Bacopa monnieri is a perennial creeper, inhabiting wetlands and wetland areas. Commonly found in swampy areas of Sri Lanka, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, India and Nepal. Bacopa monnieri is one of the herbs that successfully competes with the achievements of ginkgo biloba.
It is believed that mankind knows the properties of Bacopa monnieri of over 3, 000 years now. Its Indian name is Brahmi. The herb is very known in Ayurveda as a valuable tonic to enhance the spirit, mind and intellect.
Composition of Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri contains biologically active substances known as bacosides A and B. The herb is rich in saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, stigmasterol and other valuable ingredients.
Selecting and storing Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is found on the market primarily in the form of nutritional supplements and products to improve memory and intellectual abilities.
Normally, it is encountered alone or in combination with other Indian Herbs. Used in combination with ginkgo biloba, although there are studies that deny the effect of concurrent administration.
Benefits of Bacopa monnieri
As mentioned Bacopa monnieri contains A and B bacosides, which are steroid saponins. It is believed that they are responsible for the beneficial effects of the plant on the nervous system.
Studies show that intake of Bacopa monnieri extract helps improve learning and memory, while slowing the disappearance of newly acquired behaviour.
The mechanism of action of the valuable plant has not yet been fully elucidated. Other studies show that Bacopa monnieri may exert a calming and antidepressant effect, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic effect, dilation of blood vessels and improve blood circulation to the nervous tissue. It is believed that it improves the function of the secondary memory.
The main effects of Bacopa monnieri can be summarized in several categories. Firstly, the herb improves retention of new information and reduces forgetfulness. The second place, it improves verbal memory, recalling and long-lasting memories.
Brahmi improves the speed of visual information processing, the speed of learning and consolidation of memories. Last but not least are improving the formation of memories and slow forgetting. The herb improves the state of mice having Alzheimer’s syndrome.
Composition of Bacopa monnieri
Among the proven effects in a laboratory, some benefits of Bacopa monnieri are improving immunity and healing of wounds, prevent the brain from oxidative stress, anti-aging and preventing the progression of diseases of the nervous system, it has a hepato- protective effect /protects the liver/. These effects have been proven in experiments with rats and mice.
Bacopa monnieri has a good calming effect, relieves stress, improves mood and normalizes sleep.
Taking Bacopa monnieri
It is believed that safe doses Bacopa monnieri range from 100 to 300 mg per day. This of course depends on the type of extraction and concentration.
It is best to consult a doctor and follow the doses stated on the pack. Bacopa monnieri is a food additive, and is not to be used as a complete substitute for a healthy diet.
Dangers of Bacopa monnieri
People who suffer from chronic gastrointestinal problems and illnesses should not take Bacopa monnieri without consulting a doctor. It should not be taken by pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and young children.
The extract may be associated with abdominal discomfort - nausea, cramps, frequent bowel movements. Experiments on male rats showed that administration temporarily suppresses inseminative abilities. However, this suppression is reversible and resolved after discontinuation of dosing.
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