bacopa

Common name

Brahmi, water hyssop
Botanical name

Bacopa monniera
Parts used and where grown
Bacopa is native to India, where it grows in marshy areas. In the West, bacopa is a familiar water plant used in aquariums. Most parts of the plant have been used traditionally, but modern preparations are extracts of the stem and leaves.
Bacopa has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Alzheimer's disease
* - Anxiety
* - ARCD
* - Epilepsy
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Since at least the sixth century A.D., bacopa (Brahmi) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India) as a diuretic and as a tonic for the nervous system and the heart. Specific uses include the treatment of asthma, insanity, and epilepsy.1
Active constituents
The leaves of bacopa contain saponins, including the bacosides,2 3 4 which are thought responsible for the therapeutic properties of the herb. In animal studies, both purified bacosides and extracts of bacopa standardized for bacosides have been found to enhance several aspects of mental function and learning ability.5 6 7 Additional brain effects of bacopa demonstrated in animal research include reduction of both anxiety and depression.8 9 Biochemically, these nervous-system effects have been attributed to an enhancement of the effects of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and,10 11 possibly, serotonin or GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid).12 13
Bacopa extracts also appear to have significant antioxidant activity in the brain,14 and other effects that may help protect brain cells.15
Animal research has also reported that bacopa extracts can relax the muscles that control the blood vessels, the intestine, and the airways of the respiratory system,16 17 18 19 and can help both prevent and heal ulcers in the stomach.20
Traditional herbal references recommend 5 to 10 grams per day of the powdered herb.21 Human research has used 300 to 450 mg per day of an extract standardized to contain 55% bacosides.
Bacopa appears to be well tolerated when taken in typical amounts,22 although one double-blind study reported significantly more symptoms of dry mouth, nausea, and muscle fatigue in participants taking bacopa.23

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with bacopa: Some interactions may increase the need for bacopa (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate bacopa should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Perphenazine (-)
Prochlorperazine (-)
Thioridazine (-)

Source: www.cncahealth.com