Bacopa monniera
(Memory and Nutrition)

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to: Frankp@chiro.org

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Bacopa monniera Articles

COMING SOON

Bacopa monniera Research

	Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial J Altern Complement Med. 2008 (Jul); 14 (6): 707–713 ~ FULL TEXT Bacopa alcohol extract has shown memory-enhancing effects in three double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies. A trial in 46 healthy volunteers 18–60 years old by Stough et al. evaluated their performance on a battery of cognitive tests after 5 weeks and after 12 weeks of 300 mg of B. monnieri extract daily. [21] The investigators reported significant improvements in measures of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) [22] and in State Anxiety. Another 3-month study in 76 healthy adults, 40–65 years old, showed an effect of Bacopa on the retention of new information in delayed recall of word pairs. [23] A third trial in those over 55 with age-associated memory impairment, again with 3 months of treatment, showed more improvements at 12 weeks on subsets of the Wechsler Memory Scale with no loss of the cognitive gains 4 weeks after ending active treatment. [24]
	Bacopa monniera Monograph Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Mar); 9 (1): 79–85 ~ FULL TEXT Bacopa monniera, also referred to as Bacopa monnieri, Herpestis monniera, water hyssop, and “Brahmi,” has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Traditionally, it was used as a brain tonic to enhance memory development, learning, and concentration, [1] and to provide relief to patients with anxiety or epileptic disorders. [2] The plant has also been used in India and Pakistan as a cardiac tonic, digestive aid, and to improve respiratory function in cases of bronchoconstriction. [3] Recent research has focused primarily on Bacopa’s cognitive-enhancing effects, specifically memory, learning, and concentration, and results support the traditional Ayurvedic claims. Research on anxiety, epilepsy, bronchitis and asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastric ulcers also supports the Ayurvedic uses of Bacopa. Bacopa’s antioxidant properties may offer protection from free radical damage in cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
	Effects of a Combined Extract of Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera on Cognitive Function in Healthy Humans Hum Psychopharmacol 2004 (Mar); 19 (2): 91–96 The results showed that the combined extract relative to placebo did not demonstrate any significant effects on tests investigating a range of cognitive processes including attention, short-term and working memory, verbal learning, memory consolidation, executive processes, planning and problem solving, information processing speed, motor responsiveness and decision making. These findings suggest that at least within the current treatment duration and doses, an extract containing Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera (a product called "Blackmores Ginkgo Brahmi") had no cognitive enhancing effects in healthy subjects.
	A Comparative Study in Rodents of Standardized Extracts of Bacopa monniera and Ginkgo biloba: Anticholinesterase and Cognitive Enhancing Activities Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002 (Nov); 73 (4): 893–900 At a dose concentration of 30 and 60 mg/kg, extracts of G. biloba showed a cognitive enhancing property and, at the same time, a significant decrease in AChE-specific activity in both per se and scopolamine-dementia groups. These extracts possess a significant anticholinesterase and antidementic properties, which may be useful in the treatment of dementia.
	Chronic Effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on Human Memory Neuropsychopharmacology 2002 (Aug); 27 (2): 279–281 There were three testing sessions: one prior to the trial, one after three months on the trial, and one six weeks after the completion of the trial.
	The Chronic Effects of an Extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Human Subjects Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2001 (Aug); 156 (4): 481–484 These findings suggest that B. monniera may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory.

Other Memory Enhancers ~ The Nootropics

	Ginkgo biloba Research performed during the past fifteen years suggests that ginkgo may be of value in the treatment of age-related physical and mental deterioration, dementia, peripheral vascular disease, and organic impotence. Ginkgo may also reduce the severity of depression in individuals with cerebral dysfunction. Preliminary or uncontrolled studies suggest that ginkgo may benefit some patients suffering from tinnitus, vertigo, acute cochlear deafness, macular degeneration, cyclic edema, and asthma.
	Guaraná Seed Extract Guaraná seed extract (Paullinia cupana) has been shown in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to rapidly improve attention span, memory performance, and increased alertness and mood in participants.
	Vinpocetine Vinpocetine is a powerful memory enchancer. It facilitates cerebral metabolism by improving cerebral microcirculation (blood flow), stepping up brain cell ATP production (ATP is the cellular energy molecule), and increasing utilisation of glucose and oxygen. What all this means is that vinpocetine shares many of the effects of several other cognitive enchancers.

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Updated 5-14-2022