Bacopa Abstracts

Safety evaluation of BacoMind trade mark in healthy volunteers: A phase I study.

Phytomedicine. 2007 May;14(5):301-8. Epub 2007 Apr 17

* Pravina K, * Ravindra KR, * Goudar KS, * Vinod DR, * Joshua AJ, * Wasim P, * Venkateshwarlu K, * Saxena VS, * Amit A.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R&D Centre, Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore 560 100, India.

BacoMindtrade mark is an enriched phytochemical composition of Bacopa monniera (B. monniera), a common medicinal plant used in the traditional systems of medicine as a memory-enhancing agent. BacoMind trade mark was standardized with reference to bioactive compounds and was evaluated for short-term safety and tolerability in healthy adult volunteers. The study plan employed randomized, open label, dose escalation design. Each of 23 participants were orally given one single capsule of BacoMind trade mark daily for 30 days, i.e., 300mg for first 15 days and 450mg for next 15 days. Detailed examination of clinical, hematological, biochemical and electrocardiographic parameters done in pre and post-treatment periods did not indicate any untoward effects in any of the treated volunteers. Mild adverse events related to gastrointestinal system were observed in the trial, which subsided spontaneously. BacoMind trade mark was found to meet the safety criteria at the dose administered for the given duration of trial period in healthy adult volunteers.

PMID: 17442556 [PubMed - in process]

Planta Med. 2007 Apr;73(4):380-3. Epub 2007 Mar 29

* Pawar RS,* Khan SI, * Khan IA.

National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.

A detailed phytochemical investigation of an extract of BACOPA MONNIERA resulted in the isolation of two new dammarane glycosides along with eight known compounds. They have been identified as glycosides of the 20-deoxy derivatives of jujubogenin and pseudojujubogenin. The structures were established by different spectroscopic methods that included 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity, antileishmanial, antimalarial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Only few compounds exhibited mild to moderate cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous kidney cell lines.

PMID: 17394105 [PubMed - in process]

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May 22;111(3):671-6. Epub 2007 Jan 30.

* Sheikh N,* Ahmad A, * Siripurapu KB, * Kuchibhotla VK, * Singh S, * Palit G.

Division of Pharmacology, Central Drug Research Institute, P.B. No. 173, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Bacopa monniera (BM) is well known for its neuropharmacological effects. Our previous studies indicated the adaptogenic effect of standardized extract of BM in various stress models. In the present study, effect of BM was evaluated on acute stress (AS) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced changes in plasma corticosterone and monoamines-noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in cortex and hippocampus regions of brain in rats. Panax root powder (Panax quinquefolium) was taken as standard. Subjecting animals to AS (immobilization for 150min once only) and CUS (different stressors for 7 days) resulted in significant elevation in plasma corticosterone levels, which was significantly countered by treatment with BM at a dose of 40 and 80mg/kg p.o. similar to the effects of Panax quinquefolium (PQ) at 100mg/kg p.o. AS exposure significantly increased the levels of 5-HT and decreased NA content in both the brain regions while DA content was significantly increased in cortex and decreased in hippocampus regions. In CUS regimen, levels of NA, DA and 5-HT were significantly depleted in cortex and hippocampus regions of brain. Treatment with BM (40 and 80mg/kg) attenuated the stress induced changes in levels of 5-HT and DA in cortex and hippocampus regions but was ineffective in normalizing the NA levels in AS model, whereas PQ treatment significantly reverted back the effects of stress. In CUS model, pretreatment with BM and PQ significantly elevated the levels of NA, DA and 5-HT levels in cortex and levels of NA and 5-HT in hippocampus regions. Hence, our study indicates that the adaptogenic activity of BM might be due to the normalization of stress induced alteration in plasma corticosterone and levels of monoamines like NA, 5-HT and DA in cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain, which are more vulnerable to stressful conditions analogous to the effects of PQ.

PMID: 17321089 [PubMed - in process]

Phytother Res. 2007 Apr;21(4):378-81. 

* Vijayan V, * Helen A.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram 695 581, India.

Nicotine, a pharmacologically active component of cigarettes smoke causes devastating effects in important biomolecules of the cell through generation of free radicals leading to genomic instability. Bacopa monniera is a reputed drug in Ayurveda known for its hepatoprotective and DNA protective effects. In this study, an aqueous extract of Bacopa monniera (BAE, 50 mg/kg i.p.) was investigated for its ability to reduce nicotine-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and confer genoprotection in Swiss mice. Genoprotective effect was assayed using micronucleus (MN) assay. LPO status was studied by evaluating MDA levels and antioxidant status. Nicotine altered hepatic function as evident by increased ALP and GST levels and decreased SOD, catalase and GPx activities. BAE treatment restored antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase and GPx in liver. BAE treatment also significantly reduced the frequency of micronuclei induced by nicotine by decreasing the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN-PCE). Hepatic GSH, ALP and GST levels were brought to normal values indicating protection. The results of the present study suggest that BAE exerts protective effects by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant status.

PMID: 17236174 [PubMed - in process]

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Apr 20;111(1):56-62. Epub 2006 Nov 11.

* Jyoti A, * Sethi P, * Sharma D.

Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-67, India.

Bacopa monniera is a perennial herb, and is used as a nerve tonic in ayurveda, a traditional medicinal system in India. Aluminium-induced neurotoxicity is well known and different salts of aluminium have been reported to accelerate oxidative damage to biomolecules like lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether Bacopa monniera could potentially inhibit aluminium toxicity in the cerebral cortex. Male Wister rats (8 months old) were administered with AlCl(3) orally at a dose of 50mg/kg/day in drinking water for 1 month. Experimental rats were given AlCl(3) along with Bacopa monniera extract at a dose of 40mg/kg/day. One group of rats was treated with l-deprenyl at a dose of 1mg/kg/day along with AlCl(3) treatment. We have observed that Bacopa monniera prevented accumulation of lipid and protein damage significantly, which resulted from aluminium intake. Decline in the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes associated with aluminium administration was also inhibited by Bacopa monniera extract. The potential of Bacopa monniera to inhibit Al-induced oxidative stress was observed to be similar to that of l-deprenyl, which was taken as standard. The potential of Bacopa monniera extract to prevent aluminium neurotoxicity was reflected at the microscopic level as well, indicative of its neuroprotective effects. These findings strongly implicate that Bacopa monniera has potential to protect brain from oxidative damage resulting from aluminium toxicity.

PMID: 17189676 [PubMed - in process]

Ceska Slov Farm. 2006 Sep;55(5):219-29.

* Cervenka F, * Jahodar L.

Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Farmaceuticka fakulta v Hradci Kralove, Katedra farmaceuticke botaniky a ekologie. frantisek.cervenka@faf.cuni.cz

Nowadays several millions of people suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Etiology of these diseases is not known very well. There occur different levels of neurotransmitters, the level of acetylcholine in the brain is decreased and pathological changes affect the brain tissue. Organic and toxic damage of the brain, free radicals, and other changes participate in the development of these diseases. Drugs as nootropics, cognitives, and neuroprotectives are commonly used to treat these diseases. Some of these drugs have often side and undesirable effects. In recent years some natural substances (galanthamine, huperzine A, vinpocetine), and standardized plant extracts (Ginkgo biloba L., Centella asiatica L.) Urban, Bacopa monniera L., Evolvulus alsinoides L.) are often used. These plant preparations produce fewer undesirable effects and the same effectiveness as the classic therapy, or these preparations are used as a supplement to the classic therapy.

PMID: 17128592 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Alzheimers Dis. 2006 Aug;9(3):243-51. 

* Holcomb LA, * Dhanasekaran M, * Hitt AR, * Young KA, * Riggs M, * Manyam BV.

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Texas A&M, University System HSC College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76508, USA.

PSAPP mice expressing the "Swedish" amyloid precursor protein and M146L presenilin-1 mutations are a well-characterized model for spontaneous amyloid plaque formation. Bacopa monniera has a long history of use in India as an anti-aging and memory-enhancing ethnobotanical therapy. To evaluate the effect of Bacopa monniera extract (BME) on amyloid (Abeta) pathology in PSAPP mice, two doses of BME (40 or 160 mg/kg/day) were administered starting at 2 months of age for either 2 or 8 months. Our present data suggests that BME lowers Abeta 1-40 and 1-42 levels in cortex by as much as 60%, and reverses Y-maze performance and open field hyperlocomotion behavioral changes present in PSAPP mice. The areas encompassed by Congo Red-positive fibrillar amyloid deposits, however, were not altered by BME treatment. The data suggest that BME has potential application in Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.

PMID: 16914834 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neurotoxicology. 2006 Jul;27(4):451-7. Epub 2006 Feb 24. 

* Jyoti A, * Sharma D.

Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.

Bacopa monniera is a nerve tonic used extensively in traditional Indian medicinal system "Ayurveda". Reports regarding its various antioxidative, adaptogenic and memory enhancing roles have already appeared in the last few decades. In the present study, aluminium chloride (AlCl(3)) was used to generate neurotoxicity. We have investigated the neuroprotective effect of Bacopa extract against aluminium-induced changes in peroxidative products, such as thio-barbituric acid-reactive substance (TBA-RS) and protein carbonyl contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Effect on lipofuscin (age pigments) accumulation and ultrastructural changes were also studied. Bacopa effects were compared with those of l-deprenyl. Co-administration of Bacopa extract during aluminium treatment significantly prevented the aluminium-induced decrease in SOD activity as well as the increased oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. Protective effect was also observed at microscopic level. Fluorescence and electron microscopic studies revealed considerable inhibition of intraneuronal lipofuscin accumulation and necrotic alteration in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Observations showed that Bacopa's neuroprotective effects were comparable to those of l-deprenyl at both biochemical and microscopic levels.

PMID: 16500707 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytomedicine. 2006 Feb;13(3):205-8. Epub 2005 Aug 15. 

* Ernst E.

Complementary Medicine Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter Plymouth, UK. edzard.ernst@pms.ac.uk

Anxiety is a prominent indication for herbal medicine. This systematic review was therefore aimed at summarising the evidence for or against the anxiolytic efficacy of such treatments. Six databases were searched for all randomised clinical trials testing herbal monopreparations in the alleviation of anxiety. Seven such studies and one systematic review were located. Eight different herbals were studied. The herbal medicines, which, according to these data are associated with anxiolytic activity in humans, are Piper methysticum and Bacopa monniera. Only for kava were independent replications available. It was concluded that there is a lack of rigorous studies in this area and that only kava has been shown beyond reasonable doubt to have anxiolytic effects in humans.

PMID: 16428031 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1-2):286-9. Epub 2005 Dec 15. 

Channa S, * Dar A, * Anjum S, * Yaqoob M, * Atta-Ur-Rahman.

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan.

shabanachanna@hotmail.com

The ethanol extract of Bacopa monniera (Scrophulariaceae) exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and rats, an acute inflammatory model. To assess the possible mechanism of anti-inflammatory action against carrageenan, the ethanol extract was treated with chemical mediators (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, prostaglandin E(2) and arachidonic acid)-induced edema in rats. The extract selectively inhibited prostaglandin E(2)-induced inflammation. Thus, it may be inferred that B. monniera possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity that may well be relevant for its effectiveness in the healing of various inflammatory conditions in traditional medicine.

PMID: 16343831 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Life Sci. 2006 Feb 16;78(12):1378-84. Epub 2005 Oct 13. 

Anbarasi K, * Vani G, * Balakrishna K, * Devi CS.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, India. anbarasii@yahoo.co.in

Free radicals mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of smoking-related diseases and antioxidant nutrients are reported to prevent the oxidative damage induced by smoking. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant role of bacoside A (triterpenoid saponin isolated from Bacopa monniera) against chronic cigarette smoking induced oxidative damage in rat brain. Adult male albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for a period of 12 weeks and simultaneously administered with bacoside A (10 mg/kg b.w./day, p.o.). Antioxidant status of the brain was assessed from the levels of reduced glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The levels of copper, iron, zinc and selenium in brain and serum ceruloplasmin activity were also measured. Oxidative stress was evident from the diminished levels of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Alterations in the levels of trace elements with accumulation of copper and iron, and depletion of zinc and selenium were also observed. Bacoside A administration improved the antioxidant status and maintained the levels of trace elements. These results suggest that chronic cigarette smoke exposure enhances oxidative stress, thereby disturbing the tissue defense system and bacoside A protects the brain from the oxidative damage through its antioxidant potential.

PMID: 16226278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Indian J Exp Biol. 2005 Jul;43(7):640-5.

Kishore K, * Singh M.

Department of Pharmacy, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly 243 006, India. kamalbareilly@yahoo.co.in

To investigate the effect of bacosides (alcoholic extract of brahmi) on scopolamine (3 mg kg(-1), ip), sodium nitrite (75 mg kg(-1), ip) and BN52021 (15 mg kg(-1), ip) induced experimental amnesia in mice, using Morris water maze test, all the agents were administered 30 min before the acquisition trials on each day and repeated for 4 consecutive days, and on 5th day during the retrieval trials. Bacosides on anterograde administration (before training) in mice, significantly decreased the escape latency time (ELT) during the acquisition trials for 4 consecutive days and increased the time spent (TS) in target quadrant during the retrieval trials on 5th day, and on retrograde administration (after training) bacosides were found not to affect TS significantly. Bacosides also significantly decreased the ELT and increased the TS in mice treated anterogradely with scopolamine and sodium nitrite. Bacosides did not exhibit any significant effect on TS of mice treated retrogradely with sodium nitrite. On the other hand, bacosides significantly increased the TS of mice treated retrogradely with BN52021. On the basis of the present results it can be concluded that bacosides facilitate anterograde memory and attenuate anterograde experimental amnesia induced by scopolamine and sodium nitrite possibly by improving acetylcholine level and hypoxic conditions, respectively. Beside this bacosides also reversed BN52021 induced retrograde amnesia, probably due to increase in platelet activating factor (PAF) synthesis by enhancing cerebral glutamate level.

PMID: 16053272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2005;24(3):225-34. 

* Anbarasi K, * Vani G, * Devi CS.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India.

Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke affects the structure and function of mitochondria, which may account for the pathogenesis of smoking-related diseases. Bacopa monniera Linn., used in traditional Indian medicine for various neurological disorders, was shown to possess mitrochondrial membrane-stabilizing properties in the rat brain during exposure to morphine. We investigated the protective effect of bacoside A, the active principle of Bacopa monniera, against mitochondrial dysfunction in rat brain induced by cigarette smoke. Male Wistar albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke and administered bacoside A for a period of 12 weeks. The mitochondrial damage in the brain was assessed by examining the levels of lipid peroxides, cholesterol, phospholipid, cholesterol/phospholipid (C/P) ratio, and the activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, and cytochrome C oxidase. The oxidative phosphorylation (rate of succinate oxidation, respiratory control ratio and ADP/O ratio, and the levels of ATP) was evaluated for the assessment of mitochondrial functional capacity. We found significantly elevated levels of lipid peroxides, cholesterol, and C/P ratio, and decreased levels of phospholipids and mitochondrial enzymes in the rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Measurement of oxidative phosphorylation revealed a marked depletion in all the variables studied. Administration of bacoside A prevented the structural and functional impairment of mitochondria upon exposure to cigarette smoke. From the results, we suggest that chronic cigarette smoke exposure induces damage to the mitochondria and that bacoside A protects the brain from this damage by maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the mitochondrial membrane.

PMID: 16050806 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytother Res. 2005 Mar;19(3):216-21. 

* Bafna PA, * Balaraman R.

Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The M.S. University of Baroda, Baroda -390

001, Gujarat, India.

DHC-1, an herbal formulation derived from the popular plants Bacopa monniera, Emblica officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mangifera indica and Syzygium aromaticum was studied for its antioxidant activity. The protective effect of DHC-1 in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and cisplatin-induced renal damage were studied. A significant reduction in the serum markers of heart and kidney damage and the extent of lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in the enzymatic (SOD and CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione) were observed in DHC-1 pretreated animals compared with the isoproterenol or cisplatin alone treated animals. Thus it can be concluded that DHC-1 possesses a protective effect against both damaged heart and kidneys in rats. This beneficial effect may be attributed, at least in part, to its antioxidant activity. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 15934019 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytomedicine. 2005 Apr;12(4):305-17.

* Russo A, * Borrelli F.

Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. alrusso@unict.it

Bacopa monniera (BM), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, used for centuries as a memory enhancing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antiepileptic agent. The plant, plant extract and isolated bacosides (the major active principles) have been extensively investigated in several laboratories for their neuropharmacological effects and a number of reports are available confirming their nootropic action. In addition, researchers have evaluated the anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic and other pharmacological effects of BM preparations/extracts. Therefore, in view of the important activities performed by this plant, investigation must be continued in the recently observed actions described in this paper. Moreover, other clinical studies have to be encouraged, also to evidence any side effects and possible interactions between this herbal medicine and synthetic drugs.

PMID: 15898709 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2005;19(1):59-65. 

* Anbarasi K,* Vani G, * Balakrishna K, * Devi CS.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai--600 025, India. cssdevi@yahoo.com

Membrane-bound enzymes play a vital role in neuronal function through maintenance of membrane potential and impulse propagation. We have evaluated the harmful effects of chronic cigarette smoking on membrane-bound ATPases and the protective effect of Bacoside A in rat brain. Adult male albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for a period of 12 weeks and simultaneously administered with Bacoside A (the active principle isolated from Bacopa monniera) at a dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o. The levels of lipid peroxides as marker for evaluating the extent of membrane damage, the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase, and associated cations sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) were investigated in the brain. Neuronal membrane damage was evident from the elevated levels of lipid peroxides and decreased activities of membrane-bound enzymes. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance with accumulation of Na+ and Ca2+ and depletion of K+ and Mg2+ were also observed. Administration of Bacoside A inhibited lipid peroxidation, improved the activities of ATPases, and maintained the ionic equilibrium. The results of our study indicate that Bacoside A protects the brain from cigarette smoking induced membrane damage. Copyright 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 15736152 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Vascul Pharmacol. 2005 Jan;42(2):57-61. 

Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, India.

Cigarette smoking is implicated as a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Creatine kinase (CK) and its isoforms (CK-MM, MB, BB) have been advocated as sensitive markers in the assessment of cardiac and cerebral damage. Therefore, in the present study, we report the isoenzyme patterns of CK in rats upon exposure to cigarette smoke and the protective effect of Bacoside A against chronic smoking induced toxicity. Adult male albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke and simultaneously administered with Bacoside A, the active constituent from the plant Bacopa monniera, for a period of 12 weeks. The activity of CK was assayed in serum, heart and brain, and its isoenzymes in serum were separated electrophoretically. Rats exposed to cigarette smoke showed significant increase in serum CK activity with concomitant decrease in heart and brain. Also cigarette smoke exposure resulted in a marked increase in all the three isoforms in serum. Administration of Bacoside A prevented these alterations induced by cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is known to cause free radical mediated lipid peroxidation leading to increased membrane permeability and cellular damage in the heart and brain resulting in the release of CK into the circulation. The protective effect of Bacoside A on the structural and functional integrity of the membrane prevented the leakage of CK from the respective tissues, which could be attributed to its free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidative effect.

PMID: 15722250 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Free radical scavenging capacity and protective effect of Bacopa monniera L. on DNA damage.

Phytother Res. 2003 Sep;17(8):870-5. 

* Russo A, * Izzo AA, * Borrelli F, * Renis M, * Vanella A.

Department of Biochemistry, Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy. alrusso@unict.it

Bacopa monniera L. (family Scrophulariaceae) (BM) is an Ayurvedic medicine, clinically used for memory enhancing, epilepsy, insomnia and as a mild sedative. In this work, the free radical scavenging capacity of a methanol extract of BM and the effect on DNA cleavage induced by H2O2 UV-photolysis was investigated. In addition, we examined whether this plant extract is capable of reducing the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in human non-immortalized fibroblasts. It showed a dose-dependent free radical scavenging capacity and a protective effect on DNA cleavage. These results were confirmed by a significant protective effect on H2O2-induced cytoxicity and DNA damage in human non-immortalized fibroblasts. The antioxidant capacity of BM may explain, at least in part, the reported antistress, immunomodulatory, cognition-facilitating, antiinflammatory and antiaging effects produced by it in experimental animals and in clinical situations and may justify further investigation of its other beneficial properties. Moreover, this experimental evidence suggests that because of its antioxidant activity, this Ayurvedic drug may be useful in the treatment of human pathologies in which free radical production plays a key role. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 13680815 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002 Nov;73(4):893-900. 

Das A, * Shanker G, * Nath C, * Pal R, * Singh S, * Singh H.

Division of Pharmacology, Central Drug Research Institute, P.O. Box 173, Lucknow, 226 001, India. amitavadascdri@rediffmail.com

Bacopa monniera and Ginkgo biloba are well-known cognitive enhancers in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine systems. Standardized extracts of B. monniera and G. biloba were used to evaluate the antidementic and anticholinesterase activities in adult male Swiss mice. Antidementic activity was tested against scopolamine (3 mg/kg ip)-induced deficits in passive avoidance test. Three different extracts of B. monniera (30 mg/kg) and extract of G. biloba (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg) were administered postoperatively, daily for 7 days and 60 min after the last dose, i.e., on Day 7, first trial was conducted. In passive avoidance test, increased transfer latency time (TLT) and no transfer response (NTR) were taken as criteria for learning. TLT and NTR were significantly increased and decreased in second trial, 24 h after the first trial in control group and scopolamine-dementia group, respectively. The B. monniera- and G. biloba-treated groups produced significant increase in TLT and NTR on second trial (40-80%) after scopolamine treatment, thus, attenuating its antidementic effect. Both the extracts showed a dose (10-1000 microg)-dependent inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (in vitro), performed spectrophotometrically. IC(50) of G. biloba was 268.33 microg, whereas none of the extracts of B. monniera showed more than 50% inhibition. At a dose concentration of 30 and 60 mg/kg, extracts of G. biloba showed a cognitive enhancing property and, at the same time, a significant decrease in AChE-specific activity in both per se and scopolamine-dementia groups. These extracts possess a significant anticholinesterase and antidementic properties, which may be useful in the treatment of dementia.

PMID: 12213536 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002 Aug;27(2):279-81. 

* Roodenrys S, * Booth D, * Bulzomi S, * Phipps A, * Micallef C, * Smoker J.

Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Woolongong, Australia. steven_roodenrys@uow.edu.au

PMID: 12093601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytomedicine. 2002 Apr;9(3):207-11.

* Sairam K, * Dorababu M, * Goel RK, * Bhattacharya SK.

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.

Bacopa monniera Wettst. (syn. Herpestis monniera L.; Scrophulariaceae) is a commonly used Ayurvedic drug for mental disorders. The standardized extract was reported earlier to have significant anti-oxidant effect, anxiolytic activity and improve memory retention in Alzheimer's disease. Presently, the standardized methanolic extract of Bacopa monniera (bacoside A - 38.0+/-0.9) was investigated for potential antidepressant activity in rodent models of depression. The effect was compared with the standard antidepressant drug imipramine (15 mg/kg, ip). The extract when given in the dose of 20 and 40 mg/kg, orally once daily for 5 days was found to have significant antidepressant activity in forced swim and learned helplessness models of depression and was comparable to that of imipramine.

PMID: 12046860 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001 Aug;156(4):481-4. 

Stough C, * Lloyd J, * Clarke J, * Downey LA, * Hutchison CW, * Rodgers T, * Nathan PJ.

Neuropsychology Laboratory, School of Biophysical Science and Electrical Engineering, Victoria, Australia.

RATIONALE: Extracts of Bacopa monniera have been reported to exert cognitive enhancing effects in animals. However, the effects on human cognition are inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the chronic effects of an extract of B. monniera (Keenmind) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. METHODS: The study was a double-blind placebo-controlled independent-group design in which subjects were randomly allocated to one of two treatment conditions, B. monniera (300 mg) or placebo. Neuropsychological testing was conducted pre-(baseline) and at 5 and 12 weeks post drug administration. RESULTS: B. monniera significantly improved speed of visual information processing measured by the IT task, learning rate and memory consolidation measured by the AVLT (P<0.05), and state anxiety (P<0.001) compared to placebo, with maximal effects evident after 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that B. monniera may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory.

PMID: 11498727 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Aug;71(3):383-90. 

* Vohora D, * Pal SN, * Pillai KK.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, 110 062, New Delhi, India.

Many epileptic patients suffer from cognitive impairments; both the underlying pathology and antiepileptic drug therapy can cause such deficits. Phenytoin, one of the widely used anticonvulsants, is known to adversely affect cognitive function. A reputed Indian nootropic plant Bacopa monniera (BM) was evaluated alone and in combination with phenytoin for its effect on (a) passive-avoidance (PA) task; (b) maximal electroshock seizures; and (c) locomotor activity in mice. Phenytoin (PHT, 25 mg/kg po x 14 days) adversely affected cognitive function in the PA task. BM extract (40 mg/kg x 7 days), given along with phenytoin in the second week of the two-week regimen, significantly reversed PHT-induced impairment. Both acquisition and retention of memory showed improvement without affecting its anticonvulsant activity. The observed cognitive effects of PHT and BM were found to be independent of motor stimulation. The results provide evidence for potential corrective effect of BM in cognitive deficit associated with PHT therapy.

PMID: 10940574 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):174-9. 

* Bhattacharya SK, * Bhattacharya A, * Kumar A, * Ghosal S.

Department of Phamacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221005, India.

The effect of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera Linn. was assessed on rat brain frontal cortical, striatal and hippocampal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, following administration for 7, 14 or 21 days. The effects induced by this extract (bacoside A content 82% +/- 0.5%), administered in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, orally, were compared with the effects induced by (-) deprenyl (2 mg/kg, p. o.) administered for the same time periods. Bacopa monniera (BM) induced a dose-related increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activities, in all the brain regions investigated, after 14 and 21 days of drug administration. On the contrary, deprenyl induced an increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activities in the frontal cortex and striatum, but not in the hippocampus, after treatment for 14 or 21 days. The results suggest that BM, like deprenyl, exhibits a significant antioxidant effect after subchronic administration which, unlike the latter, extends to the hippocampus as well. The results suggest that the increase in oxidative free radical scavenging activity by BM may explain, at least in part, the cognition- facilitating action of BM, recorded in Ayurvedic texts, and demonstrated experimentally and clinically. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 10815010 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Altern Med Rev. 1999 Jun;4(3):144-61. 

* Kidd PM.

Dementias and other severe cognitive dysfunction states pose a daunting challenge to existing medical management strategies. An integrative, early intervention approach seems warranted. Whereas, allopathic treatment options are highly limited, nutritional and botanical therapies are available which have proven degrees of efficacy and generally favorable benefit-to-risk profiles. This review covers five such therapies: phosphatidylserine (PS), acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), vinpocetine, Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), and Bacopa monniera (Bacopa). PS is a phospholipid enriched in the brain, validated through double-blind trials for improving memory, learning, concentration, word recall, and mood in middle-aged and elderly subjects with dementia or age-related cognitive decline. PS has an excellent benefit-to-risk profile. ALC is an energizer and metabolic cofactor which also benefits various cognitive functions in the middle-aged and elderly, but with a slightly less favorable benefit-to-risk profile. Vinpocetine, found in the lesser periwinkle Vinca minor, is an excellent vasodilator and cerebral metabolic enhancer with proven benefits for vascular-based cognitive dysfunction. Two meta-analyses of GbE demonstrate the best preparations offer limited benefits for vascular insufficiencies and even more limited benefits for Alzheimer's, while "commodity" GbE products offer little benefit, if any at all. GbE (and probably also vinpocetine) is incompatible with blood-thinning drugs. Bacopa is an Ayurvedic botanical with apparent anti-anxiety, anti-fatigue, and memory-strengthening effects. These five substances offer interesting contributions to a personalized approach for restoring cognitive function, perhaps eventually in conjunction with the judicious application of growth factors.

PMID: 10383479 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]