Bacopa monnieri is a herb with extraordinary health-promoting properties and properties that support the body's functioning. However, the plant is most valued for its effect on brain function and mental performance. See for yourselves how wide the use of extracts in supplementation is.
Bacopa monnieri – what is it?
Bacopa monnieri is a medicinal herb originally used primarily for its calming properties. It was then used for its ability to improve mental performance, enhance concentration, and support effective memorization.
Interestingly, the plant was also used in therapies for epilepsy, ADHD, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. What are the hallmark properties of extracts from this herb?
Bacopa monnieri reduces stress
Bacopa monnieri is a herb classified as an adaptogen. This means that it allows the body to function normally in difficult conditions. Adaptogenic properties in relation to the human body refer to increasing resistance to stress, reducing its level, and alleviating its possible effects. It reduces stress levels and increases resistance to stressful factors, both psychological and physical.
High exposure to stress worsens well-being and lowers health status. According to studies, bacopa monnieri extracts are able to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone). The effect of supplementation in this area is beneficial for the mind and body. It is worth bearing in mind that excessive stress and high cortisol do not support shaping your physique. Interestingly, it also affects the production of dopamine and serotonin.
Bacopa monnieri, memory and learning ability
It is a fact that the use of bacopa monnieri has a beneficial effect on memory and learning ability. Among others, studies from 2010 (Morgan) confirm that regular administration of appropriate doses of bacopa affects both short-term and long-term memory. Additionally, it improves concentration and the course of thought processes. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that bacopa monnieri - despite confirmed effectiveness - takes quite a long time to kick in, about 6-8 weeks.
Interestingly, in a study conducted on people aged 60-64, a significant improvement in memory was already noted after four weeks of use. Taking bacopa monnieri improves the absorption of new information and memory in both older people (including people with dementia) and healthy people who do not suffer from such ailments.
Thanks to the ingredients contained in the plant, nerve impulses flow better through the stimulation of the proliferation of our dendrites. The entire nerve signalling improves, which translates into an increase in cognitive functions. In addition, bacopa monnieri affects the activity of the hippocampus, supporting cognitive functions.
Bacopa monnieri good for the heart and brain
It is worth mentioning that bacosides A and B, found in bacopa monnieri, stimulate the so-called modulation of monoaminergic transmission. This means that they significantly limit cellular ageing processes. This, in turn, supports the proper condition and functioning of specific systems.
It is worth remembering that the nervous and cardiovascular systems are somehow connected. Namely, the plant ingredients minimise degenerative changes in the parasympathetic system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible, among other things, for lowering blood pressure or slowing down heart rate. Moreover, it is associated with rest, digestion, and regulation of acetylcholine.
The antioxidant properties of bacopa monnieri also support the protection of systems. Studies confirm that it may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. They also suggest that, apart from lowering blood pressure, the ingredients of the herb reduce ischaemic-type damage and cause blood vessels to dilate.
It is a fact that bacopa monnieri extracts support brain function. This is not only about a mild but beneficial stimulation and cognitive functions, but also about a neuroprotective effect. It protects nerves, brain cells, and improves blood flow to the brain. In addition, its active ingredients may stimulate the growth of nerve cells and neuron synthesis.
What benefits can be obtained from using bacopa monnieri?
- supports the production of IgA and IgG antibodies,
- has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,
- has antifungal properties, especially against Candida albicans,
- has antibacterial effects (it has shown good results in the fight against Helicobacter pylori,
- has a beneficial effect on the intestines in people with irritable bowel syndrome,
- supports digestion,
- has antiviral effects,
- has a beneficial effect on the intestinal mucosa,
- has a calming effect and alleviates depressive and anxiety states,
- acts as a regulator of important neurotransmitters,
- improves thyroid function,
- protects the liver from damage,
- helps stabilise sugar balance (blood sugar) e.g. in diabetes or insulin resistance,
- has anti-ageing effects,
- affects serotonin receptors,
- has a beneficial effect in histamine intolerance,
- has a nootropic and adaptogenic effect,
- alleviates insomnia and improves sleep quality.
