Out of the Ayurvedic medicines, Bacopa Monnieri is one of the most popular perennials you can find. Did you know that the ancient Indian medical tradition used Bacopa Monniera to overcome brain fog and cognitive disorders?
Brahmi is the other name for Bacopa, situated in the Himalayan Mountains close to Nepal. In this article, you will find useful information about the Bacopa Monnieri plant. Its extract is famous as an ingredient for many nootropic supplements.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific characteristics that make Bacopa Monnieri one of the best cognitive herbs in modern medicine.
What is Bacopa Monnieri?
Bacopa Monnieri or Monniera, also known as Water Hyssop, is the perennial herb in East Asia, The United States, Europe, and Oceania. It grows by itself in average heights, and its leaves are useful in giving the extract. It has some cognitive activity to improve memory function in healthy individuals.
Brahmi shows an improved saponin activity to the clinical trial study groups against the placebo. It looks like the saponins can have a long term effect on memory even in you have Alzheimer’s disease.
Bacopa Monnieri is easy to find during spring and early summer. You can distinguish it from other herbs since Brahmi grows some small white-colored flowers.
The nootropic action of Bacopa Monniera is known to scientists worldwide. That is why nootropic supplements like Mind Lab Pro or Alpha Brain use it as one of their main cognitive ingredients.
A list of the proven benefits of Bacopa Monnieri
Here is a shortlist of the 11 proven benefits Bacopa Monnieri offers to its consumers:
1- Lowers the blood pressure and minimizes the risk of heart disease
Independents studies on a rats test group have shown that Bacopa Monnieri produces more Nitrogen Monoxide (NO) than any other known substance.
NO is the number one factor to relieve pressure in your vessels. That is why Brahmi extract is widely believed to have proven benefits for people who suffer from cardiovascular disease.
2- Enhances memory and cognitive function
Brahmi extract is also popular in Google Scholar, and Pubmed studies as a nootropic factor. In a 90-day trial, participants receiving 300 mg of Bacopa Monnieri daily administration experienced an improvement in memory, attention, and visual processing.
Bacopa Monniera is present in brain nootropic supplements like the Mind Lab Pro that is quite popular for people suffering from neurodegenerative disease, stress, anxiety, and brain fog, thereby increasing brain function. It also enhances the nerve growth factor in the brain.
3-Reduces stress and anxiety
The latest studies in rats and human groups have shown that Bacopa Monnieri can reduce the secretion of cortisol. That is something important for all people suffering from extreme stress or anxiety.
Brahmi extract is also useful for those who struggle to keep calm during their day. The beneficial action to the hippocampus in the brain can also enhance the memory of people who lost it due to anxiety syndromes.
4-Improves the Attention Deficit Disorder and Dyslexia
Many studies published in Google Scholar and PubMed have shown the beneficiary action of Bacopa Monnieri to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Brahmi extract can get added to a herbal preparation safe for children and reduce the symptoms of forgetfulness and attention disorder. Not to mention that they can tolerate it well.
For Dyslexia, some preliminary trials in children have shown significant improvement to those who take Bacopa Monniera regularly. More data should be available in newer studies and control groups.
5-Fights against inflammation and cell oxidation
Bacopa Monnieri is the plants extract that interferes with many inflammatory reactions in your brain cells. Furthermore, a PubMed study has proved that the regular intake of Bacopa Monnieri reduces the risk of free radical oxidation. People who have Alzheimer’s disease can further benefit from this protective action of Brahmi extract. In addition, the bacoside content in the Bacopa Monnieri extracts reduces the chances of developing, and used in the treatment of, Alzheimer’s and related illnesses.,
Animal studies, especially in rats control groups, show the anti-oxidation activity of Bacopa Monnieri compared to the placebo. That is essential to keep the right DNA sequence in cells and minimize the risk of reduced memory effects.
6-Anti-cancer effects
Preliminary data from studies in rats have shown that Bacopa Monnieri can stop the proliferation and multiplication of cancer cell lines. Treatment with Bacopa Monniera to rats that had solid tumors induced a reduction in the malignancy volume.
That is why Brahmi extract is the magic potion in the scientists’ point of view regarding the fight against cancer. In vitro studies with Bacopa Monnieri also show a significant reduction in cancer indicator levels.
While further study and analysis are necessary, it seems that Bacopa Monniera can become the golden standard for dealing with cancer.
7-Reduces the effects of Asthma and Allergy
Regular treatment with Bacopa Monnieri extract can reduce the levels of histamine. That is essential for people who suffer from Asthma or Allergies since histamine is the molecule to promote the induced reaction to external signals.
Specific Ayurvedic exercises and diets, use Brahmi extract to reduce the Asthma and bronchial disfunction. According to a recent study in rats, Bacopa Monnieri has an anti-asthma activity to all the control groups that received herb treatment against placebo.
8-Improves the function of the immune system
Bacopa Monnieri regular treatment can benefit people who have immune system issues. Not to mention, that Brahmi extract provides an induced reaction to the external threats, giving an extra shield to your immune response.
Every test group among human subjects or rats published on PubMed or Google Scholar article showed increased cytokine levels. Bacosides seem to give an extra activity to your immune molecules and fight against any possible threat.
9-Has enhanced antimicrobial properties
All the bacoside molecules present in the Brahmi extract are showing antimicrobial effects in rats. Studies have shown that Bacopa Monnieri can successfully protect you against infections from germs like Escherichia Coli., Staphylococcus Aureus, and Salmonella.
Also, bacosides are competent enough to promote induced effects on fungal infections and black mold concentration.
In other words, treatment with Bacopa Monniera can give you some antimicrobial effects that last for long.
10-Protects your liver function
The latest studies on Google Scholar and PubMed have shown that Bacopa Monnieri can protect your liver against the acetaminophen toxic activity.
Thanks to the bacosides antioxidant function, your liver becomes healthier even weeks after the first administration of the Brahmi herb. Bacopa Monniera is well-tolerated by your liver and promotes the expression of functional genes in your liver cells.
11-Fortifies the health of your gastrointestinal system
According to Singh (famous Indian doctor), Bacopa Monnieri plant leaves can reduce diarrhea to children under the age of six. Some other studies involving control groups with placebo comparison showed that Brahmi extract could help to alleviate the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Another study performed in rats showed significant evidence that the Bacopa Monniera administration could also have anti-ulcer effects.
→ You can also find Bacopa Monnieri in Noocube supplements
Can you mix Bacopa Monnieri with other ingredients for more excellent health benefits?
Since Bacopa Monnieri has lots of beneficial effects on your brain, scientists have mixed it with other ingredients. One of the great mixings remains the Mind Lab Pro food supplement that has a nootropic function on your brain cells.
Adding Ginkgo Biloba and Lion’s Mane Mushroom to the Bacopa Monnieri extract, you can have the optimum brain treatment. Experts’ view that mixing Brahmi extract with other ingredients can multiply the cognitive effects of the formula.
Most of them require water to work, and hydration is crucial for the effectiveness of the Bacopa Monnieri treatment. Bacosides need a few weeks to release their activity, ass time matters for most brain nootropic substances.
Who is the Bacopa Monnieri For?
Bacopa Monnieri is for people suffering from brain fog, as well as another cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s. Busy people who need reinforcement for their memory can also benefit from Bacopa Monniera extract.
After published studies in PubMed and Google Scholar, in test groups of human interest, there is strong evidence that Brahmi extract can also improve cognitive functions to people who have Dementia.
Older people who have memory issues can also find an adequate cure when taking Bacopa Monnieri treatment. Furthermore, since Bacopa Monniera can also have an induced increase in neurotransmitters levels, it can fight against depression.
Everyone that starts having cognitive function impairment and mild brain fog should also try the Bacopa Monnieri treatment.
Pros and Cons of Bacopa Monnieri
Like with any other substance, Bacopa Monnieri does have some benefits and drawbacks.
| PROS | CONS |
| It is a perennial herb that doesn’t cause any type of addiction. | Bacopa Monniera has a bitter taste if you consume it in the powder form. |
| With Bacopa Monnieri, you get a natural boost to your memory, brain, and cognitive function. | Cognitive improvement comes after several weeks of treatment. It is the nootropic substance that takes time to show its effects. |
| There is evidence that Brahmi herb treatment can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression disease. | Brahmi herb substance can irritate your intestine function if you consume it with an empty stomach. |
| Acting as a nootropic substance, Bacopa Monniera and the bacosides can increase the serotonin and dopamine levels. | |
| With Bacopa Monnieri, you can have better focus, attention, and retention. | |
| It makes you feel better from headaches related to stress.Bacoside molecules have a secure dosage scheme and remain a non-toxic natural substance. |
Focus on the Effectiveness of Bacopa Monnieri
Many studies have been published in Google Scholar and PubMed, showing strong evidence that Bacopa Monnieri treatment has apparent effects on adults and children.
A recent study published as an online article in 2017 showed that school-age children that received treatment with Brahmi herb for several weeks had better school performance.
The administration of Bacopa Monniera extract versus placebo in the study control groups showed the cognitive and memory benefits to these kids. Not to mention, that safety is also guaranteed with Brahmi herb that has a safe administration over time in children and other age groups.
In a newer study published as an article on PubMed in 2016, Bacopa Monnieri proved to have long-term effects on Medical Students. For several weeks, they used it for adequate time for Brahmi extract to show its effects against the placebo.
Study groups were randomly separated, and the cognitive, memory, and attention benefits of the treatment showed after a few weeks.
Dosage: How to Use Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri comes in many forms. You can find it in powder, liquid, capsules, and herbal supplements. According to the manufacturers’ view, these are the dosage scheme and advice you should always respect.
When to start and when to stop?
You can start Bacopa Monnieri treatment when you feel like you have memory loss or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Every induced effect of the Brahmi extract becomes apparent after some weeks of the initial administration.
You need to stop taking Bacopa Monniera and the relevant bacoside substances, every time you feel dizzy and nervous after receiving it. Stop making it and talk to your doctor that is the sole responsible for giving you the answer if you can keep on the administration of bacosides daily.
What are the dosages to respect?
Several studies found on Google Scholar suggest that the initial administration dosage of Bacopa Monnieri should be between 300-400 mg per day for healthy adults.
A study suggests a lower initial dose of close to 20-100 mg of bacosides per day. It is better to follow that rule for sensitive people or children. In these groups, the induced Brahmi plant activity remains high even for weeks after the initial administration.
What to do if you forget Bacopa Monnieri?
There is no need to alter the dosage scheme in case you forget to take Bacopa Monnieri. Simply go on with the administration of the next scheduled dose.
Brahmi treatment effects in all test and trial groups were present for much time after the initial dose.
What to do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, you need to stop the administration of Bacopa Monnieri right away. The induced effects of Brahmi extract and the activity of bacosides reported in several Google Scholar studies show that overdose is rare.
However, since Bacopa Monniera increases your brain activity, you need to be cautious with overdose. Every test group that experienced an overdose had issues with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive function failures.
Always ask for your healthcare provider’s view to find the right dosage for yourself.
Precautions to take when taking Bacopa Monnieri
Bacoside molecules present in Bacopa Monnieri can interact with other drugs acting on the nerve cells. People who take Levodopa or Curare should be cautious with the Brahmi herb.
Women you are pregnant, or breastfeeding should also avoid taking Bacopa Monnieri extract. Finally, people who receive treatment with thyroid hormones or take drugs for Alzheimer’s disease should also avoid taking Brahmi plant bacosides at the same time.
How to keep the Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri extract comes in many forms. Each one has its particular type of saving. The powder and capsules form are easy to keep at room temperature.
However, the liquid version of Bacopa Monniera should be on the refrigerator to always have it fresh. Manufacturers prefer to give Brahmi extract in capsules that are easy to swallow and always keep new no matter the humidity and temperature alterations throughout the day.
Risks, Hazards, and Side Effects of Bacopa Monnieri
Even though bacosides come from natural herb extract, they can still have some hazards and side effects for parts of the population.
Side Effects of Bacopa Monnieri
As analyzed in Google Scholar cognitive studies for bacosides, some of the most common side effects are:
1-Excessive bloating
Bacosides can cause your gut to produce more gases than ever before. That function can become a severe hurdle to your digestive process. That is why the administration of Bacopa Monnieri to people who have gut sensitivity should be cautious.
2-Nausea
Since Brahmi extract can increase the activity and levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, it may cause nausea. It is a common side effect to human subjects taking the capsules for the first time.
However, as your body gets used to the Bacopa Monniera activity, your tolerance to nausea is going to self-deteriorate.
3-Diarrhea
It is a common side effect that scientists view in all studies, including rats and human test groups with bacosides administration against placebo. The activity of Brahmi herb extract to the levels of acetylcholine and GABA could increase your gut mobility and promote diarrhea.
On the other hand, the levels of the bacoside molecules can increase stress and anxiety to some people and interfere with water exchange in your gut.
For all these reasons, diarrhea may be among the common side effects people could feel the first time upon Brahmi plant extract administration.
4-Dry mouth
Studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar showed that control groups in human clinical trials against placebo could develop dry mouth.
That condition relates to the administration of Bacopa Monnieri since bacosides can increase acetylcholine levels in the blood. Dry mouth can be among the common side effects of bacoside molecules that you may easily anticipate.
5-Fatigue
Many people can feel tired after taking Bacopa Monnieri for a long time. Even after the first weeks of administration, bacosides can make you more feel more tired than ever before.
That is because Brahmi plant extract can increase the activity and levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. For that reason, GABA (the relaxing molecule of your brain) could have a more induced function and make you feel tired all day long.
6-Depression
In many doctors’ view, Bacopa Monnieri is the molecule that can reduce stress and anxiety. However, some people could experience some time of depression upon the initial administration of Brahmi extract.
Test groups referred to in Google Scholar article analyses, show that some human groups develop depressive behavior before receiving the beneficial activity of bacosides.
Contraindications
Bacopa Monnieri is an extract coming from a well-known herb and plant. However, besides the Ayurvedic medicine, western science has no clear evidence about the bacosides’ contraindications.
For that reason, you should not allow the administration of Bacopa Monnieri with drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. People who receive local anesthetic drugs like Procaine and Tetracaine should also avoid taking bacosides.
Finally, as mentioned before, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should never try to take Bacopa Monnieri. Additionally, if you have an abnormal heart rate of taking excessive blood pressure medications, you should try to avoid Bacopa Monniera extract.
People who have thyroid gland treatment should also be cautious with bacosides and even exclude them from their therapeutic goals.
Drug Interactions not recommended
There are certain drugs that you should avoid taking when having a Bacopa Monnieri extract administration:
1-Anticholinergic drugs (Atropine, Scopolamine, Antihistamines)
These drugs can dry your body and interact with water absorption and gut activity. For that reason, you should avoid taking bacosides with these drugs as they can provoke induced activity and reaction to your dry mouth side effects.
2-Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, Tacrine, Rivastigmine)
These are common drugs for Alzheimer’s disease, memory, and cognitive function impairment and disorders. Bacopa Monnieri can further increase the action of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and release more neurotransmitters in the bloodstream.
3-Glaucoma Drugs (Pilocarpine)
Bacopa Monnieri plant extract can interact with the eyeballs and increase its pressure. That is why you should avoid taking bacosides when you have glaucoma and take drug treatment to deal with it.
4-Thyroid Hormones (T3-T4 drugs)
People with thyroid gland inefficiency take thyroid hormones to make their body functions well. Bacopa Monnieri extract can interact with their thyroid gland and reduce its ability to create these hormones. That is why people suffering from thyroiditis should avoid receiving any type of bacoside supplements.
Bacopa Monnieri Reviews
Here are some of the most popular Bacopa Monnieri reviews published on Amazon:
How to Buy Bacopa Monnieri: the complete guide
You can easily find Bacopa Monnieri to your local food store or Walmart. However, most of the world trade of Brahmi plant extract goes through Amazon and eBay.
The 60-capsules bottle of pure Bacopa Monnieri extract cost about $21.09. The liquid form of Bacopa Monnieri starts from $18.10 per 60 ml of the substance.
Finally, the powder form of Bacopa Monnieri costs about $41.00 per 100 grams. Most of the manufacturers ship worldwide and offer discounts to customers who buy multiple containers.
FAQ
Is Bacopa good for the brain?
Bacopa Monnieri is a natural herb extract that is full in bacosides. These are saponin substances that enhance your memory and give you increased mental activity. For that reason, Ayurvedic medicine uses Brahmi plants extract for thousands of years.
The latest studies also correlate Bacopa Monnieri to the relief of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and cognitive functions improvement.
Does Bacopa make you sleepy?
Bacoside molecules can make you feel sleepy upon the first weeks administration. However, this symptom will gradually disappear as your body will use the activity of Bacopa Monnieri to wake up your brain and make more cognitive functions ready.
Can Bacopa cause anxiety?
Bacopa Monnieri usual activity is to relieve stress and anxiety. Bacosides can increase serotonin levels and dopamine in the brain, giving you a more stable mood.
Not to mention that they regulate the secretion of cortisol in your blood, which is the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety. For that reason, we can say that Bacopa Monnieri is not going to increase your anxiety.
Is Bacopa good for thyroid?
Bacosides are not suitable for your thyroid. They can relent the secretion of T3 and T4 hormones in your blood. Also, Bacopa Monniera extract may interfere with the absorption of the thyroid gland drugs. That is why people with thyroid gland insufficiency should avoid taking Brahmi herb extract.
Should Bacopa be taken with food?
Bacosides indeed are molecules attracted by fat. For that reason, it would be wise to combine the administration of Bacopa Monnieri with food. The absorption of the substance could be faster.
Not to mention, that the activity of the Brahmi extract could become multiplied if you have it with a full stomach. You can also have fewer side effects from your gut when you take the Bacopa Monnieri with food.
Can Bacopa cause depression?
In the initial stages, we could say that Bacopa Monnieri can cause depression. However, since it can relieve human clinical trial groups from anxiety and stress, Bacopa Monnieri could quickly become an anti-depressant substance.
When should I take Bacopa?
Most doctors and scientists share the view that you should take Bacopa Monnieri twice a day. The best time to get the Brahmi extract is in the morning to create a chemical balance in your brain and enhance your memory and cognitive functions.
Some people state that a second dose close to the afternoon can give them an extra boost to support intellectual activity. Twice a day is the best way to have the induced benefits of Bacopa Monnieri administration.
Is Bacopa a blood thinner?
There is no evidence that Bacopa Monnieri interacts with any blood thinner molecules. However, it seems like Brahmi plant leaves have a coagulant activity on open wounds. It is a benefit from the part Bacopa Monnieri that has to be further investigated in studies published on Google Scholar and PubMed.
How long does Bacopa last?
The activity of Bacopa Monnieri can last up to eight hours. That is the half-life time of Brahmi extract, and it will remain the same no matter the dosage you are going to take.
The acute action of Bacopa Monnieri could become apparent when you take the liquid form. It reaches the stomach and lean intestine easier and passes the blood-brain barrier in less time than other types.
Is Bacopa a nootropic?
The latest studies in human and rats control groups with placebo agree that there is enough evidence to support the nootropic action of Bacopa Monnieri.
Brahmi extract and bacosides, in general, can increase the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. That is why they can make your memory a lot better and take away the awful effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
People who have tried Bacopa Monnieri for at least eight weeks state that their cognitive functions returned to normal, and they reduced their brain fog accordingly.
Is it safe to take Bacopa Monnieri for a long time?
Yes, it is safe to take Bacopa Monnieri for extended periods of time. It has been observed that people tend to take it long-term – for months, or even years – with no adverse side effects. In fact, the effectiveness and potency of Bacopa increases with time – meaning that it is even advisable to use it for a while to get the full benefits.
How long does Brahmi take to work?
Brahmi takes about four to six weeks of continued use for the user to start seeing some effects. The recommended dose is 300mg per day, but it is better to see a health care professional to receive a dose tailor-made for you.
Conclusion
The expansion of Ayurvedic Medicine in the western world has brought the Bacopa Monnieri extract to scientists’ view. People love to have the nootropic effects of Brahmi plant extract, which usually comes with no side effects at all.
Bacopa Monnieri is easy to order online and comes in many forms and concentrations. You can find the best one that fits your personal needs and boost your brain functions at unprecedented levels.
If you liked this article, please feel free to share it on your social media to inform your friends about Bacopa Monnieri and its great benefits. After all, preventing our cognitive functions is the best thing we could do for ourselves in a competitive world we live in.
