Herbal supplements can boost the ability to learn and pass exams, scientists say.

A study revealed that ginseng and gingko, traditional herbal remedies, can dramatically increase academic performance.

Experiments showed that students became more alert and performed better in memory-based exercises after taking a combination of the herbs.

But the findings came with a health warning from herbal experts that children should only use supplements sparingly and for short-term benefit.

Psychologist Dr Andrew Scholey, who led the research, said: "It's a simple principle.

"Gingko and ginseng, which are both well established herbal remedies, increase the amount of glucose and oxygen reaching the brain, improving congnitive ability such as alterness and memory."

Dr Scholey admits that more information on the longer term usage of the herbs is required and that further research must be carried out before students are advised to rush to their nearest herbalist.

The scientist, who is based at the University of Northumbria, said: "At present it would be irresponsible to encourage younger people to take these things.

"Exam performance has a great deal to do with hard work and motivation and there is no evidence that herbal treatments have any effect on either."

Keith Robertson, of the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, agreed that some herbs and vitamins could be beneficial to youngsters sittng exams, but warned that they should only be used in the short term.

From healthy.net