Bacopa / Bacopa monnieri
Scrophulariaceae
Bacopa
monnieri
Brahmi, Brambbi, Zarazab, lunuvila, Otomeazent, Pa-chi-tlien, Water Hyssop
Antispasmodic, alterative, astringent, brain tonic, diuretic, sedative.
arial parts
Its many active compounds include: alkaloids (brahmine and herpestine), saponins (d-mannitol and hersaponin, acid A, and monnierin), flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin). Also in significant amounts: betulic acid, stigmastarol, beta-sitosterol, bacopasaponins (bacosides A, bacosides B, bacopaside II, bacopaside I, bacopaside X, bacopasaponin C, bacopaside N2 and the minor components were bacopasaponin F, bacopasaponin E, bacopaside N1, bacopaside III, bacopaside IV, and bacopaside V).* Bacosides A Enhances the body’s antioxidant defenses (increases superoxide dismutase , catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities) Maintains the structural and functional integrity of the mitochondrial membrane (by inhibiting excessive lipid peroxidation & creatine kinase, improving the activities of ATPases, and maintaining the ionic equilibrium. Protects gastrointestinal health (by raising mucosal defensive factors * Bacopasaponin C: Has an inhibitory effect against parasites (anti-leishmanial properties) * B. monnieri has a demonstrated ability to reverse diazepam-induced amnesia in the Morris water maze test.
Not to be confused with Gotu Cola which is also called Brahmi (The literal meaning of brahmi is that which expands consciousness or what gives knowledge of Brahman or Supreme Reality) In India, this plant has also been used traditionally to consecrate newborn babies in the belief that it will open the gateway of intelligence. It is used to improve memory, mental function, concentration and learning time and retention . In Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa is used for nervous system disorders like neuralgia, epilepsy, and mental illness. However, anti-epilepsy properties seem to be in very high toxic and near lethal dose, so it's only used—at much lower non-toxic dosage—as an additive to regular epilepsy medication. Other uses are for constipation , asthma, bronchitis, ulcers, wind, indigestion and even for infertility. In China it is taken as a yang tonic for impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility and rheumatic conditions. It has antioxidant properties, reducing oxidation of fats in the bloodstream. Studies in humans show that an extract of the plant has antianxiety effects. It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. Recent studies suggest bacopa may improve intellectual activity. The sulfhydryl and polyphenol components of Bacopa monniera extract have also been shown to impact the oxidative stress cascade by scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and reducing divalent metals. B. monnieri has a demonstrated ability to reverse diazepam-induced amnesia in the Morris water maze test with lab rats. In some trials, bacopacide extract did not restore or enhance memory formation, but improved retention. In others including a randomized clinical trial of 98 healthy older people (over 55 years) Bacopa significantly improved memory acquisition and retention. When a preparation of the plant was evaluated for safety and tolerability it showed no adverse effects but there were some reports of mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Bacopa monnieri is a known hyperaccumulator of cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury, and as such can be used for phytoremediation.
https://www.theherbalist.com.au/herb_gallery/bacopa-brahmi