Bacopa monnieri: 10 Benefits, How to Prepare & Side Effects
Today's fast-paced and demanding world requires constant focus and productivity. Not surprisingly, many of us turn to coffee and other stimulants to keep going. But what if there was a natural way to support our brain function, memory and focus?
Enter Bacopa tea - a herbal tea derived from the Bacopa monnieri plant, also known as Brahmi. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is renowned for its many potential health benefits, especially for people who are forgetful and struggling to concentrate.
From improving memory and concentration to reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, Bacopa tea is a natural and effective tool for supporting both brain health and physical well-being.
With modern research backing up its potential health benefits, Bacopa tea is increasing in popularity. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 benefits of Bacopa tea, how to prepare it, and discuss potential side effects you should be aware of.
So, put that cup of coffee down and listen!
10 health benefits of Bacopa monnieri
The main benefits of Bacopa monnieri include:
1. Improved learning and memory
Bacopa tea is often touted for its potential to enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Recent scientific studies confirm that it could indeed have such effects.
An animal study discovered that components present in Bacopa monnieri extract had a remarkable impact on nerve cells. They stimulated the growth and branching of dendrites, the vital communication pathways between neurones.
Furthermore, the study found that rats receiving the extract demonstrated enhanced learning performance and improved memory retention (1).
These effects could be caused by the upregulation of certain neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which plays a crucial role in learning and memory processes (2).
In addition, a randomised, placebo-controlled trial, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that regular consumption of Bacopa extract improved memory performance and cognitive function in participants (3).
But not all studies show the same results.
According to a study published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) does not affect the rate of learning, but helps with the retention of new information instead (4).
2. Improved cognitive function
Bacopa monnieri has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, as a way to enhance memory, improve brain function and mental clarity. Results from scientific studies support these claims.
One clinical trial showed the potential of Bacopa extract to safely improve cognitive function in people.
During the 12-week study, participants who received Bacopa extract experienced improvements in their cognitive performance, while the placebo group did not show any significant changes (5).
In addition to that, Bacopa could also help improve brain function in people with ADHD.
A study on 120 children diagnosed with ADHD showed promising results regarding the cognitive benefits of Bacopa monnieri. The participants received either a herbal preparation containing 125 mg of Bacopa monnieri or a placebo over the course of 4 months.
According to the results, the treated group experienced significant improvements in attention, cognition, and impulse control. (6).
Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that Bacopa supplements (Keenmind) could improve higher order cognitive processes.
According to the results of the study, the supplement improved speed of visual information processing compared to placebo (7).
It must be noted though that not all studies support these findings.
One study on 72 healthy adults, who received Brahmi extract over the course of 12 weeks showed no significant improvements on cognitive performance (8).
3. May prevent anxiety
Bacopa tea may be a natural way to help manage anxiety and stress. Research has demonstrated that Bacopa monnieri has adaptogen properties and can therefore increase the body’s resistance to stress (9).
According to a study published in the Journal of Phytomedicine, Bacopa extract shows anxiolytic activity in rats, meaning that it can relieve symptoms of anxiety.
Moreover, the study compared the effect of Bacopa extract to a benzodiazepine anxiolytic and found that unlike lorazepam, Bacopa extract does not have an amnesic action, and can in fact promote memory and cognition (10).
4. Promote better sleep
If you're struggling with sleep, you might want to give Bacopa tea, as it can be a natural way to improve sleep quality. Ayurveda has used this herb for centuries to promote better sleep and help against insomnia.
The anxiolytic and sedative effects of Bacopa likely play a key role in its effect on sleep.
As mentioned above, Bacopa could be effective against anxiety and and has a mild sedative effect (11). This could promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep.
The findings from a recent clinical trial, tell another story though.
According to the report, Bacopa monnieri extract did not improve sleep, based on the Bergen Insomnia Scale. However it had a positive effect on emotional wellbeing, general health, and pain-related symptoms (12).
5. Antioxidant with neuroprotective effects
Bacopa has antioxidants that can benefit your brain and overall health.
According to a study, Bacopa monnieri has a high antioxidant activity, and may even influence the therapeutic efficacy of some drugs in neurodegenerative diseases (13).
Another study confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, that Bacopa has a strong antioxidant activity and is able to protect both mitochondria and cytoplasm from oxidative damage in all brain regions. Furthermore, the study hypothesised that Bacopa monnieri could have the ability to protect the brain from neurodegenerative disorders linked to oxidative stress (14).
The benefits of antioxidants are not to be underestimated, as they can help combat aging, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Additionally, research has shown that Bacopa has possible neuroprotective effects.
The research suggests that Bacopa monnieri could be used in the treatment of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimers disease (15).
6. Inhibits inflammation in the brain
Bacopa tea could inhibit inflammation in the brain (16).
According to a study from 2016, Bacopa monnieri can inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes associated with inflammation.
As a result, it could limit inflammation in the central nervous system and is a promising source of new therapeutics for many disorders.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Bacopa tea has been used to treat other conditions related to inflammation as well, such as asthma and arthritis (17).
According to research, Bacopa can indeed be effective in the treatment of arthritis (18).
7. Anticonvulsant
Bacopa monnieri has potential anticonvulsant properties and could be beneficial for people suffering from epilepsy.
There is still a lot of research that needs to be done to really confirm and understand what happens, but if true, therapies based on Bacopa monnieri could be a game changer in the future.
A recent study from 2021, showed that Bacopa monnieri extract has real potential in terms of neuroprotection and antiepileptic activity (19).
Earlier studies have also observed the potential antiepileptic benefits of Bacopa (20).
Many anti-convulsant drugs used for the treatment of epilepsy, negatively affect cognitive function and memory.
According to research, Bacopa monnieri extract could significantly reduce the negative effects of Phanytoin on memory and cognition, without having a negative effect on its anticonvulsant activity (21).
8. Lower blood pressure and improve blood flow
Bacopa could be a natural solution to manage blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Scientific research suggests that Bacopa monnieri may have hypotensive and vasodilatory effects, which means it could help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
According to studies, Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) can help reduce blood pressure through releasing nitric oxide from the endothelium of blood vessels.
At least two of the components found in Brahmi extract, namely bacoside A3 and bacopaside II had this effect (22).
A placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial found that participants who were given Bacopa extract among other things, had a lower heart rate. At the same time the participants who received a placebo experienced an increase in heart rate (23).
This suggests that Bacopa extract may be a cardiotonic and have beneficial effects on heart health, but more research is needed to confirm this claim.
9. Bronchodilator
Bacopa monnieri may help to open up airways and improve respiratory function.
One study found that Bacopa extract showed significant broncho-vasodilatory activity, could lower blood pressure, and lower heart rate in rats (24).
Even though some people think that Bacopa tea may be a natural way to improve lung function, not everyone is convinced. Interestingly, WebMD claims that it may worsen lung conditions like COPD (25).
10. Peptic ulcer protection
Bacopa could have significant anti-ulcer activity in the stomach, primarily due to its impact on mucosal defensive factors (26).
Similar findings are also reported by a later study (27).
Yet, because it can inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, it is not recommended for people with peptic ulcer disease (28).
How to make Bacopa tea
Ingredients:
1-2 tsp Bacopa leaves (dried or fresh)
250 ml (8 oz) of boiling water
How to prepare:
Add the tea leaves to a pot of hot water and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea in a cup and serve hot.
If you are using fresh bacopa leaves to make your tea, you can bruise them to help release their oils. If you feel you need to improve the taste of your tea, feel free to add other herbs and teas, such as ginger and mint.
Side effects of Bacopa tea
Bacopa tea has a high therapeutic index and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated (29). However, like any substance, it can cause certain unwanted side effects, such as allergies, gastrointestinal and fertility issues.
Gastrointestinal
The most commonly reported side effects of Bacopa tea are gastrointestinal in nature, such as:
increased stool frequency
nausea
abdominal cramps
These symptoms are thought to be caused by increased acetylcholine activity and/or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract due to saponins present in the herb (30).
Fertility
One scientific study suggests that Bacopa may temporarily reduce sperm count in male laboratory mouse. But this effect seems to be reversible, and testosterone levels and libido were not affected (31).
Still, the fertility of the animals had decreased temporarily due to a decrease in sperm count, viability, and quality. In order for this to happen, the mice received a dose of 250 mg/kg/day for 28 or 56 days.
Sedative
Bacopa also has a mild sedative effect. This could be related to its potential to relieve anxiety (32).
Always consult with your healthcare provider before consuming Bacopa tea if you are taking medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system.
Allergic reactions
People with allergies to plants in the Scrophulariaceae family, which includes snapdragons and foxgloves, have an increased risk of allergic reactions to Bacopa. Symptoms may can include:
hives
swelling
itchiness
difficulty breathing
Contraindications and considerations
Interaction with Anticholinergic Drugs
Bacopa tea may inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, leading to increased levels of acetylcholine in the body. This means that, bacopa tea could compromise the efficacy of anticholinergic medications (33).
Therefore, people with conditions such as gastrointestinal obstruction, peptic ulcer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or urogenital tract obstruction should be careful when consuming Bacopa tea, as it could worsen these conditions or even interfere with their treatment.
If you have any such conditions or are taking anticholinergic medications, you should consult with your doctor before consuming Bacopa tea.
Herb-Drug Interactions
Bacopa has been shown to inhibit certain human cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are responsible for metabolizing many medications. So if you are taking any drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, or CYP2C19 enzymes, keep in mind these interactions can alter the effectiveness and safety of your medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to assess potential herb-drug interactions before consuming Bacopa tea alongside any medications (34).
Thyroid Condition and Medications
Animal research suggests that Bacopa may increase thyroxine (T4) levels in mice by approximately 40%. Therefore, individuals with thyroid conditions or those who are taking thyroid hormone medications should consult with a healthcare professional before consuming Bacopa tea (35).
Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and children
At the moment, we do not have enough data to be able to confirm if Bacopa is safe to take during pregnancy, breast-feeding, or for children.
What else is Bacopa monnieri known as?
Bacopa is also known by several other names, including:
Aindri
Brahmi
Jalabrahmi
Waterhyssop
herb of grace (in the USA, in Europe this is usually the name for Ruta graveolens)
Thyme-leafed Gratiola
Indian pennywort
Lysimachia monniery L.
Gratiicola monnieri L.
Herpestis monniera
These alternative names reflect the plant's importance and long history of use across many cultures and traditions.
Wrap up
Bacopa tea is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Bacopa monnieri plant, which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries.
This tea is packed with potential health benefits, including improved memory and cognitive function, reduced inflammation, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant effects.
Despite all the scientific evidence for its beneficial effects, Bacopa monnieri is not approved by the FDA for medicinal purposes.