Bacopa: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Water hyssop, Brahmi
Scientific name(s)
Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa monniera, Herpestis monniera, Moniera cuneifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Bacosides
Alkaloids
Aspartic acid
Glutamate
Saponins
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
Although it has a long action delay (4 to 6 weeks), Bacopa seems to reliably and effectively improve memory in both healthy individuals and those experiencing cognitive decline. Indeed, the 2016 study published in Pharmacognosy magazine showed that Bacopa extract could block certain enzymes, like Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) and Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP). The COMT enzyme plays a role in memory by influencing dopamine metabolism, a neurotransmitter. By inhibiting this enzyme, Bacopa extract might, therefore, help improve memory. The PEP enzyme, on the other hand, is tied to cognitive decline and targets certain molecules involved in social interactions, emotions, and the stress response. Under these conditions, the inhibitory action of Bacopa monnieri compounds could thus have a beneficial effect against cognitive decline, by enhancing cognitive abilities. Moreover, several clinical studies and a meta-analysis have examined Bacopa Monnieri's effects on cognition. Taking 300 to 600 mg of Bacopa daily for at least 12 weeks could improve reaction time, verbal learning, total memory, retention, memory, and information processing in healthy adults.
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts
300 - 600 mg
4 - weeks
standardized Bacopa extract
Elucidation of Molecular Mechanism(s) of Cognition Enhancing Activity of Bacomind®: A Standardized Extract of Bacopa Monnieri.
Bacopa monnieri extract enhances learning-dependent hippocampal long-term synaptic potentiation.
The acute effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy normal subjects.
Bacopa monniera Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory in Mice.
The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract
Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Charles PD, et al. Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation. J Ethnopharmacol. (2011)
Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory
The Neurocognitive Effects of Bacopa monnieri and Cognitive Training on Markers of Brain Microstructure in Healthy Older Adults
Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels but beneficially modulates nuclear factor kappa B and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein levels in healthy elderly subjects
Acute effects of combined Bacopa, American ginseng and whole coffee fruit on working memory and cerebral haemodynamic response of the prefrontal cortex: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
Research has shown that taking a Bacopa-based preparation for 4 weeks could reduce nervousness, palpitations, insomnia, headaches, lack of concentration, fatigue, anorexia, tremors, dyspepsia/flatulence, and irritability in anxious patients compared to baseline levels. Bacopa seems to prevent anxiety increases and doesn't appear to unilaterally reduce anxiety. Maybe more of a modulator than anything else, but doesn't seem very potent.
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts
300 mg
4 - weeks
Adults
standardized Bacopa extract
Enhanced dendritic arborization of amygdala neurons during growth spurt periods in rats orally intubated with Bacopa monniera extract.
Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, part 2: a review of clinical studies with supporting preclinical evidence
Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Brahmi for the better? New findings challenging cognition and anti-anxiety effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in healthy adults.
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Bacopa Monnieri seems to improve memory parameters in subjects over 55 years old with age-related memory disorders.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
300 mg
4 - weeks
standardized extract of Bacopa
Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment.
Efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) and Donepezil in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Double-Blind Parallel Phase 2b Study
Attention Disorder ✪✪✪✪✪
Bacopa is unlikely to have an inherent effect on attention, although at least one study has noted an improvement in attention in people with attention deficit.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
standardized extract of Bacopa
Synergies
Gastric Ulcer ✪✪✪✪✪
In the stomach and at doses ranging from 10 to 100 mg/kg of body weight, Bacopa Monnieri extract (via the component Bacoside A) seems to protect against ulcers induced by drugs (aspirin, alcohol), stress such as heat shock, and Helicobacter pylori. A repair of the stomach lining has been noted.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
10 - 100 mg/kg
standardized extract of Bacopa
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
An antidepressant effect was observed in one study, but Bacopa does not seem very effective in improving depression. Another preliminary clinical trial conducted in adults with depression who did not respond to 40 mg of citalopram per day shows that adding Bacopa extract 300 mg twice daily for 4 weeks improves scores on depression rating scales compared to citalopram alone.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
600 mg
standardized extract of Bacopa
Epilepsy ✪✪✪✪✪
Population research has shown that taking an aqueous extract of Bacopa at a dose of 2 to 4 mg/kg of body weight per day for 5 months could reduce the incidence of seizures in some epileptic patients. More evidence is needed to conclude.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
300 mg
5 - months
standardized extract of Bacopa
Properties
Cognitive function
Bacopa Monnieri extract can enhance memory performance by increasing the activity of an enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and stimulating the production of the serotonin transporter (SERT). These actions impact the brain's serotonergic system, which is linked to mood and cognition, and may also influence the cholinergic system, involved in memory and learning. Some data suggests that Bacopa's bacosides A and B may enhance learning, memory, and cognitive performance. These effects may be explained by modulating the release of acetylcholine, increased choline acetylase activity, and better binding to certain cholinergic receptors, key elements in cognitive processes. Due to its cholinergic effects, using Bacopa for Alzheimer's disease is of interest.
Usages associés
Neurological
Bacopa appears to reduce seizure frequency in epileptic patients. In animals, Bacopa extract increased brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) 15 minutes after administration. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the cerebral cortex, and its deficiency exacerbates epilepsy. Bacopa is also thought to have neuroprotective effects.
Usages associés
Adaptogen
Bacopa is also considered a general tonic or "adaptogen" to combat stress. In animal tissue models, Bacopa appears to increase adaptive responses to stress factors. It also normalizes corticosteroid levels (a hormone that interferes with stored fear perception and memory) and monoamine (a neurotransmitter that seems to trigger essential elements such as emotions, arousal, and cognition) in these experimental stress models.
Antioxidant
Recognized as an antioxidant, Bacopa prolongs the life of neurons, especially in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with long-term memory. This plant could therefore be useful in preventing oxidative stress.
Digestive effect
Bacopa seems to have mild protective effects against ulcer formation and could regenerate the stomach lining.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
A 2017 American study from the University of Montana demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of various preparations (tea, infusion, alkaloids, bacoside A) from Bacopa monnieri extract. More specifically, they are able to inhibit, in vitro, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) from an activated microglial cell line, which are well-known to participate in the inflammatory process in the brain. Additionally, these preparations also inhibit other enzymes associated with inflammatory states such as caspases 1 and 3 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3).
Safety dosage
Adult from 14 years: 300 mg - 600 mg
The recommended dose is 300 mg, assuming the total content of bacosides (the active compound) represents between 20% and 55% of the extract by weight.
Child from 6 to 14 years:
For children from 6 years: 350 mg per day in a syrup.
Interactions
Médicaments
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor: moderate interaction
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels. Theoretically, simultaneous use of Bacopa with other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE) could have additive effects and increase the risk of cholinergic side effects. AChE inhibitors and cholinergic drugs include bethanechol, donepezil, echothiophate (phospholine iodide), edrophonium, neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine, succinylcholine, and tacrine.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors: weak interaction
Serotonergic activity has been identified for Bacopa extracts. There is therefore a theoretically increased risk of serotonin syndrome when Bacopa is used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Precautions
Thyroid disorders: use with caution
Preliminary animal research suggests Bacopa increases levels of thyroxine (T4) in mice. Theoretically, Bacopa could exacerbate hyperthyroidism. Bacopa should be used with caution in people with hyperthyroidism or treated with thyroid hormones.
