Introduction
Stress-related cognitive decline is a growing clinical concern characterized by impaired memory, reduced attention, mental fatigue, and decreased executive functioning. Chronic psychological stress disrupts neuroendocrine balance, elevates glucocorticoid levels, and promotes oxidative and inflammatory changes in the brain, particularly affecting hippocampal function and synaptic plasticity. In Ayurveda, these manifestations are associated with aggravated Vata Dosha, reduced Sattva guna, and depletion of Ojas, leading to diminished cognitive resilience.
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly known as licorice, is a classical Medhya Rasayana widely described for its brain-nourishing, rejuvenative, and neuroprotective properties. It is traditionally used to enhance memory, stabilize the mind, and improve mental endurance under stress.1
Ayurvedic perspective of yashtimadhu
In Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu is considered sweet in taste (Madhura Rasa), cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya), and nourishing in action (Snigdha Guna). It is indicated in conditions involving mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive weakness.
Its neuropsychological benefits are attributed to:
- Balancing aggravated Vata and Pitta Dosha
- Enhancing Ojas and systemic vitality
- Promoting Sattva guna, improving clarity and emotional stability
- Supporting brain nourishment and sensory-motor integration
These actions make it particularly relevant in stress-induced cognitive decline.
Neuroprotective mechanisms
Glycyrrhiza glabra is a multi-target neuroprotective herb with significant relevance in stress and neurodegenerative conditions. Its bioactive constituents, including glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, contribute to its neurological actions.
Reduction of oxidative stress:
Chronic stress increases reactive oxygen species in neural tissues, leading to neuronal damage. Yashtimadhu supports antioxidant defense systems, helping maintain cellular integrity and reduce oxidative injury in brain regions involved in cognition.
Anti-inflammatory neuroprotection:
Neuroinflammation is a key mechanism in stress-related cognitive impairment. Yashtimadhu modulates inflammatory signaling pathways, helping reduce microglial activation and maintaining a balanced neuroimmune environment.2
Regulation of apoptotic pathways:
Stress-induced neuronal apoptosis contributes to cognitive decline. Compounds in Yashtimadhu are associated with modulation of cell survival pathways, supporting neuronal viability and reducing programmed cell death in stress-affected brain regions.
Modulation of neurotransmission:
Yashtimadhu is linked with regulation of neurotransmitter systems involved in memory, attention, and mood stability.3 This contributes to improved cognitive processing and emotional regulation under chronic stress conditions.
Support of synaptic plasticity:
Stress impairs synaptic communication and neural adaptability. Yashtimadhu supports neuronal connectivity and synaptic function, thereby improving learning capacity and memory retention.
Stress-related cognitive decline: integrated view
In chronic stress conditions, elevated cortisol and neuroinflammatory mediators disrupt hippocampal function and impair neuroplasticity. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this reflects depletion of Ojas and imbalance of Manasika Doshas.
Yashtimadhu acts as a Rasayana neurorestorative agent by:
- Enhancing cognitive endurance
- Reducing mental fatigue
- Supporting memory consolidation
- Improving attention and mental clarity
- Promoting emotional stability under stress
Clinical relevance
Yashtimadhu may be considered as a supportive intervention in:
- Stress-induced cognitive impairment
- Mild memory and attention deficits
- Mental fatigue and burnout
- Anxiety-associated cognitive dysfunction
- Age-related cognitive decline
It is best used within a holistic framework that includes lifestyle modification, stress management techniques, and dietary regulation.
Conclusion
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an important Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana with significant neuroprotective potential in stress-related cognitive decline. Classical Ayurvedic texts emphasize its role in enhancing memory, nourishing the nervous system, and improving mental stability. Contemporary scientific literature supports its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanisms, aligning traditional concepts with modern neurobiology. Overall, Yashtimadhu represents a valuable herbal intervention for preserving cognitive health and improving stress resilience.4
Reference:
- Eltahir AOE, Omoruyi SI, Augustine TN, Luckay RC, Hussein AA. Neuroprotective Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra Total Extract and Isolated Compounds. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024;17(7):852. Published 2024 Jun 28. doi:10.3390/ph17070852 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279424/
- Huang XH, Peng KS, Luo JW, et al. Protective Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its Active Components against Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury. Curr Neurovasc Res. Published online May 8, 2026. doi:10.2174/0115672026434340260415093559 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42136284/
- Li Y, Wu J, Du F, Tang T, Lim JCW, Karuppiah T, Liu J, Sun Z. Neuroprotective Potential of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. Pharmaceuticals. 2024; 17(11):1493. doi.org/10.3390/ph17111493 https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/11/1493
- Zulfugarova P, Zivari-Ghader T, Maharramova S, et al. A mechanistic review of pharmacological activities of homeopathic medicine licorice against neural diseases. Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1148258. Published 2023 Mar 6. doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1148258 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10025333/