Bacopa
Bacopa monniera – aerial parts
Also known as Brahmi.
Bacopa is a brain tonic with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of neurological disorders particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory.
A number of studies have indicated positive effects with its long term administration (three months) on various cognitive functions, especially anxiety and memory, including an anxiolytic effect in people with cognitive decline.
Actions
Primary: cognition enhancing, nervine tonic, sedative (mild).
Secondary: anxiolytic (mild).
Indications
- Improving cognitive function, learning, memory, intelligence, mental health and assist with exam performance and studying.
- Prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline, menopausal cloudy thinking.
- Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, to speed up recovery from head trauma.
- Hypothyroidism, especially in synergy with Withania.
Notes
Brain health, nootropic (supports mental performance), rejuvenative tonic with long-term use. Supports brain & cognition, stress. Beneficial as digestive and liver support.
Contra-indications and Cautions
Bacopa is well tolerated however in trials using standardised bacopa the most common effects of large doses were minor gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, abdominal cramps, increased stool frequency and diarrhoea. Caution is advised in hyperthyroidism as bacopa has been shown to significantly elevate thyroxine levels in vivo.
