Bacopa: This Little-Known Indian Herb Supports Brain Health and More!

By Nikki Lyn Pugh

Reading Time: 6 minutes

This article discusses emerging/ongoing science and research. It is intended for general informational purposes only. This content is unrelated to products offered by Organixx and does not contain any representations about the performance of such products.

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Natural remedies such as herbs can be life-changing in how they can positively affect the brain and body. Bacopa is a little-known Indian herb that has been shown in some studies to be as effective as pharmaceuticals in its ability to calm the mind. It has demonstrated a positive effect on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and may even have a role as an alternative therapy for ADHD.  

The Role of Bacopa Monnieri in Ayurvedic Medicine 

ayurvedic-herb-bacopa-monnieri-brahmi-or-waterhyssop-oil-in-a-small-transparent-glass

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri or b.) is a traditional Indian herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is known by several names including water hyssop, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort.

It is also sometimes referred to as brahmi, not to be confused with gotu kola – another ayurvedic herb that is sometimes called brahmi. These two plants are both amazingly beneficial but in vastly different ways. 

Over the centuries, bacopa has been used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for:

  • digestive issues
  • respiratory conditions
  • back pain
  • joint pain
  • epilepsy
  • and much more

It is most known, however, as a “brain tonic” for the many ways it can help the mind.  

Bacopa Benefits: Improved Memory 

Bacopa has been shown to improve memory and help calm anxiety in particular. According to research, B. monnieri has the ability to regulate certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin [1], which are involved in learning, thinking, memory, stress response, and mood.  

In 2008, researchers at Swinburne’s Brain Science Institute in Australia [2] analyzed data from 62 healthy volunteers who took bacopa for three months. The volunteers were given cognitive assessments before starting bacopa and then divided into two groups – those who received bacopa and those who received a placebo.

man-taking-brain-test-sitting-at-table

The researchers found that bacopa improved spatial, visual, and working memory significantly. Task performance timing also improved.  

Earlier findings have shown similar results. Another Australian research team working in 2001 stated that their results suggested:

“that B. monnieri may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory [3].”

Bacopa Reduced Stress Responses & Boosted Mood in Study Subjects 

Bacopa has also been shown to help reduce stress responses rather quickly. In another study at Swinburne conducted in 2014 [4], Australian researchers found that salivary cortisol levels went down overall in subjects who took both 320 mg and 640 mg of bacopa in two different occasions. The researchers also noted that mood improved in the participants as well.  

Animal Studies Show Promising Role of Bacopa for Cognitive Decline and Depression Disorders 

Promising studies have also been done on Bacopa’s role in regulating brain chemistry for those with schizophrenia. Cognitive decline is one of the unfortunate long-term effects of the disease and can also exacerbate the symptoms. 

A 2015 Thai mouse study [5] found that Bacopa monnieri may be able to help. Researchers reported that Bacopa orchestrated positive changes in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and other parts of the brain in a mouse model.

This finding and others like it may give hope to individuals with the condition since schizophrenia-related cognitive decline is something that modern pharmaceuticals have not been able to address.  

female patient sitting on examination table consulting with doctor

On the other end of the spectrum, Bacopa monnieri has also been linked to improvements in depression disorders [6]. Antioxidant saponins in Bacopa can positively affect the nervous system. In particular, it can provide possible enhancements to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), according to researchers at the University of Michigan [7].

As noted on the Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan) website, “Bacopa extracts also appear to have significant antioxidant activity in the brain, and other effects that may help protect brain cells [8].”

Bacopa Benefits for Type 3 Diabetes (aka Alzheimer’s) 

It may appear strange that two conditions that seemingly operate on different parts of the body could be related. But conclusive evidence has proven that diabetic conditions can indeed lead to memory loss, the build-up of neurological toxins and, in some cases, full-blown Alzheimer’s Disease [9]. 

In fact, for more than a decade many health experts have been referring to Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 diabetes [10].”

The connection has to do with insulin. A 2015 report published in the journal Experimental & Molecular Medicine [11] found that Alzheimer’s disease is connected to imbalances in insulin signaling as well as the metabolism of glucose in the brain.  

Hand Testing for Low Blood Sugar

Yes, your brain contains insulin receptors as well! This may explain one of the reasons why individuals suffering from long-term metabolic syndrome often experience more cognitive decline than others who do not have the conditions [12].

Bacopa has been found to positively affect both metabolism and brain health. In fact, a 2008 investigation [13] published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology discovered that bacopa protected brain neurons from oxidative stress while at the same time protecting against lipid peroxidation. The researchers noted that: 

“…treating patients with Brahmi (bacopa) extract may be an alternative direction for ameliorating neurodegenerative disorders associated with the overwhelming oxidative stress as well as Alzheimer’s disease.”

Can Bacopa Help With ADHD?  

An exciting possibility for bacopa is as a substitute for pharmaceuticals given mostly to children for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. 

ADHD is characterized by difficulty in maintaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, and usually begins in childhood. U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data collected in 2016 [14] found that approximately nine percent of U.S. children aged two to 17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD; this equates to about 6.1 million children and young adults.  

Substances called bacosides are antioxidants unique to B. monnieri. They have been found to improve cognition by sharpening nerve impulses. 

According to a 3-month long joint randomized clinical trial conducted by both Australian and Indian scientists [15], children with ADHD who took 50 milligrams of bacopa twice a day showed vast improvement in memory, logical responses, mental and behavior control and “paired associated learning.” What’s more, the effects seemed to be long-lasting for the children.   

young-teenage-boy-holding-prescription-medication

This presents a possibly natural and side-effect-free option for the millions of children with ADHD, many of whom are prescribed drugs for their condition.

One common pharmaceutical is Adderall. Adderall is an amphetamine that is commonly used in the U.S. for the treatment of ADHD as well as depression. One downside of Adderall is that it can be highly addictive. Other side effects include:

  • mood swings
  • irritability
  • sleep issues
  • restlessness
  • heart issues [16] 

Bacopa Side Effects

While there appear to be no side effects of taking bacopa, some do complain about the taste: it can be quite bitter. In addition, some studies have found that it may take bacopa a period of time for its benefits to be revealed. 

For example, in general, studies show that cognitive improvements are much more noticeable after 12 weeks than they are at six weeks

Finally, some individuals have experienced increased bowel movement as well as stomach upset with bacopa, although this is fairly rare.  

The effects on cognition, mood, and stress responses can be noticeable with bacopa. Couple this with the fact that there are few side effects and this makes bacopa a go-to Ayurvedic herb for boosting memory, improving mental sharpness, and lowering stress levels overall – all much needed in our stress-inducing modern world!   

Bacopa is an Ingredient in Brain Health 8

Bacopa monnieri is one of eight brain-enhancing and all-natural botanicals from the Amazon rainforest in Organixx Brain Health 8 formula.

The other superstar brain health ingredients in Brain Health 8 are:

  1. cat’s claw herb
  2. pau d’arco
  3. dragon’s blood resin
  4. camu camu
  5. cinnamon
  6. cacao powder
  7. guayusa

Better Focus… Crystal-Clear Thinking… a Razor-Sharp Memory… ALL Are Within Your REACH! Each and every bottle of our Organixx Brain Health 8 formula contains a total of 8 superstar ingredients, straight from the AMAZON rainforest.

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Nikki Lyn Pugh
Nikki Lyn Pugh, MFA, INHC is a natural health researcher and writer. She is also an integrative nutritional health coach specializing in autoimmune conditions, chronic stress, and energy medicine. She loves to inspire people to become empowered with their health through education and gentle guidance. Nikki lives and works in Cottonwood, AZ, with her bunny "Mr. Dot."

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Article Summary

  • Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri or b. is a traditional Indian herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. 

  • In studies, it has shown to improve spatial, visual, and working memory significantly.

  • Bacopa reduced stress responses and boosted mood in study subjects, and has been found to positively affect both metabolism and brain health.

  • It has even shown promise as a natural and side effect-free option for children with ADHD.

  • Bacopa is a go-to Ayurvedic herb for boosting memory, improving mental sharpness, and lowering stress levels overall.

  • Bacopa monnieri is one of 8 high-quality, superstar nutrients from the Amazon rainforest included in Organixx Brain Health 8 formula.

Comments

    • Hi Donna, thank you for your question.

      The side effects of Bacopa are stated at the end part of the article.

      If you are referring to the Ageless Brain supplement that is featured in this post, please know all of our products are tested to meet or exceed strict safety standards, but each individual may have a different experience due to their specific health needs. You should always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to taking any new dietary supplement.

      Thank you and we wish you a wonderful day!

    • Hi M Aziz, thanks for your question & interest.

      Please know, that our Ageless Brain Supplement was formulated and designed to be taken by adults.

      Here at Organixx, we do not typically provide dosages for children due to the complexity of the regulatory process for children's products.

      Giving our Ageless Brain product to children would be at your own discretion or at the advice of a medical/nutritional specialist.

      We hope this helps and wish you a lovely day!

    • Hi Monica,

      Thanks for your question. We're sorry to hear about the health challenges you are currently facing.

      Please know, that we always suggest that anyone with a medical condition and is on medication work with their trusted healthcare practitioner to help determine whether starting a new supplement or health regimen would be appropriate for their personal health needs, and if so, what serving recommendation would be best suited for them.

      With that said, since we're not able to provide any medical advice, we're happy to announce that Organixx has recently collaborated with Dr. Melissa Gallagher, a leading Naturopathic Physician, and Nutritionist, who’s just as committed as we are to helping people achieve optimum health.

      We are happy to provide you with a link to Ask the Doc - https://organixx.com/dr-m-bio/ where you have special access to submit any health questions you have for Dr. Melissa.

      Please note, due to the number of entries we receive, we cannot guarantee that your specific question will be selected to be answered.

      However, we will be providing frequent video responses from Dr. Melissa to respond to the many inquiries and topics that are important to so many of us. So please be on the lookout for emails that will announce when we release a new video from Dr. Melissa.

      Also, if you’d like to get Dr. Melissa’s expert advice on your personal situation, then Dr. Melissa has kindly offered the Organixx community a discount for booking a session with her. To get 10% off a 60-minute session with Dr. Melissa, please use the same link listed above.

      Thanks so much. Wishing you all the best on your continued health journey.

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