Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is an Ayurvedic herb that enhances memory, cognitive processing, and attention in aging adults by acting as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation, and increasing neuroplasticity. Clinical studies suggest 300–600 mg daily improves working memory, reduces anxiety, and may slow age-related cognitive decline. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Key Findings on Bacopa Monnieri, Memory, and Aging

• Cognitive Enhancement: Bacopa monnieri improves specific cognitive domains in older adults, particularly working memory, cognitive processing, and attention.
• Neuroprotective Effects: It acts as a potent antioxidant and reduces inflammation, which are crucial for protecting against age-related neurodegeneration.
• Mechanism of Action: Bacopa contains bacosides that aid in repairing damaged neurons, enhancing kinase activity, and promoting synaptic strengthening (synaptogenesis).
• Clinical Trial Evidence: A 12-week study on healthy elderly volunteers (65+) showed significant improvements in working memory and a reduction in acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity.
• Safety and Dosage: Bacopa monnieri is generally considered safe and non-toxic. Common dosages in studies range from 300 mg to 600 mg per day.
• Combined Interventions: Combining Bacopa with cognitive training may further enhance synaptic improvements in older adults. [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

Sources

[1] Cognitive training and Bacopa monnieri: Evidence for a combined intervention to alleviate age associated cognitive decline – PubMed

[2] Bacopa Monnieri

[3] Effects of 12-Week Bacopa monnieri Consumption on Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, and Functions of Both Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems in Healthy Elderly Volunteers – PubMed

[4] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/606424

[5] Effect of Bacopa monnieri Extract on Memory and Cognitive Skills in Adult Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled

[6] Effect of Bacopa monnieri Extract on Memory and Cognitive Skills in Adult Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

[7] Effects of 12-Week Bacopa monnieri Consumption on Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, and Functions of Both Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems in Healthy Elderly Volunteers – PMC

[8] Bacopa monnieri: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence of Neuroactive Effects, Safety of Use and the Search for Improved Bioavailability – PMC

[9] The Neurocognitive Effects of Bacopa monnieri and Cognitive Training on Markers of Brain Microstructure in Healthy Older Adults – PMC

[10] Bacopa monnieri as an Antioxidant Therapy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in the Aging Brain – PMC[11] Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis – PMC