10501

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 14:17
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Bacopa, Brahmi (not to be confused with other species also known as brahmi such as gotu kola (Centella asiatica)), Water Hyssop

  • Botanical Name

    Bacopa monnieri

  • Plant Part

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    50%

  • Dose

    15 to 40mL weekly

Bacopa is a brain tonic used in the treatment of neurological disorders particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. It combines attributes of a multifaceted nervine, an adaptogen and a cognitive enhancer useful for treatment in patients with anxiety, depression or mental function issues.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Bacopa and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Bacopa is a very important plant in Ayurvedic medicine where it has been used for almost 3000 years for its memory enhancing properties and for reducing anxiety.

  • Actions

    Nootropic, anxiolytic, sedative, nervine tonic, adaptogen, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, antinociceptive, mild anticonvulsant.

  • 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
    •   Memory problems and mood disorders associated with epilepsy and migraine
    •   Ischaemic stroke rehabilitation
    •   Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, debility, mental overwork
    •   Prophylactic reduction of oxidative damage (oxidative stress is one of the most important factors in aging and age-related illnesses)
    •   Cerebral atherosclerosis
    •   Hypothyroidism
    •   Chronic pain
    •    To speed up recovery from head trauma
    •    Gastric ulcer treatment, irritable bowel syndrome
    •    Possible use in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Energetics

    Cooling, bitter.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Bacopa is recommended as a tonic for anxiety in pregnancy according to traditional Ayurvedic medicine however insufficient information is available to confirm safety during pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Bacopa is well tolerated however in trials using standardised bacopa the most common side effects are 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. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.

  • Drug Interactions

    Bacopa appears to affect acetylcholine levels so theoretical and speculative interactions include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors (used in Alzheimer’s disease), anticholinergic drugs (used for conditions such as urinary incontinence, asthma and Parkinson’s disease. Benadryl has this effect.) and serotonergic drugs for depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Rosemary