Bacopa monnieri is one of those medicinal plants that go by many different common names such as water hyssop, thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, Indian pennywort and brahmi.
One reason for all the different common names is that Bacopa monnieri is native to many different wetland areas. It’s a perennial, creeping herb that can be found in southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America.
There’s one species of Bacopa monnieri called moneywort that’s even popular among aquarium hobbyists due to its bright green coloration, durability and ease of care.
As a medicinal plant, Bacopa monnieri has been coveted for centuries, especially in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In fact, Bacopa monnieri was first described around the sixth century A.D. in ancient Sanskrit books such as the Great Trilogy (Caraka Samhita, Sushrita Samhita and Astanga Hridaya) and Atharva-Veda texts.
These texts categorize Bacopa monnieri as a Medhya Rasayana (medhya meaning intellect; rasayana meaning rejuvenation), a class of herbs known to improve memory and intelligence.
Some have conjectured that Bacopa monnieri was the fuel behind ancient religious scholars in India being able to memorize lengthy sacred hymns and scriptures.
Bacopa monnieri has been associated with quite a few health claims such as lowering blood pressure, preventing stress and anxiety, helping reduce attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reducing inflammation.
But the claim the world has zeroed in on is the belief that Bacopa monnieri helps with improving cognitive function such as memory, thinking skills and even Alzheimer’s disease.
A class of powerful compounds called bacosides in Bacopa monnieri is believed to be responsible for these possible benefits.
Additionally, similar to Salvia officinalis (common sage), Bacopa monnieri is thought to inhibit the harmful enzyme cholinesterase. Bacopa monnieri may also reduce the formation of amyloid fibrils and remove the amyloid fibrils which have already accumulated. Amyloid fibrils are clumps of abnormal materials that build up in the brain. Amyloid fibrils are believed to be one of the major causes of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition mostly affecting the elderly. It significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. So far there is no proven effective therapeutic intervention for such patients.
However, many studies focused on Bacopa monnieri are encouraging. For example, the International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health reported in one clinical trial that Bacopa monnieri standardized extract taken for six months resulted in improvement in some aspects of cognitive functions in geriatric patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
In this particular trial, the mean age of 39 patients who completed the study was 65.23 years. The patients in the study showed statistically significant improvements in various components of Mini Mental State Examination Scale (MMSES) including orientation of time, place and person, attention and in their language component in terms of reading, writing and comprehension at the end of the trial. The patients involved in this trial also reported improvement in their quality of life, and a decrease in irritability and insomnia.
Another study involved 60 healthy elderly volunteers who were given 300 to 600 mg of Bacopa monnieri daily. The study demonstrated that Bacopa monnieri suppresses AChE activity, which in turn enhances attention and memory processing and gives rise to increased working memory. AChE is an enzyme that impedes the functions of neurotransmitters.
Since mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early phase Alzheimer’s disease occur due to AChE activity and oxidative stress, Bacopa monnieri extract may provide a benefit in terms of decreasing memory impairment in MCI, early-phase Alzheimer’s disease and even in attention deficit disorder.
The powerful antioxidants contained in Bacopa monnieri also play into possible help for Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Antioxidants are substances that help protect against cell damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to many diseases including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers – and neurodegenerative conditions.
Bacosides, the main active compounds in Bacopa monnieri, have been proven to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals. Research shows that when fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation.
Lipid peroxidation is linked to several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. Bacopa monnieri may help prevent damage caused by this process.
Additionally, research tends to support the health claim that Bacopa monnieri could lower blood pressure levels. Animal studies show that Bacopa monnieri can keep blood pressure within a healthy range. However, human studies are lacking.
Bacopa monnieri is also considered an adaptogenic herb – a herb that increases resistance to stress. Studies back this up showing how Bacopa monnieri reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that is closely linked to stress levels.
Bacopa monnieri can usually be found online or in health food stores. It’s most commonly available in powders and capsules. The powdered form is sometimes added to hot water in order to take Bacopa monnieri as a healthful tea.
Typical doses range from 300 to 450 mg per day. However, it’s best to discuss this with your health professional before taking the Bacopa monnieri plunge.
Bacopa monnieri is safe for most people. However, there have been reports of Bacopa monnieri causing nausea and gastrointestinal issues. It’s also possible that Bacopa monnieri could cause bradycardia (slowing down the heartbeat). This could be an issue for people who already have a slow heart rate.
Also, to stay on the safe side, avoid Bacopa monnieri if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bacopa monnieri is likely not a miracle remedy for Alzheimer’s disease. But positive results in studies show that Bacopa monnieri has potential in helping Alzheimer’s patients as well as those with other neurodegenerative conditions.
Research also validates the health claims that Bacopa monnieri may be useful for relieving stress, lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
As with all medicinal plants, ask your medical professional about Bacopa monnieri before trying it.
