Bacopa monnieri enhances human memory. It is a small, creeping herb with light purple flowers endemic in India and the Tropics. It grows in wet soil, shallow water and the marshes.
Traditionally, this herb is used to treat variety of health problems in India and to cure those suffering from memory and mental decline. The locals of India refer to it as Brahmi in the Ayurvedic texts. Scholars believed the name originated from Lord Brahma which is the Hindu creator of the world.
As approved by clinical research and trials, Bacopa monnieri is proven to decrease the rate of forgetting newly acquired information, reduce short term memory loss and increase verbal learning as well as increase memory recall. This level of improvement is proven through different brain researches wherein a control group was given a modulated dosage of Bacopa monnieri extracts daily. It was tested on patients with mild to severe Alzheimer’s disease, and children with memory and mental deficiency.
What was used as a traditional medicine in the 6th A.D in India is now a well known dietary supplement. It is also a good source of antioxidants, a nervine, diuretic and cardiac tonic. It is proven to be effective in reducing stress, nervousness and depression. Its usage was even more popular because of enhanced memory, comprehension and mental clarity.
So far there is no known side effect associated to the usage of Bacopa monnieri extracts. It does not have any addictive or habituation potential and no significant data have been presented mentioning allergic reactions triggered by the supplement. If the herb was not properly cleaned and processed the only known problem would be gastrointestinal infection. Because of its reliability, it is now widely promoted not only in Asia but in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Aside from Bacopa monnieri there are also other botanical remedies known to be with memory enhancing capacities. Dietary manufacturers are considering combining Bacopa monnieri with Gingko biloba which slows the progression of dementia, the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) an amino acid derivative which is a cognitive enhancer, and the brain cell nutrient called as Phosphatidyl serine or PS which will make the supplement even stronger and more effective. The active components in Bacopa monnieri called steroidal saponins or bacosides A and B enhances brain function.
Now, the famous Ayurvedic Products in India no longer exists in their country alone. Today its usage is widespread in all nations seeking aid from the scientifically validated herbal nutrient. Those who significantly want to improve their lifestyle, mental disposition and quality of living are seeking refuge in the many benefits Bacopa monnieri has to offer. In turn this need is used by manufacturers to supply and create more capsules of Bacopa monnieri extract.