Bacopa in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

The results of a February 2023 study suggest that bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) can improve emotional function in Parkinson's disease patients however further clinical trials are needed to confirm this possibility. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system. It results from damage to the nerve cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that is vital for the smooth control of muscles and movement. It causes unintended or uncontrollable movements such as shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination, along with a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, memory problems and dementia. This clinical trial assessed the effects of bacopa on parameters that are related to Parkinson's disease. Bacopa is a cognitive enhancing Ayurvedic herb known to be effective in neurological disorders since ancient times. A 2019 research paper on bacopa found that, overall, studies have concluded that bacopa can be used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders.i ii

In the Brazilian pilot study 20 volunteers with Parkinson's disease were recruited for a primary, interventional, controlled, parallel, double-blind clinical study. The volunteers were assigned to treatment with either bacopa (225 or 450mg/day) or placebo. The Parkinson's Disease Quality-of-Life questionnaire was applied, and motor activity was assessed before treatment and 30, 60 and 90 days after treatment with the bacopa or placebo.

There were time-dependent improvements in emotional function with bacopa treatment at the daily dose of 450mg. A strong correlation was found between quality of life and movement outcomes at baseline and 30 days of treatment with bacopa, and a moderate correlation for 60 and 90 days of treatment with bacopa when compared with baseline time.

References

Dubey T, Chinnathambi S. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): An ayurvedic herb against the Alzheimer's disease. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2019 Nov 15;676:108153. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108153. Epub 2019 Oct 14. PMID: 31622587.

Santos AFD, Souza MMQ, Amaral EC, Albuquerque ER, Bortoloti DS, Gasparotto Junior A, Lourenço ELB, Lovato ECW, Lívero FADR. Bacopa monnieri in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study. J Med Food. 2023 Feb;26(2):114-119. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2022.0106. PMID: 36800346.