Brahmi, otherwise known as Bacopa monnieri, has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine – especially for its ability to improve memory and intellect (known as medhya).
Traditionally it has been used to heal the nervous system; improve digestion; improve learning, memory and concentration; and to help with anxiety, skin disorders, respiratory issues (such as chronic coughs and asthma) and even insanity and epilepsy.
In the West it is seen as a nootropic herb that improves mental performance.
What is brahmi?
Brahmi is also known as Bacopa monnieri, water hyssop, thyme-leaved gratiola, Indian pennywort and herb of grace. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family.
It is a non-aromatic, creeping ground cover with small succulent leaves and minute, bell-shaped white flowers. It is native to warm wetland environments across the world. It is a very adaptable plant that can grow submerged in water or in wet soil.
The whole plant can be used for medicinal purposes, but extracts from the stem and leaves are mostly used.
Brahmi in Ayurveda
Taste (Rasa) – Bitter, astringent
Quality (Guna) – Light
Potency (Veerya)– Cold
Post Digestive Effect (Vipaka) – Sweet
Action on Doshas – Balances all doshas
Dhatus (tissues) – helps normalize tissues, especially nerve, blood and plasma
Srotas (system) – effects circulatory, digestive, nervous, excretory, muscular and reproductive systems
The Compounds Found in Brahmi
The leaves contain saponins, including bacosides (Bacoside A, bacoside B, bacopasaponins) that are believed to be responsible for the therapeutic properties of the herb. Other compounds include flavonoids (for example apigenin and luteolin), alkaloids (for example brahmine and herpestine), glycosides, sopogenin and other phytochemicals (for example betulinic acid, wogonin and oroxindin).
What some of brahmi’s benefits?
There has been a great deal of research into brahmi’s many benefits. Some of these include:
Brain Health
There has been plenty of interest in brahmi’s effect on brain health. In a study by Jeyasri et al, they identified 52 active compounds with multiple actions. This suggests that it works on various levels, regulating many processes (especially when it comes to neurological diseases).
It has been proposed that brahmi exerts antioxidant protection; helps to modulate neurotransmitters; inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which leads to better communication between nerve cells; helps repair damaged neurons and restores synaptic activity; and also increases cerebral blood flow. (7)
In relation to quality and speed of memory, learning, and attention, studies (1,2,3) have shown that there has been increased enhancement in these abilities with those taking brahmi extract over a 12-week period.
Anxiety
Traditionally brahmi has been used as a nervine (a type of herb that calms the nervous system). This may be due to modulation of the serotonergic system. 8
Stress Relief
Bacopa is considered an adaptogenic herb. Extract of this plant has been shown to work as a natural stress reliever by helping our bodies better handle or adapt to the stressors in our lives. It’s also one of the herbs that is used in Ayurveda to induce sleep, especially when stressed or anxious.
Antioxidant
Many in-vitro and animal studies have shown that brahmi has an antioxidant and free-radical scavenging action which is essential for good health and longevity. In particular, it’s good for the nerves, heart and blood vessels. Its high antioxidant levels are also beneficial for those who are diabetic.
Promotes Hair Health
Brahmi is used to reduce hair loss and early greying. It’s seen to also nourish and strengthen hair.
How to use
Brahmi is used in several forms, including as a powder, capsules, tincture, tea, oil, juice and even as a syrup.
If you’re looking for something to help alleviate stress, help you sleep, or improve your memory then brahmi with milk (dairy or nut milk) is a good option before going to bed.
Safety issues
Though bacopa extract is well tolerated, it is usually used for one to two months.
Therapeutic doses are not associated with any serious side effects, but less serious side effects can include nausea, indigestion, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
It should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding without first consulting a medical practitioner as there is insufficient research on safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Ayurvedic herbs can interact with pharmaceutical medications, especially diabetes and blood pressure medications. It’s advisable to consult with a medical practitioner before taking this herb.
Conclusion
Bacopa monnieri is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that has a variety of health benefits, with a focus on improving cognitive and brain health in people of all ages and stages of brain health.
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Organic Brahmi Powder – 200gR142.00
References Used
1. Tatimah Peth-Nui, Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Supaporn Muchimapura, Terdthai Tong-Un, Nawanant Piyavhatkul, Poonsri Rangseekajee, Kornkanok Ingkaninan, Sakchai Vittaya-areekul, “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”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, Article ID 606424, 10 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/606424″>https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/606424
2. Raghav S, Singh H, Dalal PK, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. Indian J Psychiatry. 2006;48(4):238-242. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.31555
3. Chaudhari KS, Tiwari NR, Tiwari RR, Sharma RS. Neurocognitive Effect of Nootropic Drug Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in Alzheimer’s Disease. Ann Neurosci. 2017;24(2):111-122. doi:10.1159/000475900
4. Yadav, Kapil & Ramachandra Reddy, Konduru. (2013). Critical review on pharmacological properties of Brahmi. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine. 4. 92-99. 10.47552/ijam.v4i2.238.
5. Brahmi: “Herb of Grace” https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/blog/brahmi/
6. Mathur D, Goyal K, Koul V, Anand A. The Molecular Links of Re-Emerging Therapy: A Review of Evidence of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera). Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:44. Published 2016 Mar 4. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00044
7. Jeyasri R, Muthuramalingam P, Suba V, Ramesh M, Chen JT. Bacopa monnieri and Their Bioactive Compounds Inferred Multi-Target Treatment Strategy for Neurological Diseases: A Cheminformatics and System Pharmacology Approach. Biomolecules. 2020;10(4):536. Published 2020 Apr 2. doi:10.3390/biom10040536 8. Švob Štrac D, Pivac N, Mück-Šeler D. The serotonergic system and cognitive function. Transl Neurosci. 2016;7(1):35-49. Published 2016 May 9. doi:10.1515/tnsci-2016-0007
