Effects of the Herb Bacopa

The herb bacopa, also known as bacopa monnieri, brahmi, water hyssop, jalnaveri, jalanimba, sambrani chettu, and thyme-leaved gratiola is an Indian-native leaf extract that grows in damp, marshy areas. It is frequently planted in freshwater aquaria. It has been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma, epilepsy, insanity, nerves, hoarseness, as a cardiotonic, as a pain reliever and as a diuretic (to increase urine flow). It is commonly used and marketed as a memory and learning enhancer.

Learning Effects

• In a study listed on Drugs.com, it was found that the herb facilitated rats' ability to learn mazes and improved their performances in various behavior models. In a clinical study of humans, "No effects were seen in cognitive function in 18 subjects." According to Healthline, bacopa may be helpful in treating pediatric attention deficit disorder, but "more research is needed before bacopa can be recommended for enhancing brain function in adults or children."

Side Effects

• Healthline reports that side effects of bacopa may include nausea, dry mouth, irregular heartbeat and an increase of thyroid hormones. It has also been reported to cause heart palpitations, and patients with heart problems should use it with caution.

Interactions

• According to Healthline, bacopa can interact with calcium blocking drugs, sedatives and thyroid medication. It can also negatively impact cytochrome P450 enzymes. "Bacopa, when taken concomitantly with phenytoin, may reverse phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment." Because of the lack of scientific research and evidence, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Study

• According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry; a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on subjects with age-associated memory impairments was conducted over the course of 16 weeks. The subjects received 125 mg of bacopa or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks, followed by a placebo for an additional four weeks. Each subject was then evaluated based on cognitive function through a series of tests focusing on logical memory, mental control and paired associated learning. The study found that bacopa "produced significant improvement on mental control, logical memory and paired associated learning during the 12-week drug therapy" and deemed it "efficacious."