When people think of nootropics, they often think of new and novel substances that were created in the laboratory within the past 100 years or so. But some of the best, safest, and most effective nootropics are actually thousands of years old. One of those nootropics is bacopa monnieri. Bacopa is a plant-derived natural medicine that has been around for thousands of years. It has been widely used in traditional medicine to improve mental functioning. Bacopa has also been traditionally used to treat a number of physical conditions as well. Only recently has it started to gain popularity as a modern nootropic. In this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at bacopa monnieri, it’s benefits, safety, and more. But first, let’s take a look at what bacopa is. Explore the potential benefits of Bacopa for memory enhancement and anxiety reduction.
What is bacopa monnieri?
Bacopa Monnieri (also known as water hyssop but usually simply referred to as bacopa) is a perennial herb that grows naturally all over the world. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve mental functioning and to treat a number of physical illnesses.
More recently, people have been using bacopa to reduce anxiety, improve mood, enhance memory, and as a general cognitive enhancer. Retailers sell it as a dietary supplement, and it is readily available online. People consider Bacopa an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens help to normalize functions in the body.
Bacopa affects the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters play roles in memory, mood, anxiety, and various other functions.Here’s a quick rundown of what each neurotransmitter does:
- Dopamine – focus, memory, reward, pleasure, and anxiety.
- Serotonin – mood, appetite, and sleep.
- Acetylcholine – memory and muscle function.
- GABA – anxiety, stress, relaxation, and sleep.
In addition to bacopa’s effect on several neurotransmitters, research has also shown that it promotes communication between neurons (nerve/brain cells). It increases the growth of nerve endings, enhancing the rate that the nervous system can communicate.
Bacopa is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells – in this case, brain cells – from breaking down. Lastly, bacopa monnieri has anti-inflammatory properties. A scientific paper published in 2017 found that bacopa reduces inflammation in the brain.
Benefits of bacopa
Bacopa monnieri has several potential nootropic benefits. Users often report that it improves their mood and memory, reduces their anxiety and stress, and acts as a general cognitive enhancer. Here are the nootropic benefits of bacopa:
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved memory
- Promotes healthy neurotransmitter levels
- Increased Focus
- Overall improvement in cognitive performance
Given the way bacopa works in the body and brain, these benefits aren’t surprising. Between the way bacopa affects neurotransmitter levels and its powerful antioxidant properties, it’s not hard to link its mechanisms of action to its benefits.
How to take bacopa monnieri
Bacopa does not work instantly. It may take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of supplementing with bacopa monnieri. However, many people report an instant reduction in anxiety and/or improvement in mood after their first dose. But it can take several weeks before you notice bacopa’s full benefits.
You can take Bacopa with or without food, but it likely absorbs best on an empty stomach. However, in some people, taking bacopa on an empty stomach can cause nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. If you find that taking it on an empty stomach causes these side effects, try taking bacopa with a small meal. Most people find that doing so reduces or eliminates the nausea and upset stomach.
The recommended starting dosage of bacopa monnieri 300 milligrams a day. Many people find this dosage to be enough to experience bacopa’s benefits. However, studies suggest that a higher dosage might be necessary. have shown dosages of up to 640 mg a day to be safe. And again, to experience bacopa’s full range of benefits, make sure to take it everyday for at least a few weeks.
Bacopa side effects
People tolerate Bacopa monnieri extremely well. Most people who take bacopa monnieri don’t experience any negative effects. A meta-analysis published in 2014 concluded that most people who take bacopa never experience any side effects. However, they can occur, although they are often mild and resolve once supplementation is discontinued.
The most commonly reported side effect of bacopa is an upset stomach. This can usually be remedied by taking bacopa with food. Other side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dry mouth.
If you are taking prescription antidepressants, particularly any in the class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), consult your doctor before taking bacopa. An unlikely-yet-potentially-life-threatening interaction called serotonin syndrome could occur. Developed in Japan as a more efficient version of thiamine (Vitamin B1). But since it increases serotonin in the brain, it is theoretically possible.
Also read our blog on Best Nootropics for Memory
