Bacopa

Related Terms

Bacopa monniera Linn., Bacopa monniera Wettst., Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa monnieri L., bacopasapponin, bacopasaponin C, bacoside, bacoside A, bacoside A3, bacoside B, bacosine, betulinic acid, brahmi, Herpestis moniera cuneifolia, Herpestis monniera, Jalanimba, Jalnaveri, medhya rasayana, Moniera cuneifolia, oroxindin, sambrani chettu, Scrophulariaceae (family), thyme-leaved gratiola, water hyssop, wogonin.

Background

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) leaf extract is called brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine and is widely used in India, especially for enhancing memory, analgesia (pain relief), and epilepsy. Bacopa has traditionally been used to treat asthma, hoarseness, and mental disorders, to help improve mental performance, epilepsy, and as a nerve tonic, cardiotonic (heart tonic), and diuretic (increases urine flow). Bacopa was prominently mentioned in Indian texts as early as the 6th Century.
Most research on bacopa has concentrated on its effects on learning. Bacopa may also be helpful in managing pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but clinical evidence is lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognition.

B


Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognition.

B


Bacopa has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat anxiety. Although early evidence is promising, more study is needed.

 C


Bacopa has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat anxiety. Although early evidence is promising, more study is needed.

 C


Although bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for epilepsy, additional study is needed before a strong conclusion can be made.

 C


Although bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for epilepsy, additional study is needed before a strong conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that bacopa and bael fruit used in combination may treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, additional studies using bacopa alone are needed before bacopa can be suggested for IBS.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that bacopa and bael fruit used in combination may treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, additional studies using bacopa alone are needed before bacopa can be suggested for IBS.

 C


Although bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory, additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Although bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory, additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for bacopa in adults. According to tradition, 50-150 milligrams two or three times a day has been used. For anxiety, 30 milliliters of bacopa syrup per day in two divided doses (representing 12 grams of dry crude drug) for four weeks has been used. Other preparations that have been used include 2 ounces of crude aqueous extract of bacopa daily for up to five months or 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight of defatted alcoholic bacopa extract dissolved in distilled water daily for up to five months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Bacopa may additively interact with calcium blocking drugs. Caution is advised.
Bacopa may negatively affect cytochrome P450 enzymes and may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Bacopa may increase thyroid hormones and could interact additively with hypothyroid medicine.
Bacopa, when taken concomitantly with phenytoin, may reverse phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Goel RK, Sairam K, Babu MD, et al. In vitro evaluation of Bacopa monniera on anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and accumulation of prostaglandins. Phytomedicine 2003;10(6-7):523-527.
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