Herbal Plants

Bacopa monnieri, also called brahmi, water hyssop, thyme-leaved gratiola, and herb of grace, is a staple plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It grows in wet, tropical environments, and its ability to thrive underwater makes it popular for aquarium use (1Trusted Source). Bacopa monnieri has been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for centuries for a variety of purposes, including improving memory, reducing anxiety, and treating epilepsy (2Trusted Source). In fact, research shows that it may boost brain function and alleviate anxiety and stress, among other benefits. A class of powerful compounds called bacosides in Bacopa monnieri is believed to be responsible for these benefits. Contains powerful antioxidants Antioxidants are substances that help protect against cell damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Research suggests that damage caused by free radicals is linked to many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (3Trusted Source). Bacopa monnieri contains powerful compounds that may have antioxidant effects (4). For example, bacosides, the main active compounds in Bacopa monnieri, have been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals (5Trusted Source). When fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is linked to several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source). Bacopa monnieri may help prevent damage caused by this process. For example, a study showed that treating rats with dementia with Bacopa monnieri reduced free radical damage and reversed signs of memory impairment (8Trusted Source). May reduce inflammation Inflammation is your body’s natural response to help heal and fight disease. However, chronic, low-level inflammation has been linked to many chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease. In test-tube studies, Bacopa monnieri appeared to suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that stimulate an inflammatory immune response. Also, in test-tube and animal studies, it inhibited enzymes, such as cyclooxygenases, caspases, and lipoxygenases — all of which play key roles in inflammation and pain. What’s more, in animal studies, Bacopa monnieri had anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of diclofenac and indomethacin — two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat inflammation. May boost brain function Research suggests that Bacopa monnieri may help enhance brain function. For example, one study in mice showed that supplementing with Bacopa monnieri improved their spatial learning and ability to retain information. The same study also found that it increased dendritic length and branching. Dendrites are parts of nerve cells in the brain that are closely linked to learning and memory May help reduce ADHD symptoms Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Interestingly, research has shown that Bacopa monnieri may help reduce ADHD symptoms. One study in 31 children aged 6–12 years found that taking 225 mg of Bacopa monnieri extract May prevent anxiety and stress Bacopa monnieri may help prevent anxiety and stress. It’s considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it increases your body’s resistance to stress. Research suggests that Bacopa monnieri helps reduce stress and anxiety by elevating your mood and reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that is closely linked to stress levels. May help lower blood pressure levels High blood pressure is a serious health concern, as it places strain on your heart and blood vessels. This can weaken your heart and increase your risk of heart disease (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source). Research suggests that Bacopa monnieri may help keep blood pressure within a healthy range. May have anticancer properties Test-tube and animal studies have found that Bacopa monnieri may have anticancer properties. Bacosides, the active class of compounds in Bacopa monnieri, have been shown to kill aggressive brain tumor cells and inhibit the growth of breast and colon cancer cells in test-tube studies. Additionally, Bacopa monnieri induced skin and breast cancer cell death in animal and test-tube studies.

The bottom line Bacopa monnieri is an ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy for many ailments. Human studies show it may help boost brain function, treat ADHD symptoms, and reduce stress and anxiety. Furthermore, test-tube and animal studies have found that it may possess anticancer properties and reduce inflammation and blood pressure. Although these potential health benefits are promising, more research on Bacopa monnieri is needed to understand its full effects in humans