BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jan 13;16:15. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-0989-0.

The effect of Sailuotong (SLT) on neurocognitive and cardiovascular function in healthy adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover pilot trial.

Steiner GZ^1,², Yeung A¹, Liu JX³, Camfield DA^4,⁵, Blasio FM², Pipingas A⁴, Scholey AB⁴, Stough C⁴, Chang DH⁶.

Author information

1: National Institute of Complementary Medicine, and School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
2: Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology, and Psychopharmacology; Brain & Behaviour Research Institute; and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
3: Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
4: Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia.
5: Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
6: National Institute of Complementary Medicine, and School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. D.Chang@westernsydney.edu.au.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Sailuotong (SLT) is a standardised herbal medicine formula consisting of Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and Crocus sativus, and has been designed to enhance cognitive and cardiovascular function.

METHODS:

Using a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover design, this pilot study assessed the effect of treatment for 1 week with SLT and placebo (1 week washout period) on neurocognitive and cardiovascular function in healthy adults. Sixteen adults completed a computerised neuropsychological test battery (Compass), and had their electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and cardiovascular system function assessed. Primary outcome measures were cognitive test scores and oddball task event-related potential (ERP) component amplitudes. Secondary outcome measures were resting EEG spectral band amplitudes, and cardiovascular parameters.

RESULTS:

Treatment with SLT, compared to placebo, resulted in small improvements in working memory, a slight increase in auditory target (cf. nontarget) P3a amplitude, and a decrease in auditory N1 target (cf. nontarget) amplitude. There was no effect of SLT on EEG amplitude in delta, theta, alpha, or beta bands in both eyes open and eyes closed resting conditions, or on aortic and peripheral pulse pressure, and resting heartrate.