The human brain is NOT a computer

Human memory

By tongkatali.org
tongkataliorg3@gmail.com
Updated May 2, 2022

The human brain is not a computer. The human brain also contains NOTHING that would be equivalent to a hard disc to store information.

Contrary to common belief and intuition, anything that a human brain remembers is not retrieved but actually recreated ad hoc as a pattern of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic neurons and a corresponding uptake of neurotransmitters by the receptors of postsynaptic neurons. When we remember something, this pattern is repeated, sort-of. This release and uptake of neurotransmitters creates a thought, or a mental image of the world.

For a brain at rest, or occupied by other tasks, anything that is not actually remembered at a certain moment, is simply not there. Nothing actually is stored and retrieved.

But on suited occasions, and when it is advantageous to know something that was known before, a certain pattern of neurotransmitter release into synapses, and their uptake, is re-enacted. There is similarity in the patterns for certain memories, but they are never exactly the same, as information retrieved from a computer hard disc would be. The same neurons, which are used when something is remembered, are occupied with other tasks at other times.

A computer, a digital device, and the human brain, which operates as an analog system, are so fundamentally different that fantasies of downloading one's memory onto a hard disc won't work. File Not Found is what you will get.

We almost never remember anything the same way twice. Not the same amount of neurotransmitters is released every time, and there may be shortages of certain molecules needed for the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, for example in degenerative disease. Memories fade because the release of neurotransmitters cannot be re-enacted with sufficient similarity to what happened before, and things are forgotten when certain patterns cannot be repeated. This also explains false memories, which are much more common than commonly believed.

References:

Bhat, Rajeev; Karim, A.A. (2010), Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): A review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance, Fitoterapia, Volume 81, Issue 7, Pages 669-679

Dishman RK. (1980), Overview of ergogenic properties of hypnosis. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, Vol 51 Pages 53–4

Ferreira MP, Gendron F, McClure KC, Kindscher K. (2012), North American bioactive plants for human health and performance, Global Journal of Research on Medicinal plants & Indigenous Vol 1 Pages 568–82

Foster ZJ, Housner JA. (2004), Anabolic-androgenic steroids and testosterone precursors: Ergogenic aids and sport, Current Sports Medicine Reports, Vol 3 Pages 234–41

Shelton J, Kumar GV. (2010) Sodium bicarbonate – A potent ergogenic aid? , Food Science & Nutrition, Vol 1 Pages 1–4

Silver MD. (2001) Use of ergogenic aids by athletes Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Vol 9 Pages 61–70

Sitanggang, Bintang Riris; Prijanti, Ani Retno; Astuty, Hendri (2018), The Role of Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) Extract as an Antimalarial Agent Through the Mechanism of Antioxidant Specific Activity (Superoxide Dismutase, SOD and Catalase, CAT) in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice, Advanced Science Letters, Volume 24, Number 9

Talbott, Shawn M. (2013), Human Performance and Sports Applications of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance Muscle Building, Endurance, and Strength, Pages 501-505

Tambi, Ismail (2021), Herbal medicine used to treat andrological problems: Asia and Indian subcontinent: Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia jack) , Herbal Medicine in Andrology An Evidence-Based Update, Pages 107-111

Tambi, MIBM ; Imran, M.K.; Henkel R.R. (2012), Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?. Andrologia, Volume 44 Pages 226-230, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x

Tester, Jodie (2014), Tongkat Ali for physically active seniors, Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine. Vol. 26, Issue 4

Thu, Hnin E.; Hussain, Zahid; Mohamed, Isa Naina; Shuid, Ahmad Nazrun (2018), IRecent Advances in Antibacterial, Antiprotozoal and Antifungal Trends of Eurycoma longifolia: A Review of Therapeutic Implications and Future Prospects Current Drug Targets, Volume 19, Number 14, Pages1657-1671(15)

Tong KL, Chan KL, AbuBakar S, Low BS, Ma HQ, Wong PF. (2015), The in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activities of a standardized quassinoids composition from Eurycoma longifolia on LNCaP human prostate cancer cells, PLoS One. Vol 10(3)

Turck, Dominique; Bohn, Torsten; Castenmiller, Jacqueline; Henauw, Stefaan De; Hirsch-Ernst, Karen Ildico; Maciuk, Alexandre; Mangelsdorf, Inge; McArdle,Harry J; Naska, Androniki; Pelaez, Carmen; Pentieva, Kristina; Siani, Alfonso; Thies, Frank; Tsabouri, Sophia; Vinceti, Marco; Cubadda, Francesco; Frenzel, Thomas; Heinonen, Marina; Prieto Maradona, Miguel; Marchelli, Rosangela; Neuhäeuser-Berthold, Monika; Poulsen, Morten; Schlatter, Josef Rudolf; Loveren, Henk van; Matijevi?,Leonard; Knutsen, Helle Katrine (2021), Safety of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) root extract as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, EFSA Journal, Volume19, Issue 12

Udani J.K.; George A.A.; Musthapa M.; Pakdaman M.N.; Abas A. (2014), Effects of a proprietary freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on sexual performance and well-being in men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/179529

Ulbricht, Catherine; Conquer, Julie PhD; Flanagan, Kelly; Isaac,Richard; Rusie, Erica; Windsor, Regina C. (2013)An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Journal of Dietary Supplements, Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 54-83

Vejayan, Jaya; Mohamed, Aini Norhidayah; Zulkifli, Amira Alia; Yahya, Yasmin Amira Che; Munir, Norliana; Yusoff, Mashitah M. (2018), Marker to authenticate Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) containing aphrodisiac herbal products, Current Science Vol. 115, No. 5, Pages 886-894

Yaseen, Maryam Riyadh; Faisal, Ghasak G; Fuaat, Azliana Abd; Affandi, Khairunisa Ahmad; Alallam, Batoul; Nasir, Mohd Hamzah Mohd (2021), Preparation of Euyrycoma Longifolia Jack (E.L) Tongkat Ali (Ta) Root Extract Hydrogel for Wound Application, Pharmacognosy Journal, Volume 13(6), Pages 1456-1463