Plant extracts for improving cognitive function

Abstract

Extracts of plants of the Lamiaceae family, including the Mentha genus, are shown to have a positive impact on overall cognitive health, including improvements in memory, reasoning, attention/concentration, planning, mood, sleep and associated behaviors.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method to treat or prevent a decline in cognitive health and/or function in a mammal, comprising administering an efficacious amount of an extract of a plant of the Lamiaceae family, wherein the primary active ingredients are rosmarinic acid and plant polyphenols. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the mammal is a human or companion animal. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of basil, mint, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lavender, spearmint, and rosemary. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the plant is selected from the  Mentha  genus. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the extract comprises at least 8% rosmarinic acid by weight. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the efficacious amount of the extract is between 0.01 and 50 mg/kg/day. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the efficacious amount is an oral dose in the range of 10 to 900 mg/day. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the extract is administered chronically. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the extract is administered at least once daily. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the extract is administered daily for at least 45 days. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein administration of the extract preserves learning, executive function, memory, mood, or sleep. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein administration of the extract improves quality of life. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein administration of the plant extracts protects against stress induced impairment of cognitive function. 
     
     
         25 - 50 . (canceled)