Which herb is claimed to enhance memory but lacks evidence?

• A. Ginkgo biloba
• B. Goldenseal
• C. Kava-kava
• D. Ginseng

Answer: (A)

Ginkgo biloba is commonly marketed as a memory booster for aging brains, but large, well-designed studies and systematic reviews fail to show a consistent, meaningful benefit for memory or overall cognition in healthy older adults or those with dementia. That lack of robust evidence is what makes it the best answer to a question about a memory-enhancing herb with no proven effect. In practice, this means you shouldn’t rely on it for memory improvement, and it’s important to be aware of safety concerns—especially an increased risk of bleeding in older adults who take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. The other herbs listed are used for different purposes (eg, infections, anxiety, energy) and do not have the same weight of evidence supporting memory enhancement.