Brahmi

Brahmi

Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is an Ayurvedic herb that has been traditionally used for improving cognitive functions and reducing anxiety and stress. (Russo and Borrelli, 2005) Several studies have shown that Brahmi possesses antioxidant properties that help protect against oxidative damage in the brain. (Kumar et al., 2006) The herb has also been found to enhance neurotransmitter function, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which are essential for cognitive processes such as learning and memory. (Bhattacharya et al., 1996)

Moreover, Brahmi has been shown to improve cognitive functions in healthy individuals as well as those with cognitive impairment. (Calabrese et al., 2008; Stough et al., 2001) It has also been found to reduce anxiety and stress levels in individuals, making it a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. (Bhattacharya and Kumar, 1997)

In addition, Brahmi has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, protecting the brain against various toxic substances and stressors. (Russo and Borrelli, 2005) It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its neuroprotective effects. (Viji and Helen, 2011)

Overall, Brahmi is a promising Ayurvedic herb with various neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, it has shown potential as a natural treatment option for anxiety, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders.

References used:

  1. Kumar, M. H. V., Gupta, Y. K., & Singh, S. (2006). Antioxidant property of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 21(2), 126-131.
  2. Aguiar, S. & Borowski, T. (2013). Neuropharmacological Review of the Nootropic Herb Bacopa monnieri. Rejuvenation Research, 16(4), 313-326. https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2013.1431
  3. Calabrese, C., Gregory, W. L., Leo, M., Kraemer, D., Bone, K., & Oken, B. (2008). Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 707-713. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0018
  4. Chowdhuri, D. K., Parmar, D., Kakkar, P., & Shukla, R. (2002). Antistress effects of bacosides of Bacopa monnieri: modulation of Hsp70 expression, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 activity in rat brain. Phytotherapy Research, 16(7), 639-645. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1023
  5. Mathew, J., Paul, J., Nandhu, M. S., & Paulose, C. S. (2010). Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A for ameliorating epilepsy associated behavioral deficits. Fitoterapia, 81(5), 315-322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2009.10.007
  6. Morgan, A., & Stevens, J. (2010). Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(7), 753-759. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0342
  7. Pase, M. P., Kean, J., Sarris, J., Neale, C., Scholey, A. B., & Stough, C. (2012). The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(7), 647-652. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0367
  8. Russo, A., Borrelli, F. (2005). Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview. Phytomedicine, 12(4), 305-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2003.12.008
  9. Singh, R. H., Singh, L. (1980). Studies on the anti-anxiety effect of the medyha rasayana drug, Brahmi (Bacopa monniera Wettst). Part 1. Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, 1(1), 133-148. PMID: 22556749
  10. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, et al. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001;156(4):481-484. doi: 10.1007/s002130100815
  11. Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Kumar, A., & Ghosal, S. (1996). Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Phytotherapy Research, 10(3), 202-205.
  12. Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Effects of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and perturbed central cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytotherapy Research. 1995;9(2):110-113. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2650090208
  13. Kumar N, Abichandani LG, Thawani V, et al. Efficacy of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on cognitive functions of medical students: A six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016:4103423. doi: 10.1155/2016/4103423
  14. Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Phytotherapy Research. 2000;14(3):174-179. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(200005)14:3<174::AID-PTR573>3.0.CO;2-H
  15. Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A. Nootropic and anxiolytic activity of Brahmi Rasayana. Indian J Psychiatry. 1997;39(2):136-138.
  16. Viji V, Helen A. Therapeutic potential of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) against cognitive impairment and oxidative stress induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin in rats. Neur Regen Res. 2011;6(9):677-681. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2011.09.005

 

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