The traditional use of bacopa monierra which has been centered on the neurological and mental health clinical benefits is now well-supported by modern medical research in the laboratory and the consulting room. Originally used in Ayurvedic medicine, bacopa has a long history for its empirical use by clinicians as a “brain tonic”. As broad as this term is, the molecular actions of bacopa also seem to be far reaching. Although not fully elucidated, the mechanisms of action of bacopa involve stimulation of the cholinergic system and activation of neuroprotective agents, amongst others. A review of the clinical literature on bacopa reveals neurological benefits on cognitive performance regardless of age and also on other parameters such as mood and subjective feelings of wellbeing. The cognitive enhancement effects in healthy people now demonstrated in multiple placebo-controlled randomized trials make bacopa an attractive supplement for everyday use in all people.
From the Bench Top
The molecular involvement of bacopa on neurons within the central nervous system allows for an overall neuroprotective effect. An initial finding of bacopa was an elevation in protein levels specifically associated with regeneration of neuronal synapses [1], consistent with the most recent in vitro study indicating a rise in neuronal dendritic growth [2]. Subsequent to this, bacopa has been shown to have a significant antioxidant effect, in an in vitro study involving H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in human non-immortalized fibroblasts [3]. Hsp70 is produced in response to stress, which is able to be overcome by repeated administration of bacopa after a period of stress. Bacopa also decreases levels of superoxide dismutase, which converts oxygen to hydrogen peroxide, and restores levels of cytochrome P450 after stress [4]. Like aspirin, bacopa possesses anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of COX and LOX and downregulation of TNF-alpha [5]. Taken together with other supporting studies, bacopa acts via various molecular mechanisms to provide neuroprotection against damaging molecules and improves neuronal cell survival [6-9].
In pre-clinical animal models, bacopa has been shown to improve memory, as expected from anecdotal reports. Bacopa was found to enhance memory to a greater extent than diazepam or placebo, coinciding with an increased brain serotonin level as a likely mechanism [10]. Bacosides in bacopa also enhanced taste memory and reduced the memory impairment caused by immobilization and stress [11], as well as facilitated anterograde memory and attenuated anterograde experimental amnesia induced by scopolamine and sodium nitrite, possibly by improving acetylcholine level and hypoxic conditions [12]. In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (PSAPP mice), bacopa reduced the amount of beta-amyloid in the brain suggesting a possible role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease [7]. Furthermore, a recent animal study showed a signficnat improvement of memory in an ischemic brain injury model [13], suggesting a role of bacopa in cerebrovascular ischemic attacks. Interestingly, bacopa given orally for 5 days to rats produced a significant antidepressant activity in forced swim and learned helplessness models of depression comparable to clinically used antidepressant imipramine [14].
From the Consulting Rooms
Cognitive performance enhancing, with particular reference to memory improvements, can be achieved with bacopa across all age groups. Furthermore, results have shown that mood and feelings of being can also be improved with bacopa. The goal of improving mental health is to provide an internal environment that is conducive to optimal brain health and function, ultimately leading to well-being. A greater capacity for memory, learning, concentration and cognition are all features of optimal brain health and functioning.
The most recent trial published last year with over 100 patients, showed that 12 weeks of 300mg/day bacopa had significant effects on cognition in older Australians over the age of 55. This was a repeat of previous studies with smaller patient groups, showing that the same dosage of 300mg/day was effective in normal adults [15-16] and another group of over 65 year olds without the presence of dementia [17]. In a double-blind, placebo controlled trial involving healthy adults receiving 300mg of bacopa extract for 12 weeks, bacopa was found to significantly improve speed of visual processing measured by an IT task, learning rate and memory consolidation measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) compared to placebo [15]. Another double-blind placebo controlled trial involving 76 adults aged 40-65 receiving 300mg bacopa for three months showed that bacopa significantly improved the retention of new information, and decreased the rate of forgetting newly acquired information compared to placebo [16].
Clinical trial data for the effectiveness of bacopa is not restricted to the older population that may be perceived to have a more vulnerable mind associated with neurodegeneration, as studies in children have also shown benefits. In a study on mental function in children aged 6-8, bacopa showed significant improvements in strengthened exploratory drive, improved perceptual images of patterns, increased perceptual organization and reasoning ability [18].
To the Marketplace
For adults, the recommended daily dosage for bacopa is set at 300mg per day based on the clinical benefits supported by the available clinical trials. For children, the recommended daily dosage is set at 150mg per day based on the studies involving children.
In summary, the clinical benefits of bacopa known to be traditionally beneficial for the brain have now been confirmed through many clinical trials. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of bacopa have shed light on these clinical observations supporting the role of bacopa for cognitive performance, mood and wellbeing. Further studies should define these roles and follow up studies to reveal the full cognitive benefits of bacopa.
PM Branin consists of 150mg of Bacopa extract, equivalent to 3000mg of Bacopa total dry. For more information please click here. Bacopa is also present in PM Lifebrain and Neurocard.
References
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2. Vollala, V.R., S. Upadhya, and S. Nayak, Enhanced dendritic arborization of amygdala neurons during growth spurt periods in rats orally intubated with Bacopa monniera extract. Anat Sci Int, 2011.
3. Russo, A., et al., Free radical scavenging capacity and protective effect of Bacopa monniera L. on DNA damage. Phytother Res, 2003. 17(8): p. 870-5.
4. Chowdhuri, D.K., et al., Antistress effects of bacosides of Bacopa monnieri: modulation of Hsp70 expression, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 activity in rat brain. Phytother Res, 2002. 16(7): p. 639-45.
5. Viji, V. and A. Helen, Inhibition of lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes by extracts isolated from Bacopa monniera (L.) Wettst. J Ethnopharmacol, 2008.
6. Bhattacharya, S.K., et al., Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Phytother Res, 2000. 14(3): p. 174-9.
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8. Sumathy, T., et al., Protective role of Bacopa monniera on morphine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytother Res, 2001. 15(7): p. 643-5.
9. Vijayan V, H.A., Protective activity of Bacopa monniera Linn. on nicotine-induced toxicity in mice. Phytother Res, 2007. 21(4): p. 378-81.
10. Ganguly, D.K., et al., Some behavioural effects of an active fraction from Herpestis monniera Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 1969. 13(3): p. 163-167.
11. Singh, H.K. and B.N. Dhawan, Effect of Bacopa monniera Linn. (brahmi) extract on avoidance responses in rat. J Ethnopharmacol, 1982. 5(2): p. 205-14.
12. Kishore, K. and M. Singh, Effect of bacosides, alcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera Linn. (brahmi), on experimental amnesia in mice. Indian J Exp Biol, 2005. 43(7): p. 640-5.
13. Saraf, M.K., S. Prabhakar, and A. Anand, Neuroprotective effect of Bacopa monniera on ischemia induced brain injury. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 2010. 97(2): p. 192-7.
14. Sairam, K., et al., Antidepressant activity of standardized extract of Bacopa monniera in experimental models of depression in rats. Phytomedicine, 2002. 9(3): p. 207-11.
15. Stough, C., et al., The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2001. 156(4): p. 481-4.
16. Roodenrys, S., et al., Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2002. 27(2): p. 279-81.
17. Calabrese, C., et al., Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med, 2008. 14(6): p. 707-13.
18. Sharma, R.e.a., Efficacy of Bacopa monierra in revitalizing intellectual functions in children. J Rees Edu Ind Med, 1987. 1-12.
