Research

Research inhibit oxidative damage in the brain:

Laboratory studies have shown that the antioxidant activity of bacoside A, an active constituent of Bacopa monnieri, helps in protecting the brain from oxidative stress. It works by enhancing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes, vitamins and minerals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation that damage the brain cells. (Anbarasi K et al. “Effect of bacoside A on brain antioxidant status in cigarette smoke exposed rats.” Life Sci. 2006 Feb).

Research in reducing harmful effect of stress on brain:

Bacosides, the active constituents of Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri, help in protecting the brain cells from stress by modulating activities of enzymes and proteins that are released during stress. This anti-stress property of Bacopa monnieri enables the brain to perform its normal function during adverse situations. (Chowdhuri DK 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 Nov).

Research IN REDUCING RISK OF AGE-RELATED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:

The neuroprotective property of Brahmi helps in inhibiting destruction of brain cells. Studies suggest that the herb works by inhibiting oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase activity, which lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (Limpeanchob N et al. “Neuroprotective effect of Bacopa monnieri on beta-amyloid-induced cell death in primary cortical culture.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Oct).

Research in management of ADHD symptoms in children:

In a clinical trial, researchers found that Bacopa monnieri helps in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. It may help in reducing impulsivity, restlessness and psychiatric problems and enhancing self control and learning capacity. In addition, unlike drugs currently used for treating ADHD, Bacopa monnieri does not cause any adverse side effect and is well tolerated by children. (Dave UP et al. “An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.” Adv Mind Body Med. 2014 Spring).

Research in epilepsy management:

Studies have shown that bacoside-A present in Bacopa monnieri helps in reversing changes in the brain that triggers epileptic seizures. Hence, this herb is considered beneficial for people susceptible to epilepsy. (Mathew J et al. “Decreased GABA receptor in the cerebral cortex of epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A.” J Biomed Sci. 2012 Feb).

Research in reducing depression:

In a laboratory study researchers found that the anti-depressant activity of Bacopa monnieri is comparable to that of the standard antidepressant drugs. (Sairam K et al. “Antidepressant activity of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri in experimental models of depression in rats.” Phytomedicine. 2002 Apr).