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Limited evidenceBrain & cognition

Celastrus Paniculatus

The 'intellect tree' of Ayurveda, sold as a seed oil for memory. The entire cognitive case rests on rodent experiments — there is no published human trial.

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What the science says

  • Memory in animal models Limited evidence

    Rodent studies report that Celastrus paniculatus seed oil reverses scopolamine-induced deficits in navigational memory and improves passive-avoidance learning while altering monoamine turnover. These are animal findings at doses not translated to humans.

  • No human evidence Limited evidence

    An extensive review of the phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology of Celastrus paniculatus identifies no controlled clinical trial of cognition in humans, leaving the marketed benefits unverified.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional use is 1–2 g/day of seed powder, or a small number of seeds, sometimes as an oil. No dose has been established in humans and the seed oil is potent — start low if you use it at all.
SafetyHuman safety data are essentially absent. The seed oil is a strong stimulant and irritant in traditional accounts, and overdose has been described as causing sweating, agitation and nausea; the plant is a member of a family containing toxic constituents. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and alongside stimulants or sedatives. Celastrus paniculatus is also listed as endangered in parts of its range.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter, though traditional use is in the morning.
With food?With food, because the seed oil is an irritant on an empty stomach.
Worth knowingStart at a fraction of the label dose — seed oil potency varies enormously between batches and overdose causes sweating, agitation and nausea.

Frequently asked questions

Does Celastrus paniculatus improve memory?

The evidence is limited to rodents: seed oil improved memory in animal models, but no human trial of Celastrus paniculatus has been published, so the cognitive benefits are unverified.

Is Celastrus paniculatus safe?

Human safety data are essentially absent. Celastrus paniculatus seed oil is potent, and overdose has been described as causing sweating, agitation and nausea, so avoid it in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and alongside stimulants or sedatives.

How much Celastrus paniculatus should I take?

No human dose of Celastrus paniculatus has been established; traditional use is 1-2 g/day of seed powder. Seed oil potency varies widely, so start at a fraction of any label dose, with food.

Scientific references

Related in Brain & cognition

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)