Neuro Plus™

TCM herbal formula for neurodegenerative disorders with impaired mental and/or physical functions — Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and sequelae of stroke (poor speech, muscle paralysis, urinary and bowel incontinence, constipation) — neuroprotective; cognitive; circulatory (promotes microcirculation and increases cerebral blood perfusion); tonifies Kidney yin, yang, and jing (essence); regulates qi and blood circulation; removes blood stagnation; opens sensory orifices to promote awareness and alertness. Used in major hospitals in Tianjing, China for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke sequelae.

⚠️ Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Stroke due to hemorrhage — do NOT use until the condition stabilizes. Contains Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all (higher risk of bleeding and bruising). A slight increase in blood pressure has been observed in approximately 3–5% of patients due to warm herbs — if this occurs, reduce the dosage; the increase is self-limiting. Contains Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) — the PREPARED form is a safe tonic herb; the UNPREPARED form (Sheng Shou Wu) is a stimulant laxative with risk of liver disorder. Due to medical risks and legal liabilities, do NOT use either form in patients with pre-existing or risk factors of liver disease. Herbal treatment is considered effective if there is: 1) improvement in signs and symptoms, or 2) lack of deterioration / stabilization of the overall condition. Evaluate after at least 1–2 months of continuous use.

TCM pathophysiology: The root of neurodegenerative disorders lies in the Kidney — deficiency of the Kidney and bone marrow is the root cause, while blood stasis and phlegm accumulation are symptoms, not the cause. The pathogenesis is a mixture of deficient and excess conditions: Kidney jing (essence) deficiency (deficient condition) and/or blockage of the brain channel by blood stasis (excess condition). The keys to treatment are: tonify the Kidney, eliminate phlegm, remove blood stasis, restore cognition, and promote perception.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Alzheimer's disease or dementia with decreased mental and cognitive functions

* Sequelae of stroke with poor speech, muscle paralysis, urinary and bowel incontinence, and constipation

* Neurodegenerative disorders with compromised mental functions: forgetfulness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, reduced comprehension, and possibly increased anxiety

* Neurodegenerative disorders with compromised physical functions: slurred speech, muscle rigidity, poor balance, difficulty walking, involuntary salivation, frequent urination, constipation, difficulty swallowing, or visual problems

* Parkinson's disease with compromised mental and physical functions

* Multiple sclerosis (MS) — approximately 1 in 4 patients will have marked improvement; others show minimal changes

Background: Neurodegenerative disorders — dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease — are neurologic disorders characterized by compromised mental and physical functions: loss of memory, cognitive deficits, and behavior disorders (slurred speech, muscle rigidity, poor balance, difficulty walking). Causes include trauma (hematoma), metabolic disorder (hypothyroidism), toxins (lead), and drugs. One of the main etiologies is lack of blood perfusion to the brain, which deprives it of essential nutrients and leads to deterioration in mental and physical functions. Near-complete recovery from stroke sequelae is sometimes possible, especially if treatments are initiated early, frequently, and aggressively.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Yin Xing Ye (Folium Ginkgo / Ginkgo Leaf / Ginkgo biloba): antiplatelet — reduces blood viscosity; vasodilative — increases perfusion to peripheral parts of the body including the brain; cognitive effect — improves attention and memory in 52 young healthy volunteers; JAMA 1997 placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial (309 patients, 52 weeks): "safe" and capable of "improving cognitive performance and social functioning of demented patients for 6 months to 1 year"; randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial (400 patients aged 50+, 22 weeks): significantly superior to placebo on all secondary outcome measures including Neuropsychiatric Inventory and activities-of-daily-living scale; USC Keck School of Medicine randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial: significantly better than placebo to improve cognitive performance and global assessment scores in patients with dementia with neuropsychiatric symptoms; improves memory functions in patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease

— Qian Ceng Ta (Herba Lycopodii Serrati / Huperzia Serrata / Firmoss): contains huperzine A — unique alkaloid with remarkable neuroprotective, antidementia, and cognitive effects; huperzine A protects nerve cells against hydrogen peroxide, beta-amyloid protein, glutamate, ischaemia, and staurosporine-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis; reversible, potent, and selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor (in vitro and in vivo); memory-enhancing in a broad range of cognitive models in animals; improves learning and retrieval processes; improves short- and long-term memory in patients with cerebral arteriosclerosis and memory impairment; multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled trial (0.2 mg huperzine A, 50 Alzheimer's patients): improvements in memory, cognitive, and behavioral functions vs. 53 placebo patients — no severe side effects; double-blind placebo-controlled trial: significant improvements in cognitive function and quality of life in Alzheimer's patients; clinical study: significant curative effect in 56 patients with multi-infarct or senile dementia and 104 patients with senile/presenile simple memory disorders; Phase IV clinical trials in China: significantly relieves benign senescent forgetfulness, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia — minimal peripheral cholinergic side effects vs. other AChE drugs; used to treat approximately 100,000 patients with dementia in China; mechanism similar to Cognex (tacrine) — first drug approved in the US for Alzheimer's — but may be more effective with fewer side effects; historically used to invigorate blood circulation and disperse blood stasis

— Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae / Salvia / Red Sage Root): improves microcirculation; commonly used to increase blood perfusion to the brain; protective against cerebral ischemia — increases cerebral perfusion and reduces ultra-structural abnormalities (two studies); reduces neurological deficits and repairs cellular damage with increased cerebral perfusion; combined with Shui Zhi and Hong Hua — inhibits coagulation, activates fibrinolysis, especially effective in treating/preventing stroke caused by blood clots blocking brain vessels; caution with anticoagulants

— Shui Zhi (Hirudo / Leech): inhibits coagulation; activates fibrinolysis; treats and prevents stroke caused by blood clots

— Hong Hua (Flos Carthami / Safflower / Carthamus): inhibits coagulation; activates fibrinolysis; treats and prevents stroke caused by blood clots; invigorates blood circulation; removes blood stasis

— Wu Gong (Scolopendra / Centipede): excellent effect in stopping muscle spasms and cramps; clinically used to treat seizures, convulsions, diphtheria, and conditions exhibiting muscle stiffness and spasm; opens channels and collaterals; removes blood stasis

— Tian Ma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae / Gastrodia Rhizome / Tall Gastrodia): anticonvulsive and muscle-relaxant effects (different mechanism from Wu Gong); used together with Wu Gong to address muscle spasms, tremors, muscle rigidity, and general musculoskeletal problems; opens channels and collaterals; removes blood stasis

— Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps / Caterpillar Fungus): nourishes Kidney yin and yang; increases production of jing (essence) and marrow

— Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis / Morinda Root / Indian Mulberry Root): nourishes Kidney yin and yang

— Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata / Prepared Rehmannia): nourishes Kidney yin and yang; increases production of jing and marrow

— Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae / Eucommia Bark): nourishes Kidney yin and yang

— Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii / Goji Berry / Wolfberry): nourishes Kidney yin and yang

— Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata / Prepared Fo-Ti / Prepared Polygonum): PREPARED form — safe tonic herb; nourishes Kidney yin and yang; do NOT use in patients with liver disease risk factors

— Yi Zhi (Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae / Sharp-Leaf Galangal Fruit / Alpinia): nourishes Kidney yin and yang; increases production of jing and marrow

— Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae / Cuscuta Seed / Dodder Seed): nourishes Kidney yin and yang

— Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni / Cornelian Cherry / Cornus): nourishes Kidney yin and yang

— Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis / Tortoise Plastron): tonifies true yin and yang of the Kidney; generates qi and blood flow

— Lu Jiao Shuang (Cornu Cervi Degelatinatum / Degelatinated Deer Antler): tonifies true yin and yang of the Kidney; generates qi and blood flow

— Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng / Ginseng): reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen (spirit); increases mental functions

— Xi Yang Shen (Radix Panacis Quinquefolii / American Ginseng): reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen; increases mental functions

— Huang Qi (Radix Astragali / Astragalus / Milk Vetch Root): reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen; increases mental functions

— Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae / Chinese Yam / Dioscorea): reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen; increases mental functions

— Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae / White Atractylodes Rhizome): reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen; increases mental functions

— Fu Ling (Poria / Poria Cocos / Hoelen): reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen; increases mental functions

— San Qi (Radix et Rhizoma Notoginseng / Notoginseng / Tienchi Ginseng): opens channels and collaterals; invigorates blood circulation; removes blood stasis

— Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi / Hawthorn Fruit / Crataegus): opens channels and collaterals; invigorates blood circulation; removes blood stasis

— Meng Chong (Tabanus / Horse Fly): opens channels and collaterals; invigorates blood circulation; removes blood stasis

— Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae / Rehmannia): opens channels and collaterals; invigorates blood circulation; removes blood stasis

— Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae / Polygala Root / Senega Root): opens sensory orifices; eliminates phlegm; calms shen (spirit)

— Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii / Acorus Rhizome / Sweetflag Rhizome): opens sensory orifices; eliminates phlegm; calms shen

— Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae / Dahurian Angelica Root): opens sensory orifices; eliminates phlegm; calms shen

— Fen Bi Xie (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae / Hypoglaucous Yam Rhizome): supports formula

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Neuroprotective — Qian Ceng Ta / huperzine A (protects nerve cells against beta-amyloid, glutamate, ischaemia, cytotoxicity, apoptosis); Dan Shen (protects against cerebral ischemia; reduces ultra-structural abnormalities; repairs cellular damage)

* Cognitive / antidementia — Yin Xing Ye / ginkgo (JAMA 1997: safe, improves cognitive performance and social functioning 6–12 months; 400 patients: superior to placebo on all measures; USC Keck: improves cognitive performance and global assessment); Qian Ceng Ta / huperzine A (AChE inhibitor; memory-enhancing; improves learning, retrieval, short- and long-term memory; 50 Alzheimer's patients: improves memory, cognitive, behavioral functions; 100,000 patients treated in China; may be more effective with fewer side effects than Cognex/tacrine)

* Circulatory / cerebral perfusion — Yin Xing Ye (antiplatelet; vasodilative; increases brain perfusion); Dan Shen (improves microcirculation; increases cerebral blood perfusion); Dan Shen + Shui Zhi + Hong Hua (inhibit coagulation; activate fibrinolysis; prevent stroke from blood clots)

* Anticonvulsive / muscle-relaxant — Wu Gong (stops muscle spasms, cramps, seizures, convulsions); Tian Ma (anticonvulsive; muscle-relaxant; tremors, muscle rigidity)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Tonifies Kidney yin and yang; increases production of jing (essence) and marrow (Dong Chong Xia Cao, Ba Ji Tian, Shu Di Huang, Du Zhong, Gou Qi Zi, Zhi He Shou Wu, Yi Zhi, Tu Si Zi, Shan Zhu Yu)

* Tonifies true yin and yang of the Kidney; generates qi and blood flow (Gui Ban, Lu Jiao Shuang)

* Reinforces yuan (source) qi; calms shen (spirit); increases mental functions (Ren Shen, Shan Yao, Huang Qi, Xi Yang Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling)

* Opens channels and collaterals; invigorates blood circulation; removes blood stasis (San Qi, Shan Zha, Shui Zhi, Dan Shen, Hong Hua, Meng Chong, Tian Ma, Di Huang, Wu Gong)

* Opens sensory orifices; eliminates phlegm; calms shen (Yuan Zhi, Shi Chang Pu, Bai Zhi)

DOSAGE

Standard: 2–3 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water during the first week. After the first week, increase to 4 capsules three times daily. Evaluate after at least 1–2 months of continuous use. To prevent deterioration of cognitive function: 1–2 capsules twice daily.

Supplementary formulas: Post-stroke with deviation of eyes and mouth — add Symmetry. Constipation — add Gentle Lax (Excess) or Gentle Lax (Deficient). Hypertension (to minimize stroke risk) — add Gastrodia Complex or Gentiana Complex. Cardiovascular disorders — add Circulation. Severe blood stagnation — add Circulation (SJ). High blood pressure and fast heart rate due to excess fire — add Gardenia Complex. Heavy metal poisoning — add Herbal DTX. Adrenal insufficiency — add Adrenal+. Strengthen constitution — add Cordyceps 3. Compromised kidney functions — add Kidney DTX. Osteoporosis — add Osteo 8. Qi and blood deficiencies — add Imperial Tonic. Kidney yang deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yang). Kidney yin deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yin). General forgetfulness not associated with Alzheimer's — use Enhance Memory instead.

Nutrition: Small frequent meals are recommended — avoid overeating; stop at approximately 80% fullness. Lose weight if obese; reduce cholesterol if elevated. Encourage more white meat and less red meat. Consume adequate vegetables for vitamins A, B₁, B₂, C, and E. Avoid fried, smoked, or barbecued foods. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. Avoid contact and exposure to aluminum (found in antacids, cookware, aluminum foil, and certain foods) — drinking steam-distilled water has a chelating effect to remove aluminum from the body. Encourage a diverse diet of raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — B vitamins are important for nerve health.

Lifestyle: Exercise daily and maintain a positive, hopeful outlook. Regular workout and deep breathing exercises oxygenate the blood and improve circulation to facilitate recovery. When recuperating from stroke, engage in regular mild exercises such as walking and swimming — ensure activities are supervised as the risk of accidents (slip and fall) is high during early recovery.

CASE STUDIES

— A.H., 61-year-old male: Foggy mind, difficulty concentrating on more than one task, poor memory, forgetfulness, decline of comprehension; hypothyroidism for 12 years; Kidney qi deficiency. Neuro Plus 3 caps 2x daily. Result at 2 days: remarkable improvement — memory extremely clear; able to recall information without notes; energy increased; very alert; able to multi-task three things at once (previously impossible); increased libido. Dosage reduced to 2 caps 2x daily due to high energy. Medical doctor "very impressed."

— 78-year-old female (post-stroke): Memory loss, insomnia, nightmares, easily frightened; frequently woke up disturbing entire nursing home; dementia; qi and blood stagnation, Liver and Kidney yin deficiency, Heart fire. Calm (ES) + Neuro Plus. Result at 1 month: able to recall practitioner's name for the first time; sleep, mood, complexion, and energy improved greatly; much calmer and less irritable. Practitioner concluded the combination enhanced the patient's quality of life.

— J.D., 83-year-old female (post-stroke, 2 years prior): Shuffled into clinic, fell asleep immediately, unresponsive to questions; extremely deficient deep pulse; pink slightly dusky tongue with greasy yellow-green coat thicker on left side. Neuro Plus 4 caps 3x daily + acupuncture 2x weekly (PC 6, SP 6, SP 9, LI 4, LR 3). Result: marked improvement — can lift feet, smile, respond, and stay awake throughout treatment. Progress slowed when reduced to 1x weekly. After 4 months: able to converse more normally; friends happy she can talk on the phone.

— K.L., 64-year-old retired male: Poor attention span, hand tremor, stiff tongue, inability to hold rice bowl or chopsticks, poor balance requiring assistance walking, partial urinary and fecal incontinence with frequent urination; CT scan confirmed cerebral atrophy. Neuro Plus. Result at 5 days: dramatic improvement. Day 6: hand tremors stopped; much more energetic; urination frequency decreased; no longer required assistance to walk. Patient called it a "magic bullet" — and said it without stuttering.

— J.B., 76-year-old male (post-stroke, 11 years prior): Aphasia — only able to speak minimal words or phrases; taking Lipitor (atorvastatin) for elevated cholesterol; unsubstantial phlegm obstructing sensory orifices, Kidney qi and yin deficiencies. Neuro Plus 2g 3x daily for 6 months, then combined with Cholisma 1g 3x daily. Result at 1 month: increased mental acuity; able to put together sentences with more ease — above results from annual stem cell injections alone. Now completely off Lipitor; cholesterol within normal range. Blood circulation great with minimal to no obstructions. Currently taking Neuro Plus + Cholisma + Circulation 2g each 3x daily.

— D.D., 72-year-old male (diabetic, post-stroke): Shortness of breath, cough with frothy clear white sputum; heart function 77%; creatinine 1.8 mg/dL; left leg hot, right leg cold; difficulty inhaling; COPD; Kidney not grasping qi, Lung and Spleen qi deficiencies with phlegm accumulation. Cordyceps 3 + Respitrol (Deficient) + Circulation (SJ) + Neuro Plus. Result: gradually improved, getting stronger each week over 3 months.

— M.H., 75-year-old male (mini-stroke): Fatigue, overworked; could not walk for 24 hours; tongue slightly deviated to left; deep slippery pulse; Spleen and Kidney yang deficiencies; 6mm lesion in pons medulla. Symmetry + Neuro Plus. Result: less confused, more focused, able to walk again without struggle. Continued herbs for 5 months to maintain results.

— J.B., 64-year-old male (possible Huntington's disease): Chorea, jerky gait, impaired psychomotor function, muscle atrophy, slurred speech, weight loss; father and grandfather had similar condition resulting in death; Kidney yin and jing deficiencies with wind in channels. Neuro Plus 3 caps 3x daily for 3 months. Result: walking and balance improved; skin health improved; feels stronger overall; gained 10 pounds in 3 months. Remains active, drives, and works as a pottery craftsman.

— 52-year-old male: Mania and anxiety from long hours and financial worry; difficulty unwinding and sleeping; unexpected hostility and impulsive outbursts; family history of Alzheimer's disease. Low-dose Neuro Plus. Result: returned to normal easy-going personality in work and general lifestyle.

— R.V., 91-year-old female: Poor memory, Sundowner's syndrome — no short-term memory, agitated and uncooperative at dusk; loose stool; MRI shows no brain atrophy; Alzheimer's with Kidney yin and yang deficiencies. Neuro Plus 1 cap 2x daily for 3 years. Result: appears to have slowed progression of Alzheimer's; no more agitation at dusk; periods of agitation dramatically reduced.

— 62-year-old female (Alzheimer's): Memory loss, disorientation, repetitive nonsensical speech; qi and blood stagnation, Kidney qi deficiency. Neuro Plus. Result: speech and thoughts more coherent; reduction of memory loss.

— 45-year-old female (Parkinson's): Right-sided dyskinesis, lethargy, headaches, contractures. Neuro Plus 8g daily. Result: improvements in energy level, thinking, and movement — enhanced ability to function in activities of daily living.

— C.B., 56-year-old female: Weight gain, right-side sciatic pain, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats; rapid thin thready pulse; peeled cracked tongue; Kidney yin and blood deficiency with deficiency heat and blood stagnation. Neuro Plus + Balance (Heat). Result: sciatic pain went away completely; night sweats and hot flashes reduced; insomnia resolved.

— R.L., 79-year-old female (post-stroke): Paralysis on right side (leg, arm, face); BP 140/80 mmHg, HR 90 bpm; high cholesterol; wind-stroke with blood stagnation. Neuro Plus 4.5g daily + Cholisma 1.5g daily + acupuncture. Result at 10 weeks: regained movement of leg; partial movement of arm; almost full movement of face and mouth; regained strength. Cholesterol dropped from 250 to 180 mg/dL.

Related Reading

Also see: Symmetry – for post-stroke deviation of eyes and mouth | Enhance Memory – for general forgetfulness not associated with Alzheimer's | Gastrodia Complex – for hypertension and stroke prevention | Gentiana Complex – for hypertension and stroke prevention | Circulation – for cardiovascular disorders | Circulation (SJ) – for severe blood stagnation | Gardenia Complex – for high blood pressure with excess fire | Herbal DTX – for heavy metal poisoning | Adrenal+ – for adrenal insufficiency | Cordyceps 3 – to strengthen constitution | Kidney DTX – for compromised kidney function | Osteo 8 – for osteoporosis | Imperial Tonic – for qi and blood deficiencies | Kidney Tonic (Yang) – for Kidney yang deficiency | Kidney Tonic (Yin) – for Kidney yin deficiency | Gentle Lax (Excess) – for constipation | Calm (ES) – for anxiety, insomnia, and agitation | Cholisma – for elevated cholesterol | Brain Health & Neurological Support Collection.