Introducing SaiLuoTong (SLT)
SaiLuoTong (SLT) is a standardized herbal formula developed by researchers at Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute, a global leader in integrative and complementary medicine research. The team collaborated with scientists in China to study whether a specific blend of well-known botanical extracts could support cognitive performance in older adults experiencing mild cognitive challenges.
The SLT formula combines carefully standardized extracts of three traditional herbs:
Panax ginseng (81.8 mg)
Ginkgo biloba (81.8 mg)
Crocus sativus L. (saffron) (16.4 mg)
Each of these botanicals has been studied individually for its role in supporting circulation, antioxidant activity, mood, and cognitive function. SLT brought them together in a single, research-guided formulation.
What the Clinical Trial Found
The research team conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 78 adults aged 60 and older with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were assigned to receive either SLT (180 mg per day) or a placebo for 12 weeks.
Before and after the study period, participants completed a comprehensive set of standardized cognitive assessments.
Key observations included:
• Memory performance support
Participants taking SLT demonstrated significantly better performance on delayed memory tasks compared to placebo. These included tests that assess the ability to recall spoken stories and previously learned words after a delay.
• Executive function support
The SLT group also showed stronger performance on tasks related to executive function—such as attention, mental flexibility, planning, and task management—when compared with placebo.
• Safety and tolerability
SLT was well tolerated, with only mild and moderate side effects reported, such as occasional digestive discomfort.
Why Researchers Are Paying Attention
The study’s authors noted that previous laboratory and human research suggests SLT may support several biological pathways linked to brain health, including antioxidant activity, healthy blood flow to the brain, neurotransmitter function, and inflammatory balance.
As reported in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the researchers concluded that SLT demonstrated a favorable safety profile while supporting aspects of cognitive performance and daily functioning in studied populations.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim emphasized the importance of the findings:
“Our results are encouraging because they suggest that even over a relatively short period, this formulation may support key aspects of memory and thinking. Larger and longer studies will help us better understand its full potential.”
What This Means for You
For people experiencing mild cognitive changes, answers can feel frustratingly limited. While conventional care focuses on monitoring and risk management, many people look beyond standard approaches for additional ways to support memory, focus, and mental performance.
SaiLuoTong itself is not yet widely available outside research settings. However, the individual botanical ingredients used in the formulation—ginseng, ginkgo, and saffron—are already available in dietary supplements and have a growing body of research supporting their role in overall cognitive and brain health.
The growing interest in plant-based, research-driven approaches reflects a broader shift toward supporting brain health early and proactively, rather than waiting for problems to get worse.
As always, anyone considering new supplements should consult a qualified healthcare professional—especially if they are taking medications or managing health conditions.
https: //alz-journals. onlinelibrary. wiley. com/doi/full/10.1002/trc2.12420
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