Bacopa Monnieri
Also known as: Brahmi, Aindri, Lysimachia Monnieri L. Cent., Graticola Monnieri L., Herpestis Monniera L. Kunth., Water Hyssop, Thyme-leafed Gratiola, Indian Pennywort, Jalabrahmi
Overview
Bacopa monnieri, or water hyssop, is a creeping marsh plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is often taken to improve cognitive function and memory, relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance general mood and vitality. Bacopa monnieri likely interacts with the dopamine, serotonin, and cholinergic systems, and it may promote neuronal communication by increasing the growth of dendrites (branches off of neurons). Bacopa monnieri also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
The exact mechanisms by which Bacopa monnieri confers any potential benefits are not fully understood, but they are likely a byproduct of the main active components of Bacopa monnieri, particularly saponins (e.g., bacoside-A and bacoside-B), alkaloids, and polyphenols. In vitro studies find that bacosides could be neuroprotective and may actually enhance neurotransmission and synaptic activity, partly by stimulating the proliferation of branches (dendrites) off of neurons. Bacosides may also modulate stress hormones within the brain and positively interact with the serotonin, dopamine, and cholinergic systems, which helps to explain Bacopa’s possible mood-related effects. Furthermore, Bacopa monnieri has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How it works
Bacopa monnieri may produce a small improvement in memory, but the effect is inconsistent across different tests, scenarios, and populations, making it difficult to ascertain specifically when and for whom it’s most beneficial. There is some preliminary research suggesting that Bacopa monnieri could have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, possibly by reducing cortisol secretion and the depletion of dopamine and serotonin during chronic stress, but more research is needed to confirm this effect. Overall, the evidence for Bacopa monnieri is too heterogeneous to come to a firm conclusion about efficacy. It might improve some aspects of memory, cognition, and mood in certain people, but it could also have no substantial effects on any aspects of health.
Side effects
The most common dose for Bacopa monnieri is 300 mg per day, assuming that the total bacoside content (the active compound) is approximately 55% of the extract by weight. Doses of up to 600 mg per day have been used in some studies. Bacopa monnieri is fat soluble and requires a lipid transporter to be absorbed, so it should be supplemented alongside a meal. Historically, Bacopa monnieri was consumed with ghee, a clarified butter that originated in India. Bacopa monnieri should be stored at 30℃ (86℉) or lower, with a relative humidity of 65% or less.
Dosage
The most common adverse effects of Bacopa monnieri are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, as well as dry mouth. This could be related to Bacopa monnieri’s cholinergic properties, or gastric irritation from the bacoside compounds. There are also reports of flu-like symptoms occurring after taking Bacopa, as well as a reduction in the number of dreams. Not all studies report adverse events, so other negative reactions are possible. Anecdotally, some people experience a lack of motivation after taking Bacopa, likely due to its anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effect.
FAQs
What is Bacopa monnieri?
Bacopa monnieri, or water hyssop, is a creeping marsh plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is often taken to improve cognitive function and memory, relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance general mood and vitality. Bacopa monnieri likely interacts with the dopamine, serotonin, and cholinergic systems, and it may promote neuronal communication by increasing the growth of dendrites (branches off of neurons). Bacopa monnieri also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are Bacopa monnieri’s main benefits?
Bacopa monnieri may produce a small improvement in memory, but the effect is inconsistent across different tests, scenarios, and populations, making it difficult to ascertain specifically when and for whom it’s most beneficial. There is some preliminary research suggesting that Bacopa monnieri could have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, possibly by reducing cortisol secretion and the depletion of dopamine and serotonin during chronic stress, but more research is needed to confirm this effect. Overall, the evidence for Bacopa monnieri is too heterogeneous to come to a firm conclusion about efficacy. It might improve some aspects of memory, cognition, and mood in certain people, but it could also have no substantial effects on any aspects of health.
What are Bacopa monnieri’s main drawbacks?
The most common adverse effects of Bacopa monnieri are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, as well as dry mouth. This could be related to Bacopa monnieri’s cholinergic properties, or gastric irritation from the bacoside compounds. There are also reports of flu-like symptoms occurring after taking Bacopa, as well as a reduction in the number of dreams. Not all studies report adverse events, so other negative reactions are possible. Anecdotally, some people experience a lack of motivation after taking Bacopa, likely due to its anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effect.
Could Bacopa monnieri interact with medications?
Bacopa monnieri may interact with certain medications, including those commonly used for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions, although research in this area is limited. Because Bacopa monnieri may affect the serotonin, dopamine, and cholinergic systems, it is possible it could interact with pharmaceuticals that act on these systems. This includes anticholinergic medications, like those used to treat glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease.
Supplements Containing Bacopa Monnieri
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