Bacopa
Common name: Brahmi, water hyssop
Botanical name: Bacopa monniera
© Martin Wall
Parts used and where grown
Bacopa is native to India, where it grows in marshy areas. In the West, bacopa is a familiar water plant used in aquariums. Most parts of the plant have been used traditionally, but modern preparations are extracts of the stem and leaves.
Bacopa has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
Alzheimer's disease Anxiety ARCD Epilepsy |
 Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
|
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Since at least the sixth century A.D., bacopa (Brahmi) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India) as a diuretic and as a tonic for the nervous system and the heart. Specific uses include the treatment of asthma, insanity, and epilepsy.1
Active constituents
The leaves of bacopa contain saponins, including the bacosides,2 3 4 which are thought responsible for the therapeutic properties of the herb. In animal studies, both purified bacosides and extracts of bacopa standardized for bacosides have been found to enhance several aspects of mental function and learning ability.5 6 7 Additional brain effects of bacopa demonstrated in animal research include reduction of both anxiety and depression.8 9 Biochemically, these nervous-system effects have been attributed to an enhancement of the effects of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and,10 11 possibly, serotonin or GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid).12 13
Bacopa extracts also appear to have significant antioxidant activity in the brain,14 and other effects that may help protect brain cells.15
Animal research has also reported that bacopa extracts can relax the muscles that control the blood vessels, the intestine, and the airways of the respiratory system,16 17 18 19 and can help both prevent and heal ulcers in the stomach.20
Traditional herbal references recommend 5 to 10 grams per day of the powdered herb.21 Human research has used 300 to 450 mg per day of an extract standardized to contain 55% bacosides.
Bacopa appears to be well tolerated when taken in typical amounts,22 although one double-blind study reported significantly more symptoms of dry mouth, nausea, and muscle fatigue in participants taking bacopa.23
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with bacopa. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.