Max Biocare :: Brain Health Products & Information | Bacopa Relieving Stress on Your Heart

Stress is common in society in the fast paced world that we live in. Over a lifetime, oxidative and psychological stress can have a quite profound health effect particularly on the heart and vascular system. Bacopa, most well known for its benefits on brain health, also has favorable actions for cardiovascular health as an antioxidant and calmative.

Keywords: BranIn, cardiovascular disease, antioxidant, stress, bacopa

Stress comes in many forms. From psychological stress to oxidative stress, stress negative impacts on cardiovascular health. Microscopically, oxidative stress damages the inner lining of arteries resulting in fatty acid and cholesterol build up within the arterial walls. This process, atherosclerosis, can be reduced by the presence of antioxidants within the blood. If left unchecked, atherosclerosis can cause progressive narrowing of arteries and produce thrombo-emboli, both of which may result in heart attack or stroke. Similarly, psychological stress has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease such as heart attacks [1]. This is mainly due to an increased stress put on the heart by the sympathetic nervous system, through the action of adrenaline.

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative free radicals are required by the body for various functions such as an active immune system, however an excessive amount of free radicals may result in damaging effects to various tissues of the body. As already mentioned, oxidative stress is a major contributor towards the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. If antioxidants are present during arterial wall injury, oxygen free radicals may be able to be mopped up before they can inflict damage. This is thought to be the mechanism by which antioxidants protect against arterial disease.

Bacopa has traditionally been used as a brain tonic and is best known for these effects, however bacopa has also been used as a cardiotonic. Looking at the effects of bacopa on a molecular level, we can begin to understand the overall health benefits that bacopa has. In 3 separate studies investigating the effect of bacopa on models of oxidative stress, bacopa was shown to have a significant antioxidant effect in reducing free-radical oxides and increasing levels of enzymes that reduce oxidative stress [2-4]. In relation to vascular and heart health, antioxidants protect against vascular injury and the development of arterial disease.

Psychological Stress

Stress and anxiety can play a large role in cardiovascular disease by putting extra strain on the heart. In recent studies investigating the role of depression and mental stress on heart disease, it was found that depression and mental stress significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular illness and overall mortality [5]. Bacopa has been used as an anxiolytic and calmative for a long time, which has recently been supported by modern clinical trials. In one study, 35 patients with anxiety were treated with brahmi for four weeks. They were assessed for clinical anxiety levels after brahmi therapy and were found to have lowered anxiety levels of approximately 20% [6]. Another study examined the chronic effects of an extract of Brahmi on cognitive function in healthy human subjects in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, finding that Brahmi produced a significant anxiolitic effect on state-anxiety [7]. The mechanism behind this effect is essentially unknown, however it may be that bacopa modulates serotonin levels within the brain [8].

Improving Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases develop over a long period of time, therefore it is important to seek nutrients which help to prevent the development of these diseases. Oxidative stress can have quite damaging effects on arteries. Antioxidants serve to protect against this damage by reducing the levels of destructive oxygen free radicals. Another more familiar form of stress, psychological and emotional stress, also has negative effects on our health particularly the heart. Bacopa improves mood and alleviates stress. Reducing stress levels can be difficult, so seeking nutrients that help from within is a great way to improve cardiovascular health.

1. Rosengren A, Hawken S, Ounpuu S, Sliwa K, Zubaid M, Almahmeed WA, Blackett KN, Sitthi-amorn C, Sato H, Yusuf S: Association of psychosocial risk factors with risk of acute myocardial infarction in 11119 cases and 13648 controls from 52 countries (the INTERHEART study): case-control study. Lancet 2004, 364(9438):953-962.
2. Russo A, Izzo AA, Borrelli F, Renis M, Vanella A: Free radical scavenging capacity and protective effect of Bacopa monniera L. on DNA damage. Phytother Res 2003, 17(8):870-875.
3. Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Kumar A, Ghosal S: Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Phytother Res 2000, 14(3):174-179.
4. Sumathy T, Subramanian S, Govindasamy S, Balakrishna K, Veluchamy G: Protective role of Bacopa monniera on morphine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytother Res 2001, 15(7):643-645.
5. van Melle JP, de Jonge P, Spijkerman TA, Tijssen JG, Ormel J, van Veldhuisen DJ, van den Brink RH, van den Berg MP: Prognostic association of depression following myocardial infarction with mortality and cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis. Psychosom Med 2004, 66(6):814-822.
6. Singh R, et al.: Studies on the anti-anxiety effect of the medyha rasayana drug, Brahmi (Bacopa monniera Wettst). J Res Ayur Siddha 1980(1):133-148.
7. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, Nathan PJ: The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2001, 156(4):481-484.
8. Ganguly DK, Malhotra CL: Some behavioural effects of an active fraction from Herpestis monniera, Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Med Res 1967, 55(5):473-482.