{"id":1918,"date":"2020-07-15T10:25:27","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T09:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=1918"},"modified":"2026-05-11T14:16:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T13:16:17","slug":"brahmi","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/brahmi\/","title":{"rendered":"Brahmi"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":414,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"9bf2d5c4-57e2-4100-a6bb-fc0b0f073179","beyondwords_preview_token":"7824a650-a671-4669-8fcb-16cc5fea1a59","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[121,120,79,48,49,47],"conditions":[696,694,693],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[17,786,527,1819],"western_action":[1017,988,992,994,2061,2064,2065,1829,1022],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[1071,1056,1067,1112,1091,1086,1065],"energetics_action":[1498,1540,1382,1533,1543,1572,1488,1560,1619,1552,1556,2049,1494,1536,1492,1550],"writer":[2020],"region":[1897],"class_list":["post-1918","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-adhd","tag-ageing","tag-anxiety","tag-fatigue","tag-stress","tag-sweet","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-endocrine-system","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-cooling","sense-salty","sense-umami","western_action-nervine","western_action-adaptogen","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-anxiolytic","western_action-neuroprotective","western_action-nootropic","western_action-thymoleptic","western_action-trophorestorative","ayurvedic_action-cools-burning-daha-prasamana","ayurvedic_action-life-bringing-jeevaniya","ayurvedic_action-nourishing-brmhaniya","ayurvedic_action-pain-relieving-vedana-sthapana","ayurvedic_action-rejuvenating-rasayani","ayurvedic_action-sleep-inducing-nidrajnana","ayurvedic_action-strengthening-balya","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-bitter-tikta","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-light-quality","energetics_action-mental-channel-ayurvedic","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-nervous-tissue","energetics_action-nervous-channel-ayurvedic","energetics_action-pitta-minus","energetics_action-plasma-tissue","energetics_action-plasma-channel-ayurvedic","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-sweet-madhura","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-vata-minus","writer-rebecca-collison-walker","region-ayurvedic-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20260511","herb_author":2020,"banner_text":"Brahmi supports cognitive function and reduces stress","latin_name":"Bacopa monnieri<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Plantaginaceae","herb_summary":"Brahmi is considered a nervous trophorestorative, helping to support the mind and offer support for symptoms of stress.","key_benefits":"Recovery from illness and fatigue\r\nStress and anxiety\r\nBrain fog\r\nProblems of ageing","how_does_it_feel":"Brahmi can be dissolved in water and shaken slightly to produce a foamy or soapy consistency. This is as a result of the high saponin content. These saponins can be experienced after tasting, as the initial flavour is soapy, followed by an acrid, slightly bitter, and sweet flavour with a salty undertone. Saponins often offer a sweeter flavour.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAll around the world the actions of traditional medicines were understood by their immediate sensory impacts, and saponin-rich remedies, such as\u00a0<\/span>ginseng<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Panax ginseng<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/span><\/i>), were favourite tonics, used to support and balance various functions in the body. We would now point to the likely modulating effect on steroid hormones, such as produced by the adrenal cortex, ovaries and testes, as saponins have similar structures.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":6711,"hdif_image_2":9017,"hdif_image_3":5366,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,786,527,1819],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Brahmi can be predominantly thought of as a brain tonic, due to its <\/span>nootropic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>neuroprotective<\/span><\/a> effects. It has the dual effect of supporting memory and improving cognitive functioning and learning ability, whilst also protecting brain cells against degeneration. Its protective action upon the brain is likely to include a reduction in oxidative damage and inflammation that is commonly associated with ageing and ill-health (1,2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Ayurveda, it is considered a nervine tonic and rejuvenative (<\/span>rasayana<\/span><\/i>) with an affinity for the nervous tissue (2). This means it can be considered in a convalescent plan, to help in recovery from illness, breakdown, injury or for support in chronic fatigue conditions (2,3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs an <\/span>adaptogen<\/span><\/a>, brahmi is also essentially calming as well as restorative, to be considered in anxiety and tension conditions, helping the body to adapt to stress. Research even suggests it may be helpful in <\/span>Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder<\/span><\/a> (ADHD) (2,3).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_5184\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Brahmi Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBrahmi is considered a cooling herb that calms excess <\/span>pitta<\/span><\/i> conditions and can be applied to calm mental agitation, inflammation or excess heat (1,2). The sweet and slightly bitter properties combine to produce clearing and nourishing actions for the nervous tissue. It can specifically be applied for excess <\/span>vata<\/span><\/i> presenting as scattered or anxious minds, or excess <\/span>pitta<\/span><\/i> presenting as intensity, irritability and heat (1,2). <\/span>\r\n\r\nConsidered a nervine trophorestorative in Western herbal medicine, helping to calm the mind and restore nervous function over time (4,5). It is closely associated with spirituality in India, as its name derives from <\/span>brahman<\/span><\/i> meaning universal consciousness and is translated as the energy of Brahman (2). Brahmi is considered a sattvic herb, helping to promote love, harmony and spiritual purpose whilst cleansing darkness from the mind (6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBrahmi contains a variety of chemical constituents including saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids which contribute to its medicinal action. The primary constituents are the steroidal saponins \u2014 bacosides, which are predominantly responsible for its neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement effects (3). Bacosides have been shown to increase neurotransmitter and synapse function, as well as increase serotonin production (3).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Brahmi is documented in ancient Indian texts as far back as the 6th Century being widely used to promote intellect and treat \u2018dis\u2019-eases of the mind. It was used in mental disorders, epilepsy (<\/span>apasmara<\/span><\/i>), mania and hysteria (<\/span>unmada<\/span><\/i>). It was seen specifically to enhance the quality of <\/span>sadhaka pitta<\/span><\/i> and this directly influences the nature of consciousness. It is widely used to aid recovery from exhaustion, stress and debility where there is aggravation of vata and is a specific herb for all conditions with a deficient <\/span>majja dhatu <\/span><\/i>(1,7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBrahmi has been included in Ayurvedic formulations such as <\/span>Brahmi Ghrita, Brahmighritam, Brahmirasayanam, Saraswatarishta, Saraswat Choorna <\/span><\/i>which are applied to treat epilepsy and cognitive disorders (7). Other applications include its use for <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span>, memory enhancement, blood purification and urinary problems (8).\u00a0<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_5366\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Brahmi Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Nervous system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nBrahmi can be applied to improve all aspects of cognitive function including memory, learning and recall as well as concentration and mental clarity. In this sense, it can be applied for the treatment of dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s, ADHD and <\/span>Parkinson\u2019s<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIts neuroprotective qualities, as an <\/span>anxiolytic<\/span><\/a>, and calming <\/span>nervine<\/span><\/a> it can be used to support in cases of generalised anxiety, overthinking or nervous debility, especially if these arise from stress (1). This support for mental hyperactivity can also be helpful in cases of<\/span> insomnia<\/span><\/a> (2). Brahmi can be taken long term to aid with nervous depletion, exhaustion or burn out, as well as improve brain fog associated with recovery from chronic illness or infection (1,2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nBrahmi\u2019s role as an adaptogen is specifically related to its effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by increasing the body\u2019s resilience to acute and chronic stress (9). It has been shown to effectively lower cortisol levels, contributing to a reduction in overall stress levels (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nIn Ayurvedic medicine brahmi is considered a cardiotonic (<\/span>hrdaya<\/span><\/i>), meaning that it can strengthen the heart and improve its contractile efficiency (2,6). It is also seen as protective for the tissues of the heart and can prevent the development of diseases or heart attacks (1). It can also be considered in cases where excess <\/span>pitta <\/span><\/i>or heat affects heart rhythm and results in palpitations or arrhythmia (1).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_734\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"508\"]\"Brahmi Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Use of Bacopa monnieri<\/i> in the treatment of dementia due to alzheimer disease: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials<\/h3>\r\nThis systematic review examined the efficacy and safety of Bacopa monnieri<\/i> in adults with mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer\u2019s disease, or mild cognitive impairment as a result. Five eligible studies were identified, involving small sample sizes of adult participants diagnosed with these conditions. Interventions included Bacopa monnieri<\/i> extracts either alone or in combination with other herbal extracts, with dosages ranging from 125 mg to 500 mg twice daily, compared against placebo or the cholinesterase inhibitor Donepezil over varying treatment durations.\r\n\r\nPrimary outcome measures included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in three trials and the Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Assessment Scale\u2013Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) in one trial, with secondary outcomes including additional cognitive and memory scales such as the Wechsler Memory Scale.\u00a0 All studies reported statistically significant improvements in at least one cognitive outcome with Bacopa monnieri<\/i>, the overall quality of evidence was not rated as high (11).\r\n

Investigating the neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri<\/i>: A systematic review focused on inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis<\/h3>\r\nThis systematic review investigated the neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri,<\/i> particularly in relation to inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. The review included 22 clinical trials, involving both male and female participants, including children aged 6\u201314 years, and adults with conditions such as Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Parkinson\u2019s disease, dementia, ADHD, hyperactivity, inattention, anhedonia and major depression.\r\n\r\nStudies used Bacopa monnieri<\/i> either alone or in combination with other compounds, with doses ranging from 160\u2013640 mg daily over four weeks to six months; 17 of which were compared to placebo. Primary outcomes varied across studies and included cognitive function, memory, attention, emotional function, perceived stress, depression, ADHD symptoms, inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress markers. Secondary outcomes included sleep, impulsivity, executive function and psychiatric symptoms.\r\n\r\nOverall, Bacopa monnieri<\/i> was associated with improvements in cognitive function, memory retention, learning, attention, emotional function, depression, hyperactivity, sleep routine and perceived stress, alongside reductions in NF-\u03baB phosphorylation, pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. The authors concluded that Bacopa monnieri<\/i> shows promising neuroprotective potential but requires larger, well-designed randomised controlled trials to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing and long-term safety (12).\r\n

Efficacy of Brahmi vati<\/i> in generalised anxiety disorder \u2013 Randomised double blind comparative clinical trial<\/h3>\r\nThis randomised double-blind controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Brahmi vati<\/i> (tablets formed with Bacopa monnieri<\/i>) in the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), compared with Manasmitra vataka <\/i>(a multi herb ayurvedic formula). The study included 56 adults, aged 20\u201360 years, with GAD. Participants were randomised into two groups, with the brahmi group receiving 500 mg Brahmi vati<\/i> three times daily, while the comparison group received 500 mg Manasmitra vataka<\/i> three times daily, both taken with water for 45 days.\r\n\r\nPrimary and secondary outcomes included anxiety severity measured by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and GAD-7, alongside depression, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, quality of life and global clinical improvement, assessed using BDI, ESS, PSQI, WHOQOL-BREF and CGI; safety was monitored using haemoglobin, ESR, liver function tests and serum creatinine.\r\n\r\nBoth treatments produced statistically significant improvements across anxiety, depression, sleep, quality of life and global improvement scores (p < 0.001), with Brahmi vati<\/i> additionally producing significant reductions in systolic (p = 0.002) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). Overall Brahmi vati<\/i> and Manasmitra vataka<\/i> were found to be similarly effective and safe for GAD over 45 days, although larger and longer-term trials are needed (13).\r\n

Evaluating the effects of Bacopa monnieri<\/i> on cognitive performance and sleep quality of patients with mild cognitive impairment: A triple-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial<\/h3>\r\nThis randomised controlled study examined the effects of Bacopa monnieri<\/i> on cognitive performance and sleep quality in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 62 adult participants diagnosed with MCI were divided into an intervention group and a control group.\r\n\r\nThe intervention group received 160 mg Bacopa monnieri<\/i> extract daily for two months, while the control group received a placebo in the form of a starch pill. Primary outcome measures included cognitive performance assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), measured at baseline, one month, and two months. Secondary outcomes included specific cognitive domains such as attention and verbal fluency.\r\n\r\nResults showed no significant difference between groups in overall cognitive scores at earlier time points, although a significant improvement was observed at the end of the study (p = 0.029) and at one month (p = 0.033) and two months (p = 0.004) and verbal fluency improving at two months (p = 0.003). Although no significant effect on overall sleep quality was found, Bacopa monnieri<\/i> demonstrated modest benefits for cognitive performance, particularly in specific domains, but did not improve sleep quality in patients with mild cognitive impairment (14).","did_you_know":"Brahman<\/span><\/i> is the Hindu name given to the universal consciousness and <\/span>Brahma<\/span><\/i> is the divinity responsible for all \u2018creative\u2019 forces in the world. <\/span>Brahmi<\/span><\/i> literally means the \u2018energy\u2019 or \u2018shakti\u2019 of <\/span>Brahman<\/span><\/i> (1).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":270339},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Brahmi is a creeping perennial plant that loves water and is often found spreading across river banks. It is a small, prostrate, glabrous and fleshy herb with particularly soft and succulent leaves. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe stems of the plant are 10\u201330 cm in length.<\/span>\r\n\r\n Brahmi flowers are blue or white with purple veins and are often larger than the leaves. It can also be found in higher altitudes, up to 1300 m (15).<\/span>","common_names":"