Bacopa: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Water hyssop, Brahmi
Scientific name(s)
Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa monniera, Herpestis monniera, Moniera cuneifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Bacosides
Alkaloids
Aspartic acid
Glutamate
Saponins
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
Although it has a long onset time (4 to 6 weeks), Bacopa appears to improve memory reliably and effectively in healthy individuals and in people experiencing cognitive decline. Indeed, a 2016 study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Magazine showed that Bacopa extract could block certain enzymes, such as Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) and Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP). The enzyme COMT plays a role in memory by influencing the metabolism of dopamine, a neurotransmitter. By inhibiting this enzyme, Bacopa extract could therefore help improve memory. The enzyme PEP, for its part, is linked to cognitive decline and attacks certain molecules involved in social interactions, emotions, and the stress response. Under these circumstances, the inhibitory action of compounds from Bacopa monnieri could thus have a beneficial effect against cognitive decline by strengthening cognitive abilities. Moreover, several clinical studies and a meta-analysis have examined the effects of Bacopa monnieri on cognition. Taking 300 to 600 mg of bacopa per day for at least 12 weeks may improve reaction time, verbal learning, total memory, retention, memory, and information processing in healthy adults.
Posologie
Orally: aerial parts
300 - 600 mg
4 - weeks
standardized extract of Bacopa
Elucidation of Molecular Mechanism(s) of Cognition Enhancing Activity of Bacomind®: A Standardized Extract of Bacopa Monnieri.
Bacopa monnieri extract enhances learning-dependent hippocampal long-term synaptic potentiation.
The acute effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy normal subjects.
Bacopa monniera Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory in Mice.
The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract
Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90-day double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Charles PD, et al. Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation. J Ethnopharmacol. (2011)
Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory
The Neurocognitive Effects of Bacopa monnieri and Cognitive Training on Markers of Brain Microstructure in Healthy Older Adults
Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels but beneficially modulates nuclear factor kappa B and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein levels in healthy elderly subjects
Acute effects of combined Bacopa, American ginseng, and whole coffee fruit on working memory and cerebral hemodynamic response of the prefrontal cortex: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
Research has shown that taking a Bacopa-based preparation for 4 weeks could reduce nervousness, palpitations, insomnia, headaches, lack of concentration, fatigue, anorexia, tremors, dyspepsia/flatulence, and irritability in anxious patients compared with baseline. Bacopa appears to prevent increases in anxiety and does not seem to unilaterally reduce anxiety. It may be more of a modulator than anything else, but it does not appear to be very potent.
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
300 mg
4 weeks
Adults
Standardized Bacopa extract
Enhanced dendritic arborization of amygdala neurons during growth spurt periods in rats orally intubated with Bacopa monniera extract.
Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, part 2: a review of clinical studies with supporting preclinical evidence
Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Brahmi for the better? New findings challenging cognition and anti-anxiety effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in healthy adults.
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Bacopa Monnieri appears to improve memory measures in subjects over 55 years of age with age-related memory impairment.
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
300 mg
4 weeks
Standardized Bacopa extract
Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment.
Efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) and Donepezil in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Double-Blind Parallel Phase 2b Study
Attention deficit disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
It is unlikely that Bacopa has an inherent effect on attention, although at least one study noted an improvement in attention in people with attention deficit. Used in combination with stimulants such as Ashwagandha, Centella asiatica, and spirulina, it helps reduce behavioral disorders associated with ADHD in children aged 6 to 12 years.
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
standardized Bacopa extract
Synergies
Gastric ulcer ✪✪✪✪✪
In the stomach and at doses ranging from 10 to 100 mg/kg of body weight, Bacopa Monnieri extract (via the component Bacoside A) appears to protect against drug-induced ulcers (aspirin, alcohol), stress such as thermal shock, and Helicobacter pylori. Repair of the stomach mucosa has been observed.
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
10 - 100 mg/kg
standardized Bacopa extract
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
An antidepressant effect was observed in one study, but Bacopa does not appear to be very effective for improving depression. Another preliminary clinical study conducted in adults with depression who had not responded to citalopram 40 mg per day shows that adding a Bacopa extract 300 mg twice daily for 4 weeks improved scores on depression rating scales compared with citalopram alone.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
600 mg
standardized Bacopa extract
Epilepsy ✪✪✪✪✪
Population studies have shown that taking an aqueous Bacopa extract at a dose of 2 to 4 mg/kg body weight per day for 5 months may reduce the incidence of seizures in some patients with epilepsy. More evidence is needed to draw a conclusion.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
300 mg
5 months
standardized Bacopa extract
Properties
Cognitive function
The extract of Bacopa Monnieri can increase memory performance by increasing the activity of an enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and by stimulating production of the serotonin transporter (SERT). These actions impact the brain's serotonergic system, which is related to mood and cognition, and can also influence the cholinergic system, involved in memory and learning. Some data suggest that Bacopa's bacosides A and B may facilitate learning ability, memory, and cognitive performance. These effects could be explained by modulation of acetylcholine release, increased choline acetyltransferase activity, and improved binding to certain cholinergic receptors, key elements in cognitive processes. Because of its cholinergic effects, using Bacopa for Alzheimer's disease is of interest.
Usages associés
Neurological
Bacopa appears to reduce seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy. In animals, Bacopa extract increased brain levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) 15 minutes after administration. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the cerebral cortex, and its deficiency exacerbates epilepsy. Bacopa is also thought to have neuroprotective effects.
Usages associés
Adaptogen
Bacopa is also considered a general tonic or an "adaptogen" to combat stress. In animal tissue models, Bacopa appears to increase adaptive responses to stressors. It also normalizes corticosterone levels (a hormone that notably interferes with the sensation of remembered fear and with memory) and monoamine levels (a neurotransmitter that seems to trigger essential elements such as emotions, arousal, and cognition) in these experimental stress models.
Antioxidant
Recognized as an antioxidant, Bacopa prolongs the life of neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with long-term memory. This plant may therefore be useful in preventing oxidative stress.
Digestive effect
Bacopa appears to have mild protective effects against ulcer formation and may regenerate the stomach lining.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
A 2017 American study from the University of Montana demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of various preparations (tea, infusion, alkaloids, bacoside A) derived from Bacopa monnieri extract. More specifically, they are able to inhibit, in vitro, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) from an activated microglial cell line, which are well known to participate in the inflammatory process in the brain. In addition, these preparations also inhibit other enzymes associated with inflammatory states such as caspases 1 and 3 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3).
Safe dosage
Adults aged 14 years and older: 300 mg - 600 mg
The recommended dose is 300 mg, assuming that the total bacoside content (the active compound) represents between 20% and 55% of the extract by weight.
Children aged 6 to 14 years:
For children aged 6 years and older: 350 mg per day in a syrup.
Interactions
Médicaments
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor: moderate interaction
Bacopa appears to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and may increase acetylcholine levels. Theoretically, concomitant use of Bacopa with other acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors could have additive effects and increase the risk of cholinergic side effects. AChE inhibitors and cholinergic drugs include bethanechol, donepezil, echothiophate (phospholine iodide), edrophonium, neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine, succinylcholine, and tacrine.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: weak interaction
A serotonergic activity has been identified for Bacopa extracts. Therefore, there is a theoretical increased risk of serotonin syndrome when Bacopa is used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Precautions
Thyroid disorders: use with caution
Preliminary animal research suggests that Bacopa increases thyroxine (T4) levels in mice. Theoretically, Bacopa could exacerbate hyperthyroidism. Bacopa should be used with caution in people with hyperthyroidism or those treated with thyroid hormones.
