78 participants aged 60 and above, all diagnosed with MCI, the researchers conducted the study.
The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 180mg daily capsule of SLT or a placebo.
The research yielded positive outcomes, indicating a noteworthy enhancement in the logical memory of the elderly individuals who received SLT, as compared to those in the placebo group.
Moreover, the SLT group demonstrated improved performance in tasks related to executive functions, encompassing planning, self-control, following multi-step instructions while dealing with interruptions, sustaining focus amid distractions, and multitasking.
Furthermore, participants experienced minimal occurrences of mild or moderate side effects.
SLT has the potential to enhance significant aspects of memory and cognitive functions in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
The lead author, Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim, who is also an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at the NICM Health Research Institute, elucidated, “Individuals with mild cognitive impairment face a heightened risk of dementia, with the risk sometimes exceeding fivefold. Currently, there are no approved medications for mild cognitive impairment.
Our results are highly encouraging since they reveal that even following a relatively brief treatment period of just 12 weeks, SLT can enhance crucial aspects of memory and cognitive functions in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.”
“It is also well-tolerated. Early intervention is critical in order to delay or prevent a dementia diagnosis.”
The researcher’s findings suggest that SLT could serve as a supportive therapy for memory and executive function in elderly people with MCI.
However, it was emphasized that further research into the long-term benefits and the impact on daily functioning and quality of life is needed.
New research findings indicate that Sailuotong (SLT) may offer a solution for delaying dementia in the elderly.
The study was reported by Health Editor Katrina Turrill, based in London, who specializes in breaking health news, common health conditions, real-life stories, and diet and exercise.
