Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
Bacopa monnieri leaf extract is called brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine and is widely used in India, especially for enhancing memory, analgesia, and epilepsy. A number of drugs, including bacopa, have been described as medhya rasayana (enhancing the mind) and are considered to promote the mental function in addition to general rejuvenative effects. Bacopa's Hindi name, Brahmi, is derived from Brahma, the Hindu creation god. Bacopa is used traditionally in India to anoint newborns, to "open the gate of Brahma" and increase their intelligence.

Uses
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*
Cognition B
Anxiety (clinical) C
Epilepsy C
Irritable bowel syndrome C
Memory 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 against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
Use cautiously with drugs or herbs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, thyroid drugs, calcium blocking drugs, and sedatives. Avoid if allergic/hypersensitive to Bacopa monnieri, its constituents or any member of the Srcophulariaceae (figwort) family. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:
Abdominal pain and slight gastrointestinal disturbance, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, increase regularity of bowel movements, indigestion, muscular fatigue, nausea, palpitations and thirst.

Possible interactions:
Calcium blocker drugs, thyroid drugs, phenytoin, P450 enzyme affecting herbs and drugs and other herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):

By mouth:
50-150mg two or three times a day has been used.
Anxiety: 30mL of bacopa syrup per day in two divided doses daily (representing 12g of dry crude drug) for four weeks has been used.
Cognitive function: 150mg of Keenmind® B. monnieri extract has been used for 12 weeks.
Epilepsy: 2oz. of crude aqueous extract of bacopa has been used daily for up to five months. 2-4mg/kg of body weight of defatted alcoholic bacopa extract dissolved in distilled water has been used daily for up to five months. (According to degree and severity of the diseases, doses of the alcohol extract were adjusted by the researchers).

Children (younger than 18 years):
350mg/teaspoonful of dried plant extracted in a syrup, three times daily for three months has been used in children age 6-8.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.