Bacopa Monnieri
•Last Updated: September 28 2022
Bacopa monnieri is a nootropic herb that has been used in traditional medicine for longevity and cognitive enhancement. Supplementation can improve memory, at least in the short-term, and there may be some mental health benefits.
Bacopa Monnieri is most often used for
Last Updated: September 28 2022
Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as water hyssop, is an herb often used in Ayurveda. It is taken for the purpose of improving cognitive function, stress relief, and a general enhancement of vitality. Bacopa monnieri interacts with the dopamine and serotonin systems, but its main mechanism concerns promoting neuron communication. It does this by increasing the growth of dendrites. Bacopa monnieri also has antioxidant effects.
An improvement in memory is the only known benefit of Bacopa, and the effect tends to be inconsistent across different tests and scenarios, making it difficult to know specifically when it’s beneficial. Though effects of this nature are usually studied in the elderly, Bacopa monnieri appears to affect young people as well. Some preliminary research suggests that it can reduce cortisol secretion and the depletion of dopamine and serotonin during chronic stress, but more research is needed to confirm this. It may have antidepressant effects, but is largely unproven for that purpose.
Taking Bacopa monnieri on an empty stomach may cause nausea, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Since Bacopa monnieri may have anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effects, a relaxed person might experience a lack of motivation to work after supplementation, and it may not be safe to take it in conjunction with other anxiolytics.
Note that Bacopa Monnieri is also known as:
- Brahmi
- Aindri
- Lysimachia Monnieri L. Cent.
- Graticola Monnieri L.
- Herpestis Monniera L. Kunth.
- Water Hyssop
- Thyme-leafed Gratiola
- Indian Pennywort
- Jalabrahmi
Bacopa Monnieri should not be confused with:
- Cnidium Monnieri (Unrelated herb)
The standard dose for Bacopa monnieri is 300mg, assuming that the total bacoside content (the active compound) is 55% of the extract, by weight. Higher doses haven't been consistently shown to lead to greater effects.
Bacopa monnieri can also be supplemented in a leaf or powder form. To achieve the ideal 10-20% of bacoside content requires a dose of 750-1,500mg of the leaf or powder.
Historically, Bacopa monnieri was consumed with ghee, a clarified butter that originated in India. Since Bacopa monnieri is fat soluble and requires a lipoid transporter to be absorbed, it should be supplemented alongside a meal.
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