Bacopa : Health benefits, Side effects, and Interactions

Overview

What is Bacopa?

Bacopa, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic treatment. Both plants are occasionally referred to as Brahmi, however gotu kola should not be confused with it. The creeping perennial herb known as bacopa monnieri is indigenous to wetlands in Europe, India, Africa, Australia, Asia, and North and South America. It is also known as Indian pennywort, thyme-leaved gratiola, herb of grace, water hyssop, waterhyssop, and Brahmi. This article covers its application, adverse effects, dangers, and interactions.

Facts

Key Facts about bacopa

• The family Plantaginaceae includes 70–100 species of water plants under the genus name Bacopa.¹Facts| Researched based study from Utep.edu
• One of the most popular species of Bacopa is the non-aromatic herb Bacopa monnieri.
• Due to a similar look, it is frequently called water hyssop.
• Because it tends to flourish underwater and its ability to grow in moist, tropical settings, it is widely used in aquariums.
• It is believed that a group of powerful compounds known as bacosides are what are responsible for Bacopa monnieri’s health benefits.²Facts| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• It is used in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Folk medicine, and Siddha.
• The FDA warned dietary supplement producers who make preparations containing Bacopa monnieri in 2019 not to make any medicinal claims about the plant. The FDA has not cleared bacopa monnieri for any medicinal uses.³Facts| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Consumption

How is it used?

• The therapeutic qualities of the entire plant are highly valued. People can consume the herb as dried, ground, and combined with ghee.
• In addition, the juice can be combined with milk or ghee, which is clarified butter.
• Bacopa can be purchased commercially in pill or capsule form, either by itself or in combination with other plants.
• Bitter leaves and sensitive shoots are eaten cooked. Also regarded as a brain tonic, claimed to improve memory if consumed with milk.

This leafy green is rich in minerals including magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamin B complexes like vitamins B12, B9, E and C.⁴Consumption| Researched based study from Indiabiodiversity.org

Dosage

Recommended dose of bacopa

• There are numerous ways to consume bacopa monnieri, but capsules are the most popular.
• Adult dosages typically range from 300 to 600 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks.⁵Dosage| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Children – given orally to children between the ages of 6 and 12 for up to 6 months at a dose of 225 mg daily.⁶Dosage| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Consult with a medical practitioner to know what dosage would be suitable for your health condition.

Health benefits

Health benefits of bacopa

Bacopa monnieri has various health benefits may include

Improves cognitive functions and memory

• B. monnieri improves working memory and cognitive function while improving attention and memory processing.⁵Health benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Alzheimer’s and ADHD

• Bacopa has been shown to improve memory in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, and even attention deficit disorder.⁵Health benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Stress and anxiety

• Bacopa may successfully lessen stress and general anxiety symptoms, particularly in those with cognitive loss.⁶Health benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Neuroinflammation

• Bacopa is a promising source of innovative therapies for treating several CNS illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia, as it can reduce inflammation in the brain.⁷Health benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Anti-ageing

• Bacopa is regarded as an effective anti-aging tonic in India.⁸Health benefits| Researched based study from Scirp.org

Snake bites

• In India, snakebites are treated with a decoction of the whole plant or a paste made of the leaves and stems.⁹Health benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Side effects

Side effects of bacopa

When administered for twelve weeks at a dose of up to 600 mg per day, bacopa may be safe. However, the most frequent adverse effects could be

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea ⁶Side effects| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Abdominal cramps

Precautions

Precautions to be taken while using bacopa

Regarding Bacopa monnieri use in people, there hasn’t been any evidence of toxicity. Those with the following conditions need to exercise cautious:

• People with bradycardia, a slow heartbeat – should consult their doctor before taking bacopa supplements because doing so could worsen their condition and increase their risk of developing heart disease.⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Blockage of the gastrointestinal system – before taking Bacopa, people with GI blockage should consult their doctor because Bacopa can potentially exacerbate the condition.⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Ulcers – Bacopa may aggravate stomach ulcers; therefore, those who already have them should speak with their doctor before taking it.⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Lung diseases – Before using Bacopa, those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should consult a doctor because it may exacerbate these conditions.⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• People with thyroid problems or those using thyroid hormone treatments –should use Bacopa cautiously or avoid it altogether since it may raise thyroid hormone levels.⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Urinary tract blockage – The use of bacopa may make urinary obstruction worse and people with a urinary tract obstruction, should speak with a medical practitioner before using bacopa.⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – should not take it because there is insufficient trustworthy data to determine whether Bacopa is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Children – When given orally to children within the recommended dosage may be considered safe⁶Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Interactions

Interactions of bacopa with other medicines

The following medicines may interact with bacopa monnieri :

Anticholinergic drugs or drying medications

• Anticholinergic medications such as atropine and belladonna may be less effective when combined with bacopa supplements because Bacopa increases acetylcholine in the body.⁶Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Cholinergic drugs

• When used with Bacopa, medications used to treat glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses may also raise acetylcholine levels in the body and increase the risk of side effects.⁶Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Cytochrome P450 substrates (like CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4)

• They are digested by the liver; taking them together with Bacopa may modify how rapidly the liver processes these drugs, which may alter their effectiveness and adverse effects.¹⁰Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Cevimeline or Evoxac

• Bacopa may alter how rapidly the body breaks down cevimeline. Cevimeline’s results and side effects can alter as a result of this.¹¹Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Thyroid hormone

• Bacopa may boost the body’s thyroid hormone production. Combining thyroid hormone and Bacopa may result in an overproduction of thyroid hormone in the body, increasing its effects and adverse effects.⁶Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Anti-anxiety drugs

• A relaxed individual may lack the desire to work after using Bacopa monnieri supplements because it may have anxiety-reducing effects, and it may not be healthy to use it with other anxiolytics.¹²Interactions| Researched based study from Peacehealth.org

Bottom line

The bottom line

Bacopa monnieri is an old Ayurvedic herbal treatment proven for its ability to treat a variety of health issues, including Alzheimer’s, ADHD, sleeplessness, and anxiety. According to research conducted on animals and in test tubes, it may also have anticancer qualities and the ability to lower inflammation. Despite the promise of these possible health advantages, more studies are necessary to comprehend its impact on people fully. Additionally, Bacopa is an herbal medication that can mix with any drugs an individual might take. Before taking supplements containing Bacopa for any health problems, speak with a doctor.