Health Benefits of Bacopa Extract

Bacopa monnieri, a plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, has an age-old reputation for being an effective and powerful herb helpful for memory and combating stress. Bacopa monnieri, known to most as Brahmi, acts as an adaptogen; which means it helps the body adapt to new or stressful situations.

Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) is a perennial creeping herb native to the wetlands of southern India. Bacopa is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, where it is also known as “Brahmi,” after Brahmā, the creator God of the Hindu pantheon. Bacopa has been used in traditional Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy and asthma. It is also used in Ayurveda for ulcers, tumors, ascites, enlarged spleen, inflammations, anemia, and gastroenteritis.

Bacopa monnieri displays in vitro antioxidant and cell-protective effects. In animals, it also inhibits acetylcholinesterase, activates choline acetyltransferase, and increases cerebral blood flow. Several studies have suggested that Bacopa monnieri extracts may have protective effects in animal models of neurodegeneration. Small clinical trials in humans have found limited evidence supporting improved free memory recall, with no evidence supporting other Cognition-Enhancing Effects.

Health Benefits of Bacopa Extract

Bacopa help Eases Depression and Anxiety

If you have depression or anxiety, taking could help. Boosts the effects of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and acetylcholine, states the University of Michigan Health System. This effect on neurotransmitters is what enables to decrease depression and anxiety symptoms. According to Drug Digest, animal studies of bacopa’s  effectiveness in treating anxiety and depression have produced positive results, finding that varion herb was nearly as effective as common prescription anti-anxiety medications, but without the side effects. Some human studies failed to find any anti-anxiety benefits from taking it, however.

Bacopa Monnieri Benefits for Health and Brain Power

In Ayurvedic medicine, most Bacopa Monnieri benefits are common knowledge. This plant-derived natural medicinal has been widely prescribed to both children and adults to enhance brain power for centuries in India. Specifically, Bacopa improves memory retention, while eliminating sources of anxiety which stand in the way of great neural function. It is similar in effect to natural Piracetam – one of the best-selling brain supplements of all time. As a part of modern nootropic stacks like Alpha Brain, the benefits of Bacopa Monnieri are amplified even further. Here’s a full summary of what we know about how Bacopa Monnieri works in the body.

Prevents & Treats Stomach Ulcers and Treats Respiratory Conditions

Bacopa might help in preventing and healing stomach ulcers, as well as protecting your gastrointestinal tract. Bacopa stimulates production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract and appears to protect stomach cells, Drug Digest reports. Another action that helps to prevent and treat ulcers is bacopa’s ability to relax the muscles that control the intestinal blood vessels, according to animal studies cited by the University of Michigan Health System. Bacopa may help to treat or relieve your symptoms of certain respiratory ailments, including allergies and asthma. Bacopa relaxes the bronchioles, which often become inflamed or irritated from respiratory conditions. Bacopa extracts also relax the blood vessel muscles around the respiratory airway passages, notes the University of Michigan Health System.

Supports the Brain and Fights Alzheimer’s

As people age, it’s common for age-related brain degradation to happen. The active compounds in Bacopa, known as bacosides, are beginning to be evaluated for their effects on the brain and human health. Some research has shown the compounds in Bacopa to positively influence brain cells that prompt the regeneration of brain tissue. In one animal study, long-term supplementation with bacosides showed therapeutic value against the rapid degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  Hopefully more will continue to explore its potential benefits for brain health. Any illness or irritation can cause redness and swelling in the body. No location more dangerous than the brain. Bacopa may be helpful at fighting this. Research supports its use for managing systemic redness in the brain caused by the body’s autoimmune response. Much of the research is ongoing; however, the emerging data offers hope for new therapies in the treatment of chronic discomfort and redness.

Promotes Liver Health & Protection against Neonatal Hypoglycemia

The brain is not the only organ that benefits from Bacopa’s health-promoting compounds. The liver is the body’s main detoxifying organ, and studies suggest Bacopa may be useful for encouraging liver function following toxin damage. With the daily onslaught of toxins in our environment and food, it’s no wonder so many seek safe, natural compounds that support proper liver function. When it comes to newborn infants, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can result in serious and immediate brain damage, inducing future motor and cognitive impairment. Studies have found bacosides to be highly-active compounds that exhibit neuron-protecting effects in hypoglycemic infants. Therefore, many researchers believe that Bacopa extracts may be effective for protecting newborn brains against hypoglycemia-induced brain damage.

Positively Impacts Opioid Dependence

Doctors prescribe (and sometimes over-prescribe) opioids, like morphine and oxycodone, for pain management. Although these drugs are effective, their highly-addictive nature is a massive downside. Seventy-seven percent of chronic pain patients also suffer from depression and face an added risk of addiction. Researchers have discovered that bacosides may be helpful for enhancing the benefits of morphine while reducing the “high”, thus decreasing the risk for dependence. In addition, studies indicate that bacosides offer protective benefits for organs commonly affected by opiate toxicity.

Encourages Normal Blood Pressure & Strong Antioxidant Activity

Bacopa has been shown to increase the utilization of nitric oxide in the body and also appears to encourage vascular muscle function, two benefits that positively influence normal blood pressure. While promoting normal blood pressure is not one of Bacopa’s most well-known uses, the herb may still provide a valuable, natural approach to those seeking this benefit. Antioxidants can we get too many of them? Many researchers are evaluating natural plants, herbs, and foods for their antioxidant potential and findings indicate that Bacopa is a good Anti-Oxidant. It provides protection against oxidative damage, a type of cellular damage caused by free radicals. The herb has also been shown to enhance antioxidant activity in other organs, like the kidneys.