• Gopalakrishna Hangari
• Dr. K. Krishna Sharma

The ancient practice of yoga has emerged as a powerful non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing cognitive function, with mounting scientific evidence elucidating its neurobiological underpinnings. This comprehensive review synthesizes contemporary research on yoga's effects on memory, attention, executive function, and overall cognitive performance, with particular emphasis on neuroplastic mechanisms, neurotrophic factor modulation, and the intricate relationships between respiratory practices and cognitive outcomes. Drawing from meta-analyses, neuroimaging investigations, and mechanistic studies conducted between 2013 and 2025, we examine how yoga's diverse components—including asanas (postures), pranayama (breath regulation), bandhas (energy locks), mudras (gestures), and dhyana (meditation)—exert synergistic influences on brain structure and function. The evidence demonstrates that regular yoga practice catalyses significant elevations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), augments Gray matter volume in memory-critical regions including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and strengthens functional connectivity across attentional networks. Pranayama practices, in particular, appear to optimize noradrenergic tone and enhance working memory performance, though the mechanistic pathways linking pulmonary function to cognitive enhancement remain incompletely characterized. This review identifies critical gaps in the literature, including long-term practice effects, dose-response relationships, and the discrete contributions of individual yoga components. We conclude that yoga represents an accessible, culturally-grounded, and empirically-supported approach to cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, with particular relevance for aging populations and individuals at heightened risk for cognitive decline. Future research directions encompass longitudinal investigations of comprehensive yogic training protocols, mechanistic studies elucidating respiratory-cognitive pathways, and translational research optimizing intervention designs for diverse demographic populations.

Yoga, cognitive enhancement, neuroplasticity, BDNF, pranayama, hippocampus, memory, working memory, Gray matter, mindfulness, cognitive function

"Yoga and Cognitive Enhancement: A Comprehensive Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms, Memory Improvement, and Respiratory Integration", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no.d343-d355, January-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601338.pdf

"Yoga and Cognitive Enhancement: A Comprehensive Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms, Memory Improvement, and Respiratory Integration", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no. ppd343-d355, January-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601338.pdf