Bacopa Monniera Benefits

• Effect as a Memory Enhancer

  Recent research has confirmed what practitioners of Ayurveda have known for over a thousand years – that Bacopa Monniera significantly enhances memory. This is especially true in children.

• Effect on Central Nervous System

  Researchers believe that bacopa has the ability to stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an amino acid that occurs in the central nervous system and that is associated with transmission of inhibitory nerve impulses. . This enhanced ability to synthesize GABA leads to improved acquisition, memory and adaptation to new conditions.

• Effect on Epilepsy and Anxiety

  Bacopa has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for epilepsy. Western studies have shown that it does, indeed, have an anticonvulsant effect when administered at high doses. The supplementation with bacopa extract has also led to significant decreases in anxiety symptoms, levels of anxiety, levels of disability and mental fatigue. Significantly, these benefits occurred in the absence of the amnesiac side effects associated with many popular anxiety related drugs ( i.e Lorazepam). On the contrary, memory enhancement was achieved.

• Effect on Alzheimer’s

  By inhibiting the breakdown of the enzyme cholinesterase, a key nuerotransmitter which fails in cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia, Bacopa has the potential to positively affect sufferers of these conditions.

• Effects on Bronchitis and Asthma

  Bacopa has been shown to have a relaxant effect on chemically induced bronchoconstriction. Animal studies have also demonstrated that Bacopa has potent mast cell stabilizing ability with a resultant potential to control asthma and allergies. Human trials are needed to confirm these potential benefits.

• Effect on Cancer

  In vitro research points to some exciting benefits for cancer patients. It has been demonstrated that Bacopa saponin fractions have cytotoxic activity for sarcoma-180 cells. Reseacrhers belive this is due to bacopa’s ability to inhibit DNA replication in the cancerous cell line.

• Other Benefits

  Bacopa extracts have shown potential to inhibit calcium flux across cell membrane channels. This suggests that Bacopa can provide relief for those who suffer from conditions resulting from intestinal spasm, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Bacopa may have a curative effect upon gastric ulcers. Taken in high doses Bacopa has a stimulatory effect upon thyroid function, thus benefiting suffers of hypothyroidism. Bacopa extracts also have potential to diminish the side effects of certain drugs, including morphine and phenytoin.

Historically in India the leaves of the Bacopa Monniera plant were used to treat skin conditions, anemia, sprains, fractures, diabetes, hemorrhoids, and asthma as well as cough and rheumatism. The plant was also used to increase fertility and prevent miscarriage (No author listed). The Wealth of India: Raw Materials. II-B. New Delhi: Publications and Information Directorate, CSIR, 1950:2–3).