Bacopa extract (bacopa monnieri)
Bacopa, often called Brahmi or water hyssop has been used in India by practitioners of Ayurvedic herbal medicine (or Ayurveda) for many thousands of years.
Studies have shown Bacopa to have very positive effects on memory, mental function and the ability to retain new information (learning functions) . Bacopa is also commonly used as a heart and nervous system tonic by Ayurvedic practitioners.
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Bacopa Plant
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The active ingredient in Bacopa that provides the many health benefits are called bacosides. Extracts of bacopa standardized for bacosides. Bacopa extracts are reported to have significant antioxidant activity in the brain. This is especially valuable at protecting brain cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals, which substances that can have potentially harmful effects on cells.
Bacopa extract is also reported to improve blood circulation to the brain and improve nerve impulse transmission by repairing damaged neurons. It is interesting to note that those with alzheimer's disease has decreased neuron activity in the hippocampus. Studies have shown that bacopa has a strong antioxidant effect in the hippocampus as well as other other areas of the brain. Bacopa extract also is reported to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Bacopa extracts help to keep blood vessels strong, which may help prevent heart attacks caused by vascular constrictions.
Bacopa seems to function best when combined with other herbs or botanicals like a multi-vitamin supplement. It is not recommended to take as a stand alone supplement.