Brahmi

Figure 1. The Brahmi (i.e. Bacopa monnieri) plant.

Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri is a perennial, creeping herb native to the wetlands of southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. Brahmi has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times to improve memory, reduce anxiety, and treat epilepsy.

Taken as a Dietary Supplement

Brahmi might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. It might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer disease. As such, Brahmi is commonly taken to help with Alzheimer disease, memory and thinking skills, anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

Brahmi contains powerful compounds that may have antioxidant effects. Its main active compound, Bacosides, have been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals. When fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation, a phenomenon that is linked to several conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Brahmi is considered an adaptogenic herb. Research has suggested that Brahmi may help to reduce stress and anxiety by elevating one's mood and reducing levels of cortisol within the human body. Cortisol is a hormone that is closely linked to stress levels.

Brahmi may help to keep blood pressures within a healthy range. It does so by releasing Nitric Oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels thereby improving blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. 

Side Effects

• May cause nausea, increased intestinal motility, and gastrointestinal upsets.