KESUM represents a new era in herbal science for sharper minds & healthy aging.
World Mental Health Day
2025: Comprehensive Analysis of Global Mental Health and the Role of Natural
Supplements Including KESUM
World Mental Health Day,
observed annually on October 10, represents a global initiative to raise
awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental
healthcare worldwide. The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders
working on mental health issues to discuss their work and identify what more
needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide .
"Mental Health in
Humanitarian Emergencies"
The World Health
Organization has designated "Mental Health in Humanitarian
Emergencies" as the official theme for World Mental Health Day 2025. This
strategic focus addresses the urgent need to support mental health and
psychosocial needs of people affected by crises such as natural disasters,
conflicts, and public health emergencies .
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
· Global Impact: By the
end of 2024, over 123 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, with a
staggering 71% hosted in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare
systems are already under strain
· Psychological
Consequences: Approximately one in five people in conflict-affected areas
experience mental health conditions, while nearly everyone affected experiences
emotional distress and disrupted community ties
· Campaign Goal: The 2025
campaign intensifies efforts to create a world where mental health is valued,
protected, and accessible for all, especially in the face of adversity. ( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025 )
Key Messages and Global
Statistics
The World Mental Health
Day 2025 campaign emphasizes several crucial messages that highlight the
interconnectedness of mental health and global wellbeing:
Table: Key Mental Health
Statistics Highlighted in 2025 Campaign
|
Population
|
Statistical
Impact |
Reference |
|
Adults
globally |
19%
experience mental illness each year |
https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/ |
|
46% experience mental health disorder
each year |
https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/ |
|
|
Children |
13%
experience mental health disorder each year |
https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/ |
|
People
in conflict areas |
1
in 5 have a mental health condition |
|
|
Forcibly
displaced |
Over
123 million people globally |
Population Statistical
Impact Reference
Adults globally 19%
experience mental illness each year
Teenagers 46% experience
mental health disorder each year
Children 13% experience
mental health disorder each year
People in conflict areas
1 in 5 have a mental health condition
Forcibly displaced Over
123 million people globally
2 Global Mental Health
Context and Challenges
2.1 Systemic Challenges
in Mental Healthcare
The global mental health
landscape faces several interconnected challenges that create significant
barriers to effective care and treatment:
· Treatment Gaps: Only
half of those affected by mental illness receive treatment, often because of
stigma attached to mental health
( https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/
).
· Economic Barriers: The
high cost of modern psychiatric treatments and medications creates significant
financial burdens for individuals and healthcare systems, as highlighted in
your query
· Developmental Timing:
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24,
emphasizing the need for early intervention
( https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/world-mental-health-day-2025/
)
· Workforce Limitations:
Humanitarian workers themselves face extreme stress and are often directly
affected by the crises they respond to, highlighting the need to protect
caregiver mental health
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
2.2 Consequences of Untreated Mental Health Conditions
When mental health conditions remain unaddressed, they contribute to:
· Higher medical expenses
and increased healthcare utilization
· Poorer performance at
school and work, with fewer employment opportunities
· Increased risk of
suicide, which is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
( https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/world-mental-health-day-2025/
)
· Disrupted social and
community functioning that undermines recovery and resilience long after
physical safety is restored
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
3 KESUM (Persicaria
Minor) as a Natural Supplement for Cognitive Health
3.1 Scientific Evidence
and Mechanism of Action
KESUM (Persicaria minor,
also known as Polygonum minus) is an indigenous plant of Malaysia and Southeast
Asia that has gained scientific attention for its potential cognitive benefits.
Traditionally consumed as a salad or 'ulam' for anti-aging ('awet muda') and
digestion, it is now available as BioKesum®, a standardized water extract .
( https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum )
Table: Scientifically
Documented Effects of KESUM on Cognitive Health
|
Mechanism
of Action |
Research
Evidence |
Clinical
Significance |
|
Acetylcholinesterase
inhibition |
68%
inhibition (IC50 of 0.0405 mg/ml) https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum |
Supports
acetylcholine availability, crucial for memory and learning |
|
BDNF
enhancement |
Increased
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum |
Promotes
neuron survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. |
|
Antioxidant
activity |
Strong
antioxidant properties that slow oxidative processes https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum |
Reduces
free radical damage implicated in cognitive decline |
|
Mood
imorovement |
Reduces
negative mood profiles (anger, tension, anxiety https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum |
Addresses
comorbid mood symptom often present with cognitive issues |
3.2 Clinical Studies on KESUM
Several clinical trials
have investigated the cognitive effects of KESUM extract:
· Memory and Executive
Function: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted over
six months with older adults having mild cognitive impairment demonstrated that
Persicaria minor extract supplementation supported memory and executive
function.
( https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum
)
· Middle-Aged Population:
Research with middle-aged women showed improvements in mood, cognitive
function, and quality of life following supplementation with Polygonum minus
extract.
( https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum
)
· Comparative Efficacy:
The 'Barnes Maze' animal study showed that 100mg/kg of BioKesum® prevented
scopolamine-induced deficits in learning and memory, with effects equivalent to
donepezil (a standard Alzheimer's medication) and Gingko biloba.
( https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum
)
4 Other Natural
Supplements for Cognitive Health
While your query
specifically highlights KESUM, several other natural supplements have
scientific support for cognitive health:
4.1 Evidence-Based
Natural Approaches
· Ashwagandha (KSM-66):
This extensively researched ashwagandha extract has been evaluated in 50+
"Gold Standard" clinical trials, showing benefits for stress
reduction and potentially cognitive function, though specific cognitive
outcomes require more research .
( https://ksm66ashwagandhaa.com/ )
· Adult Neurogenesis
Support: Recent research has discovered evidence of adult neurogenesis (new
neuron formation) in the human enteric nervous system, with primary cilia and
adult neurogenesis markers identified, suggesting the potential for interventions
that might stimulate this process.
( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33237455/
)
· Layered Intervention
Approach: WHO promotes a layered approach to mental health support—from
self-help tools and Psychological First Aid to specialized mental health
services—ensuring accessible, efficient, and responsive support for all.
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
5 Professional Commentary
and Integrated Recommendations
5.1 Balanced Evaluation
of Natural Supplements
Based on the available
evidence, I can provide the following professional assessment:
· KESUM's Promise and
Limitations: The scientific evidence for KESUM is promising, particularly
regarding its acetylcholinesterase inhibition and BDNF enhancement properties.
However, while blood tests showing 2% increases in neurotrophic factors are encouraging,
the clinical significance of such modest changes requires further validation in
larger, longer-term studies with direct cognitive outcome measures
( https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum
)
· Complementary, Not
Replacement Role: Natural supplements like KESUM, ashwagandha, and others
should be viewed as complementary approaches rather than replacements for
conventional treatments, especially for serious conditions like stroke
recovery, seizure disorders, and dementia that you mentioned
( https://www.biotropicsmalaysia.com/research/clinical-study-biokesum
& https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/ ).
· Individual Variability:
The response to natural supplements can vary significantly between individuals,
depending on genetics, underlying health conditions, absorption/metabolism
differences, and the specific nature of their cognitive challenges
5.2 Strategic
Recommendations for Different Scenarios
Table: Integrated
Approach to Cognitive Health Based on Individual Needs
|
Situation |
Primary
Approach |
Supplemental
Support |
Monitoring
Timeline |
|
Stroke
Recovery |
Conventional
rehabilitation + medication |
KESUM
for BDNF support + antioxidant |
3-6
months assessment intervals |
|
Early
cognitive decline |
Medical
evaluation + cognitive training |
KESUM
+ lifestyle modifications |
6-12
months follow-ups |
|
Age-related
memory concerns |
Physical
activity + social engagement |
Combined
natural supplements ( KESUM + FISH OIL) |
Annual
cognitive screening |
|
Stress-related
cognitive issues |
Stress
management techniques |
Adaptogens
(ashwagandha) + KESUM |
3-
month symptom evaluation |
KESUM
BDNF Cognitive Performance
5.3 Advocacy and Global
Mental Health Perspectives
Aligning with the spirit
of World Mental Health Day, several broader actions can support global mental
health:
· Destigmatization
Efforts: Showing individuals respect and acceptance removes significant
barriers to successfully coping with mental illness. Having people see you as
an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for
someone struggling with their mental health.
( https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/
)
· Systemic Advocacy:
Advocating within our circles of influence helps ensure people with mental
health conditions have the same rights and opportunities as other members of
communities.
( https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/
)
· Integrated Crisis
Response: Making mental health and psychosocial support a core part of
emergency response not only saves lives but also strengthens communities and
health systems for the future.
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
· Workplace Mental
Health: Organizations should provide rest, supervision, peer support, and
workplace mental health programmes to sustain an effective humanitarian
response and protect worker wellbeing.
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
The theme for World
Mental Health Day 2025 is "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies"
.
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
The campaign focuses on
the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people
affected by crises like natural disasters and conflicts . ( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
It calls for making
mental health and psychosocial support a core part of emergency response, which
aligns with a broader view of accessible and diverse support strategies .
( https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025
)
Clinical Evidence for
KESUM (Persicaria Minor)
KESUM
BDNF - COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
The most robust evidence
from the search results pertains to a specific, standardized extract of
Persicaria minor called Biokesum®. The key findings from a 6-month,
double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial on older
adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are summarized below :
( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7574246/
)
( https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12417552
)
|
Aspect |
Findings
from Clinical Trial (citation:1) |
|
Cognitive
Function |
Significant
improvement in visual memory ( as measured by Visual Reproduction 11) |
|
Mood
State |
Significant
reduction in negative mood profiles (tension, anger, confusion) |
|
Key
Biomarker ( BDNF ) |
Significant
increase in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. (BDNF ) levels. |
|
Brain
Activation |
Preliminary
finding of improved activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (a
brain region key for memory) |
|
Dosage
in Study |
250
mg of Biokesum® extract, taken twice daily ( total 500 mg / day ) for six
months. ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7574246/
) ( https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12417552
)
|
The study concludes that
this supplement has the potential to improve visual memory, negative mood, and
BDNF levels in older adults with MCI . The manufacturer also states that the
extract works by supporting acetylcholine availability and functions as an
antioxidant .
KESUM
BDNF - COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
Gaps in the Comparison
Regarding - a comparison
table with medications, the search results do not contain information on
pharmaceuticals that increase BDNF. The provided medication tables for
antidepressants list standard details like dosage and side effects, but do not
mention effects on BDNF or neurogenesis . Therefore, evidence-based comparison
stating that any specific medication is "as good as KESUM" for this
particular function.
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