Dr. Grey AI

Persicaria Minor

Persicaria minor (kesum) is a Malaysian herb in the Polygonaceae family, used traditionally in cooking and medicine. Contains flavonoids and volatile compounds. Limited research suggests potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and blood pressure effects. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is very limited and mostly preclinical. Not widely available as a supplement outside Southeast Asia. Primarily used as a culinary herb (laksa leaf) rather than a supplement.

Quick Answer

What it is

Persicaria minor (kesum) is a Malaysian herb in the Polygonaceae family, used traditionally in cooking and medicine. Contains flavonoids and volatile compounds.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Cognitive Function
  • Grade D: Antioxidant Status
  • Grade D: Mood

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Persicaria Minor

Quick Facts: Persicaria Minor

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D4
2 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Cognitive Function
A small 6-month RCT (n=30) of Persicaria minor extract (Biokesum® 500 mg/day) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment found significant improvement in visual memory (p=0.012) and increased right DLPFC brain activation. Two rodent studies demonstrated enhanced recognition and spatial memory in cerebral hypoperfusion and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment models, with increased acetylcholine and GABA neurotransmitter expression.
small↑Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
Multiple in vitro studies demonstrate strong antioxidant capacity of Persicaria minor extracts, including DPPH radical scavenging (up to 89.5%), high ORAC values (16,964 μmol TE/g), and LDL oxidation inhibition. One animal study showed cellular antioxidant protection of red blood cells. No human studies have specifically measured antioxidant outcomes.
small↑Improves
D
Mood
In a single small RCT (n=30) of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, 6 months of Persicaria minor extract (500 mg/day) significantly reduced tension (p=0.042), anger (p=0.010), and confusion (p=0.041) on the Profile of Mood States scale compared to placebo. Mood was a secondary outcome and the sample was very small.
small↑Improves
D
BDNF Levels
In a single small RCT (n=30), 6 months of Persicaria minor extract supplementation increased BDNF levels by 2% in the treatment group versus a 19% decrease in placebo (p=0.020). This was a secondary biomarker outcome in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
small↑Improves
D
Triglycerides
In a single small RCT (n=30), 6 months of Persicaria minor extract reduced triglycerides by 19% in the treatment group versus a 10% increase in placebo (p=0.029). This was a secondary biomarker outcome and the study was not designed to evaluate lipid effects.
small↓Improves

Related Supplements

Sweet Flag

2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) is a traditional herb used in Ayurveda and TCM for cognitive enhancement. DANGEROUS: Contains β-asarone, a KNOWN CARCINOGEN that causes intestinal tumors and organ damage in long-term studies. BANNED or restricted in many countries including the US (not allowed in food). NOT RECOMMENDED for supplementation due to cancer risk. Despite traditional use, the toxicity profile makes this herb unsuitable for modern use.

Salidrosides

2 shared conditions · 11 outcomes

Salidroside is a glucoside compound and one of the main bioactive constituents of Rhodiola rosea. Often standardized in Rhodiola extracts (typically 1-3%). Has neuroprotective and adaptogenic properties. Research shows anti-fatigue, anti-stress, and potential anti-depressant effects. Mechanism involves HPA axis modulation, AMPK activation, and antioxidant effects. Most clinical evidence is for the whole Rhodiola rosea extract rather than isolated salidroside. May be more effective as part of whole plant extract than in isolation.

Sage

2 shared conditions · 4 outcomes

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an aromatic herb with traditional uses for memory, inflammation, and menopausal symptoms. Contains rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid. Some evidence for cognitive enhancement (acute studies) and menopausal hot flash reduction. Related species Salvia lavandulaefolia may have better cognitive evidence. Also has antimicrobial properties. Generally safe as culinary herb; essential oil is more concentrated. NOT the same as Salvia divinorum (hallucinogenic sage).

Red Berry Powder

2 shared conditions · 3 outcomes

Red Berry Powder is a concentrated blend of powdered red berries (raspberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries, etc.). Contains anthocyanins, polyphenols, and fiber. Marketed for antioxidant, cardiovascular, and general health benefits. Effects depend entirely on the specific berries included and their concentrations. No standardized formulation exists. Individual berries (blueberries, cranberries) have more research than mixed blends. Essentially a convenient way to consume berry polyphenols if whole berries aren't available.

Muira puama

2 shared conditions · 6 outcomes

Muira puama is a Brazilian herb traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and nerve tonic. The nickname 'Potency Wood' reflects its traditional sexual health use, but human evidence for sexual benefits is weak. Interestingly, preliminary research suggests it may be effective as a COGNITIVE ENHANCER rather than an aphrodisiac. Contains lupeol and other triterpenoids. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - lacks quality human trials for either sexual or cognitive claims. The cognitive enhancement angle warrants more research.

Loquat

2 shared conditions · 7 outcomes

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) is a fruit-bearing tree whose leaves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cough, sputum, and respiratory conditions. Rich in triterpenoids, particularly ursolic acid and related compounds. The fruit is consumed as food; the leaves and seeds are used medicinally. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is mostly preclinical. May have anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-suppressing), and glucose-regulating effects. The seeds have been added to alcoholic tonics for longevity. Safe as a fruit; medicinal leaf preparations have traditional use but limited modern research.

L-Threonate

2 shared conditions · 5 outcomes

L-Threonate is a metabolite of vitamin C currently researched primarily as a mineral chelating agent that enhances bioavailability, especially for magnesium. Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) is marketed for cognitive function based on claims of enhanced brain magnesium delivery. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for L-threonate itself. The compound is most notable as part of magnesium L-threonate rather than as an isolated supplement. Research suggests it may help transport magnesium across the blood-brain barrier, but evidence remains limited. Isolated L-threonate supplementation is not common.

Haskap Berry

2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

Haskap berries (blue honeysuckle) are antioxidant-rich berries native to northern regions, called 'fruit of longevity' in Japan. Rich in anthocyanins (particularly cyanidin-3-glucoside), vitamin C, and polyphenols. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited human research. Anthocyanin content exceeds blueberries. May have cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive benefits based on similar berry research, but haskap-specific studies are lacking. Safe as a food. Available fresh, frozen, or as supplements. Emerging berry gaining research interest due to high polyphenol content.