Life style
Bacopa (lunuwila) …the smart drug –
by Emme Haddon
Nootropics, from Greek, meaning “mind-turning”, promote both brain function and brain health, protecting against cognitive decline, whilst boosting mental and physical performance. Often referred to as ‘smart drugs’, they can either be synthetic or natural herbal extracts which improve concentration, memory, motivation, attention and promote creativity.
The new millennium ushered in an era of mass brain fascination. In the early 2000s, Ryuta Kawashima’s Train Your Brain: 60 Days to a Better Brain, sold over a million copies in Japan and in 2006 Nintendo’s Brain Age game, advertised with the slogan “Getting the most out of your prefrontal cortex”, sold 120,000 copies in its first three weeks of availability. In 2008, Reuters called brain fitness the “hot industry of the future.”
In 2011, Bradley Cooper starred in Limitless, a movie about a man who takes a special pill and becomes smarter and more capable than anyone else on Earth. The film mainstreamed the idea of ‘genius in a bottle’ that was taking hold among Silicon Valley biohackers and human optimization zealots.
Today the nootropic market is responding to the demand for a “real Limitless pill” from students, programmers, young bankers, entrepreneurs, athletes and senior citizens with products such as BrainGear which promises “a clearer brain today” and “a stronger brain tomorrow,” and KeenMind which supports memory, concentration and learning retention, to stay focused and productive.
A Google search on the best nootropics will bring up Bacopa monnieri, either as an ingredient in a “nootropic stack“, a smart drug containing a combination of brain-boosting ingredients, or as a natural, adaptogenic, nootropic herb which boosts brain function and mental performance. Bacopa monnieri, commonly referred to as bacopa or water hyssop in English, is one of two extremely powerful nootropic herbs, rather confusingly, known as “brahmi” in Sanskrit – the other being gotukola.
Bacopa is known to improve spatial learning, the ability to process information, the ability to retain information, the speed of processing of visual information, memory, learning rate and attention. The bioactive components of bacopa are known to play a significant role in neuroprotection. It is particularly useful in age-related memory impairment and also helps reduce the symptoms of the neuro developmental disorder, ADHD, such as restlessness, poor self-control, inattention, and impulsivity whilst improving cognition.
Numerous double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials studies have demonstrated multiple anti-Alzheimer’s Disease mechanisms: it has been shown to reduce amyloid plaque A?40 & A?42 levels in the brain by approximately 60%, inhibit tau-mediated toxicity, reduce ROS and neuro-inflammation, and improve cognitive and learning behaviour.
It has also demonstrated neuroprotective potential against other disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Bacopa acts as a vasodilator and increases the blood circulation towards the brain with an upsurge in vital nutrients, energy, and oxygen, and mitigates the inflammatory responses and modulate neurotransmitter concentrations in the brain.
Bacopa, known as lunuwila in Sinhala, is a perennial creeping herb that grows in damp soils and marshes in Sri Lanka, India and many other warm, tropical parts of the world. In Sri Lanka it is frequently served in sambols and curries and is available as a fresh cut leaf vegetable in many supermarkets. It is highly revered as an Ayurvedic “medhya rasayana“, a herbal therapeutic that boosts memory, restores cognitive deficits and improve mental function.
It has been used for centuries in many Ayurvedic adaptogenic herbal formulations which support the physical function of the brain and nervous system and to treat conditions such as lack of concentration, anxiety, stress, poor cognition, epilepsy, and loss of memory. It has a bitter – sweet taste and cooling action that balances the pitta dosha and brings strength, tone, and rejuvenation to the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
It is used in the treatment of gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions; for bronchitis, sinusitis, excess mucus and phlegm; and rejuvenates and treats skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, abscesses, ulceration and reduces the appearance of scars. It is also a popular hair tonic used to repair damaged hair follicles and to promote hair growth.
In addition to it benefits as a nootropic, research suggests that bacopa’s active class of compounds, bacosides, may also have cancer-fighting properties. Test-tube studies have shown bacosides to inhibit the growth of breast, skin, colon and brain tumor cells. Bacopa helps regulate blood sugar levels, particularly in patients with diabetes, has also been shown to suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules that stimulate an inflammatory immune response, and inhibits enzymes which play key roles in inflammation and pain. The antioxidant compounds of bacopa strengthen the immune system against bacterial and virus infections and other pathogens.
The nootropic market was valued at USD 2.42 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 6.29 billion by 2028 with entrepreneurs, professionals, senior citizens and students, looking for something to give them the edge needed to perform at their best. The bacopa market size was valued at $315 million in 2019, and is forecast to reach USD 1.08 billion by 2028.
With an increasing ageing population, competition in the workplace and school, there is a huge market potential for bacopa, alone or in combination with other adaptogens and nootropics such as gotukola, tulsi and ashwagandha.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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