Benefits Of Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is an ancient herbal remedy that may help improve inflammation, reduce ADHD symptoms, and prevent anxiety and stress. Bacopa monnieri is also called brahmi and is a staple plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It grows in tropical environments and can thrive underwater. Bacopa monnieri has been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for many years and can help improve memory, reduce anxiety, boost brain function, and alleviate stress and anxiety.

What Are The Benefits Of Bacopa Monnieri?

Contains Powerful Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that help protect against cell damage that is caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that damage caused by free radicals is linked to many chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. 

Bacopa monnieri contains powerful compounds that may have antioxidant effects. The main compound in Bacopa monnieri is bacosides; this has been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals. Overall, Bacopa monnieri contains active compounds called bacosides which have been shown to have antioxidant effects, especially in the brain.

May Reduce Inflammation

In studies, Bacopa monnieri appears to suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are molecules that stimulate an inflammatory immune response. It also inhibited enzymes like caspases, lipoxygenases, and cyclooxygenases which all play a key role in inflammation and pain. 

May Boost Brain Function

Studies have shown that Bacopa monnieri may help enhance brain function. In one study, it showed that Bacopa monnieri improved mice's spatial learning and ability to retain information. It also showed that it increased dendritic length and branching. Dendrites are parts of nerve cells in the brain that are closely linked to learning and memory.

Another study has shown that Bacopa monnieri help improved the speed of processing visual information, learning rate, and memory. It also showed that taking Bacopa monnieri extract daily improved memory, attention, and the ability to process information.

May Help Reduce ADHD Symptoms

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Research has shown that Bacopa monnieri may help reduce ADHD symptoms. In one study, it showed that children taking 225mg of Bacopa monnieri extract daily for six months significantly reduced ADHD symptoms like restlessness, poor self control, inattention, and impulsivity.

May Prevent Anxiety & Stress

Bacopa monnieri may help prevent anxiety and stress; it is also considered an apoptogenic herb which means that it increases your body's resistance to stress. Research shows that Bacopa monnieri helps reduce stress and anxiety by elevating your mood and reducing levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is closely linked to stres levels.

In another study, it shows that taking 300mg of Bacopa monnieri daily significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores in adults.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure Levels

High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it places strain on your heart and blood vessels. This can weaken your heart and increase your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that Bacopa monnieri may help keep blood pressure within a healthy range.

In one animal study, Bacopa monnieri reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels by releasing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels, resulting in improved blood flow and lower blood pressure.

May Have Anticancer Properties

The active class of compounds in Bacopa monnieri, Bacosides, have been shown to kill aggressive brain tumor cells and inhibit the growth of breast, brain, and colon cancer cells. Research has suggested that high levels of antioxidants and compounds like bacosides may be responsible for its cancer fighting properties.

What Are The Side Effects Of Bacopa Monnieri?

While Bacopa monnieri is considered safe, it may cause side effects in some people. Side effects can include digestive symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Bacopa monnieri.

Conclusion

Overall, Bacopa monnieri is an ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy for many conditions. This herbal supplement can help boost brain function, treat ADHD symptoms, and reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that it can have anticancer properties and reduce inflammation and blood pressure.