Bacopa extract is derived from the Bacopa monniera leaves, a small creeping herb widely found in the Tropics and India. Often mistaken as a water lily, it belongs to the family of Plantaginacea which is an aquatic plant. It abundantly grows in shallow water, wet soil and marshes. The entire plant is characterized by numerous branches, light purple flowers and small oblong years. The extract has been traditionally used way back 6th century A.D which is also known as “Brahmi” in the Ayurvedic texts which is said to be named after the Hindu creator of the world, Lord Brahma. There are many names associated to Bacopa extract. It is also referred to as Herpestis monniera, water hyssop in medicine.
Bacopa monniera consists of alkaloids, sterols and saponins. The extract is said to enhance mental function and promote mental clarity. It is a healthy support for improving both learning and cognitive functions. It is a natural treatment for ADHD (abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) because it reduces the effects of stress on the brain. It acts as an aid to people suffering from stress and depression because drinking the extract permits the secretion of serotonin that in turn calms the drinker.
Bacopa extract is different from Bacopa monniera because its production has been standardized and processed according to medical research. The herb used 5000 years ago in Ayurvedic healing is now widely available in leading drugstores nationwide. The Ayurvedic tradition ofIndiais no longer limited to its people many have already benefited from it and its usage has been widespread everywhere in the world.
Under strict quality controls only the best herbs are used to ensure optimum efficiency and potency. Pharmaceutical companies have invested millions in the standardization of the process which in turn has lead to millions of supplementary capsules sold in the market today. Some do not sell directly to consumers and prefer that it is first subscribed by doctors to users. This is to avoid complications and to provide guidance to the levels of dosage.
The recommended daily dosage would depend on the age and condition of the person who is about to take the supplement. Adults are given the suggested daily dosage of 250 milligrams while other manufacturers prefer guided support from a healthcare professional. The key factor is to maintain balance and to secure that no other medicines can go against the effects of the Bacopa extract especially those with Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD. In a nutshell, Bacopa extract is the clinical process of extracting the Bacosides A and B from the Bacopa plant to preserve its memory enhancing properties. As a result two active molecules are restored which are critical to enhancing brain and memory function.