Bacopa monnieri extract Review
Product name | Bacopa monnieri Extract |
Latin Name | Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. |
Synonyms | bacopa monniera, Bacognize®, bramhi, Herpestis monniera, water hyssop, bacopa monieri, bacopa extract |
Part used | Herb |
Active ingredients | Bacopasides (Bacoside A & B) |
CAS number | N/A |
Appearance/color | Yellow brown fine powder |
Specifications | Bacopasides 20%, 40%,45%, 50% |
dosage | 100 mg to 300 mg per serving |
benefits | enhance memory, cognitive enhancement |
What is bacopa monnieri extract?
Bacopa monnieri extract, with active ingredients as Bacopasides (Bacoside A & B), according to Wikipedia, is an herb native to India and part of China. The use of bacopa herb has a long history of 1500 years in the Asian ayurvedic system of medicine where it is known as Brahmi. Bacopa monnieri is one of the most important herbs in India and is used for a wide variety of ailments and as a general brain tonic to enhance memory, learning, concentration and anti-aging. Bacopa is known as a natural neuronal accelerator which is very popular among chess players and Indian intellectuals. In the west, Bacopa monnieri is gaining popularity due to recent studies that examine its effect on the brain, cancer and its ability to keep stress at bay. There are many other names for bacopa monnieri extract,such as bacopa monniera, bramhi, Herpestis monniera, water hyssop, bacopa monieri, bacopa extract, etc.
Herb Nutritionals Co., Ltd is only few manufacturers that are able to manufacturer 45% and 50% higher percentage of Bacopasides. The common specifications of bacopa herbs are 10% bacopasides, 20% bacopasides, and no one is specialized in higher content bacoside A& B. However, Herb Nutritionals does.
Chemical constituents of Bacopa monnieri
Triterpenoid saponins known as bacosides are the key components of bacopa monnieri extract. Bacosides comprise a family of 12 known analogs. Novel saponins called bacopasides I–XII have been identified more recently. The alkaloids brahmine, nicotine, and herpestine have been catalogued, along with D-mannitol, apigenin, hersaponin, monnierasides I–III, cucurbitacins and plantainoside B. Compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects of bacopa include alkaloids, saponins, and sterols. Many active constituents – the alkaloids Brahmine and herpestine, saponins d-mannitol and hersaponin, acid A, and monnierin – were isolated in India over 40 years ago. Other active constituents have since been identified, including betulic acid, stigmastarol, beta-sitosterol, as well as numerous bacosides and bacopasaponins. The constituents responsible for Bacopa’s cognitive effects are bacoside A and B
The constituent most studied has been bacoside A, which was found to be a blend of bacoside A3, bacopacide II, bacopasaponin C, and a jujubogenin isomer of bacosaponin C.These assays have been conducted using whole plant extract, and bacoside concentrations may vary depending upon the part from which they are extracted. In one BM sample, Rastogi et al. found this bacoside profile—bacopaside I (5.37%), bacoside A3 (5.59%), bacopaside II (6.9%), bacopasaponin C isomer (7.08%), and bacopasaponin C (4.18%)
Mechanism of action of bacopa monnieri extract
How does bacopa work in the Central Nervous System (CNS)? Recent studies indicate that Bacosides, the primary active components of Bacopa, enhance nerve impulse transmission, which may help to promote healthy cognitive functions like focus, concentration, attention span, learning and memory. Preliminary laboratory results also suggest that Bacopa influences the production and availability of the neurotransmitter Serotonin; therefore it is thought that Bacopa may help to provide positive support for healthy neurotransmitter balance.
Bacopa has been identified in clinical analysis as an adaptogen, meaning it increases the body’s resistance to a wide range of chemical, biological and physical stressors. Scientists believe that Bacopa likely affects multiple body systems to promote emotional wellbeing, physical endurance and mental sharpness.
Two chemicals in bacopa, bacosides A and B, improve the transmission of impulses between nerve cells in your brain. The neurobiological effects of these isolated molecules were found to increase protein kinase activity and new protein synthesis, specifically in cells in region of the brain associated with long-term memory. Bacopa also increases your level of serotonin, a brain chemical known to promote relaxation. The herb’s ability to boost brain function while reducing anxiety may explain why it helps treat ADHD. Aside from increasing intellectual and cognitive function, Brahmi induces a sense of calm and peace in its users. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. This makes Brahmi extremely applicable in highly stressful work or study environments where clarity of thought is as important as being able to work under pressure. Many people have the intelligence to perform to strict standards, but lack the composure and self-confidence to reach them. Additionally, Brahmi helps soothe the restlessness and distraction that nervousness causes. Brahmi is ideal for students and workers faced with this problem.
Benefits of taking bacopa monnieri extract
Bacopa monnieri extract, as an adaptogen, a physiological agent that naturally increases the body’s resistance to physical and emotional stress, has been used traditionally to treat epilepsy, depression, insomnia, and schizophrenia.
Bacopa is used for these common wellness concerns:
Focus, attention span, concentration, memory, mental sharpness and other healthy cognitive functions; mental and physical fatigue caused by stress Some key benefits of bacopa are sumarrized as below:
1.Enhance memory.
Bacopa monnieri extract has many Cognitive Functions known as a brain tonic because it can be used to improve learning problems, memory, and concentration.
2.Enhance mood and reduce anxiety
In addition, Brahmi has been found to be very beneficial in the treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. It has been found to significant improve IQ levels, general ability, behavioral patterns and mental concentration in children. Bacopa is useful for improving mental clarity, confidence and memory recall. For these uses of Bacopa monnieri, it has been widely used by students.
Bacopa monnieri supports the effects of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and acetylcholine. This effect on neurotransmitters is what enables Bacopa monnieri to support mood-related symptoms. According toDrug Digest, animal studies of Bacopa monnieri’s effectiveness in treating mood issues have produced positive results, finding that Bacopa monnieri was nearly as effective as common prescription anti-anxiety medications, but without the side effects.
3. Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Bacopa has long been used in the treatment of cancer in Ayurvedic medicine.
The plant is also used for all sorts of skin problems- eczema, psoriasis, abscess, ulcerations- it is said to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails.
SIDE EFFECTS OF BACOPA MONNIERI
Bacopa is well tolerated and maintains an excellent safety profile. To date, medical literature confirms that there have been no adverse reactions related to the use of Bacopa as a dietary supplement. Long term side effects and safety of bacopa monnieri extract are currently not fully known. As with most herbs, it’s best to take breaks from use.
Dosage of Bacopa monnieri extract supplement
There is no specified dosage for Bacopa monnieri. Some companies suggest 100mg daily but some supplement brands suggest 2 tablets of 225mg twice daily, equivalent to about 6-9 g of whole dried herb. Therefore, there is no right dosage that applies to everyone, each person is unique. In general use the lowest dosage that works. The usual dosage is 100 mg to 300 mg of the extract once or twice daily. It appears that it works better when taken a few days in a row rather than just once.
Herb Nutritionals Co., Ltd is a professional manufacturer and supplier of Bacopa monnieri extract for the industry of bodybuilding, dietary supplements, and sports nutrition ingredients.