THE VEDA
Bacopa Monnieri, known as Brahmi in Ayurvedic tradition, has been studied in human clinical trials, animal models, and in vitro research for its effects on memory, learning, stress resilience, neuroprotection, and antioxidant activity. The following summaries present findings from 35 peer-reviewed studies, organized by research domain.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The research below represents ingredient-level findings from published studies. These are not product-level claims for FlowVeda®.
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Study 1 · Human RCT
Stough, C., Lloyd, J., Clarke, J., Downey, L.A., Hutchison, C.W., Rodgers, T., & Nathan, P.J. (2001). Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481-484.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the chronic effects of Bacopa monniera extract on cognitive function in healthy adults. The Bacopa group showed significant improvements in working memory, specifically spatial working memory accuracy, and enhanced delayed word recall scores compared to placebo.
“The Bacopa monniera product significantly improved performance on the ‘Working Memory’ factor, more specifically spatial working memory accuracy.”↑ Back to top
Study 2 · Human RCT
Roodenrys, S., Booth, D., Bulzomi, S., Phipps, A., Micallef, C., & Smoker, J. (2002). Neuropsychopharmacology, 27(2), 279-281.
This human trial examined the chronic effects of Bacopa on memory in healthy participants. A 12-week administration significantly improved speed of visual information processing, learning rate, and memory consolidation, with decreased anxiety in the Bacopa group compared to placebo.
“A 12-week administration of Bacopa significantly improved speed of visual information processing, learning rate, and memory consolidation.”↑ Back to top
Study 3 · Review
Pase, M.P., Kean, J., Sarris, J., Neale, C., Scholey, A.B., & Stough, C. (2012). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(7), 647-652.
This systematic review examined randomized, controlled human clinical trials of Bacopa monnieri. The review concluded that Bacopa significantly improved cognitive functions, predominantly free recall memory, working memory, and attention across the studied populations.
“Bacopa monnieri extract significantly improved the working memory and attention, which suggests its potential to enhance cognitive performance.”↑ Back to top
Study 4 · Review
Hosamani, R., & Krishna, G. (2019). Drug Target Insights, 13, 1-12.
This review examined Bacopa monnieri’s properties and mechanisms across preclinical and clinical studies. The review confirmed that Bacopa has shown significant improvements in cognitive functions including attention and working memory across the published research.
“Bacopa Monnieri has shown to significantly improve cognitive functions including attention and working memory.”↑ Back to top
Study 5 · Human RCT
Morgan, A., & Stevens, J. (2010). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(7), 753-759.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined Bacopa’s effects on memory in older adults. Bacopa supplementation was associated with improved ADAS-cog scores, a standard cognitive assessment measure used in aging research.
“Bacopa significantly improved the ADAS-cog scores.”↑ Back to top
Study 6 · Human RCT
Stough, C., Downey, L.A., Lloyd, J., Silber, B., Redman, S., Hutchison, C., ... & Nathan, P.J. (2008). Phytotherapy Research, 22(12), 1629-1634.
This 90-day double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the nootropic effects of Bacopa extract on cognitive functioning. The study found that Bacopa reduced total serum cortisol and had a measurable effect on reducing self-reported stress, alongside cognitive performance improvements.
“Bacopa Monnieri reduced the total serum cortisol and had a greater effect in reducing self-reported ‘stress.’”↑ Back to top
Study 7 · Review / Meta-Analysis
Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., & Scholfield, C.N. (2014). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528-535.
This meta-analysis examined randomized controlled trials on the cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. The analysis concluded that Bacopa has potential as a memory-supporting and anti-inflammatory agent based on the pooled evidence from multiple trials.
“The studies suggest that Bacopa Monnieri has potential as a memory-enhancing and anti-inflammatory agent.”↑ Back to top
Study 8 · Human RCT
Calabrese, C., Gregory, W.L., Leo, M., Kraemer, D., Bone, K., & Oken, B. (2008). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 707-713.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined Bacopa’s effects on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in elderly participants. The findings suggested that Bacopa can support cognitive function in older populations, with improvements in multiple cognitive measures.
“Our findings suggest that Bacopa Monnieri can improve cognitive function, thereby suggesting its potential as a cognitive enhancer.”↑ Back to top
Study 9 · Animal Model
Bhattacharya, S.K., & Ghosal, S. (1998). Phytomedicine, 5(2), 77-82.
This study examined the anxiolytic activity of a standardized Bacopa extract in an animal model. The extract significantly reduced symptoms associated with anxiety and depression in the experimental model, demonstrating anxiolytic potential.
“Bacopa monnieri significantly reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression.”↑ Back to top
Study 10 · Animal Model
Sairam, K., Dorababu, M., Goel, R.K., & Bhattacharya, S.K. (2002). Phytomedicine, 9(3), 207-211.
This study evaluated the antidepressant activity of standardized Bacopa extract in multiple experimental depression models. The findings indicated significant antidepressant activity and potent adaptogenic effects against chronic stress-induced mood changes.
“It has significant antidepressant activity and has a potent adaptogenic activity against chronic stress-induced depression.”↑ Back to top
Study 11 · Human Clinical
Dave, U.P., Dingankar, S.R., Saxena, V.S., Joseph, J.A., Bethapudi, B., Agarwal, A., & Kudiganti, V. (2014). Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 28(2), 10-15.
This open-label study examined the effects of standardized Bacopa extract on ADHD symptom management in children. The findings indicated that Bacopa significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores and improved certain aspects of mood in the study population.
“Bacopa significantly reduced anxiety and depression in the elderly and improves certain aspects of mood.”↑ Back to top
Study 12 · Human RCT
Benson, S., Downey, L.A., Stough, C., Wetherell, M., Zangara, A., & Scholey, A. (2014). Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 551-559.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study examined the effects of two Bacopa doses on multitasking stress reactivity and mood. The findings demonstrated a substantial anxiolytic effect, revealing potential for supporting stress resilience during demanding cognitive tasks.
“Bacopa monnieri demonstrated a substantial anxiolytic effect, revealing its potential benefits in relieving anxiety symptoms.”↑ Back to top
Study 13 · Animal Model
Bhattacharya, S.K., & Ghosal, S. (1998). Phytotherapy Research, 12(4), 292-294.
This study examined the anxiolytic activity of Bacopa extract in a rat model of anxiety. The findings indicated anti-anxiety effects and improved adaptability to stress, as evidenced by increased exploratory behavior in the experimental group.
“Bacopa Monnieri treatment has shown to have anti-anxiety effects and improve the adaptability to stress.”↑ Back to top
Study 14 · Animal Model
Sairam, K., Dorababu, M., Goel, R.K., Bhattacharya, S.K. (2002). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 40(12), 1354-60.
This study evaluated the anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of Bacopa extract in a rat model. The findings demonstrated adaptogenic effects, including reduced stress reactions and lower corticosterone levels in the supplemented group.
“Bacopa Monnieri has demonstrated adaptogenic effects, reducing reactions to stress and lowering corticosterone levels.”↑ Back to top
Study 15 · Animal Model
Saini, N., Singh, D., & Sandhir, R. (2012). Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, 34(7), 457-464.
This experimental study examined the anxiolytic effect of Bacopa in a rat model of anxiety. Bacopa significantly reduced anxiety as evidenced by increased exploratory behavior in the treated group compared to controls.
“Bacopa Monnieri significantly reduced anxiety as evidenced by increased exploratory behavior.”↑ Back to top
Study 16 · Animal Model
Chaudhari, K.S., Tiwari, N.R., Tiwari, R.R., & Sharma, R.S. (2017). Metabolic Brain Disease, 32(2), 385-396.
This study examined Bacopa’s effects on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in a chronic stress rat model. The findings supported the potential of Bacopa extract in neuroprotection through modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress pathways.
“Our findings support the potential of B. monnieri extract in neuroprotection through the modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.”↑ Back to top
Study 17 · Animal Model
Rai, D., Bhatia, G., Sen, T., & Palit, G. (2003). Phytotherapy Research, 17(7), 808-812.
This study evaluated the antidepressant and anxiolytic activity of standardized Bacopa extract in rodent models. The extract could potentially support symptoms associated with anxiety and depressed mood based on the observed behavioral outcomes.
“It could potentially be clinically used for relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression.”↑ Back to top
Study 18 · Animal Model
Janani, P., Sivakumari, K., Parthasarathy, C. (2010). Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, 66(1), 1-12.
This study examined the protective effects of Bacopa against aluminium-induced neurotoxicity across multiple brain regions. The findings indicated a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress in the cortex, striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus.
“Bacopa Monnieri has potential neuroprotective effect against aluminium-induced oxidative stress in rat brain.”↑ Back to top
Study 19 · Animal Model
Kamkaew, N., Norman Scholfield, C., Ingkaninan, K., Taepavarapruk, N., & Chootip, K. (2013). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 147(2), 431-436.
This study investigated the anti-fatigue activity of an aqueous extract of Bacopa in a rat model. Results indicated anti-fatigue effects, supporting the traditional use of Bacopa for physical and cognitive endurance.
“Anti-fatigue activity of the aqueous extract of B. monnieri in rats.”↑ Back to top
Study 20 · Animal Model
Bhattacharya, S.K., Bhattacharya, A., Kumar, A., & Ghosal, S. (2000). Phytomedicine, 7(4), 283-289.
This study examined the anxiolytic activity of standardized Bacopa extract. The findings demonstrated that Bacopa significantly reduced levels of anxiety and depression in the experimental group when compared to placebo controls.
“It demonstrated that Bacopa Monnieri significantly reduced the levels of anxiety and depression in the experimental group when compared to placebo.”↑ Back to top
Study 21 · Animal Model
Sumathi, T., & Nongbri, A. (2012). Neurochemistry International, 61(5), 637-645.
This study examined the neuroprotective effects of Bacopa through experimental modeling. The findings suggested that Bacopa has the potential to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and restore the antioxidant defense system, supporting neuroprotective mechanisms.
“Our results suggest that Bacopa monnieri has the potential to modulate the levels of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and restore the antioxidant defense system.”↑ Back to top
Study 22 · Review
Aguiar, S., & Borowski, T. (2013). Rejuvenation Research, 16(4), 313-326.
This comprehensive review examined the neuropharmacological properties of Bacopa monnieri. The review concluded that Bacopa demonstrates potential in promoting neurogenesis and providing neuroprotection across the published preclinical and clinical literature.
“Bacopa monnieri demonstrates potential in promoting neurogenesis and providing neuroprotection.”↑ Back to top
Study 23 · Animal Model
Limpeanchob, N., Jaipan, S., Rattanakaruna, S., Phrompittayarat, W., & Ingkaninan, K. (2008). Phytotherapy Research, 22(10), 1325-1334.
This study investigated the neuroprotective mechanisms of Bacopa in neurodegenerative disease models. The findings indicated neuroprotective activity in animal models, supporting the traditional Ayurvedic use of Bacopa for cognitive support.
“Bacopa monnieri has demonstrated neuroprotective activity in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.”↑ Back to top
Study 24 · Animal Model
Hosamani, R., Muralidhara. (2009). Phytotherapy Research, 23(1), 136-142.
This study examined Bacopa’s role in regulating protein expression in stressed rat brain tissue. The findings suggested that Bacopa has the potential to modulate heat shock proteins and mitigate neurodegenerative changes through protein regulation pathways.
“The findings suggest that B. monnieri has potential to modulate the activities of HSPs and thereby mitigate the neurodegenerative changes.”↑ Back to top
Study 25 · Animal Model
Mathew, J., Paul, J., Nandhu, M.S., & Paulose, C.S. (2010). Brain Injury, 24(13-14), 1372-1381.
This study examined the neuroprotective role of Bacopa extract in a focal ischemia model. The findings indicated that Bacopa exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemia-induced brain damage through its antioxidant mechanisms.
“Bacopa Monnieri exerts a neuroprotective effect in the transient focal cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage through its antioxidant mechanism.”↑ Back to top
Study 26 · Animal Model
Bhattacharya, S.K., Bhattacharya, A., Kumar, A., & Ghosal, S. (2000). Phytotherapy Research, 14(3), 174-179.
This study examined the antioxidant activity of Bacopa across multiple brain regions in a rat model. The findings indicated measurable antioxidant properties in the frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, supporting Bacopa’s role in neural oxidative stress management.
“Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus.”↑ Back to top
Study 27 · Animal Model
Kamkaew, N., Norman Scholfield, C., Ingkaninan, K., & Chootip, K. (2012). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 50(12), 4685-4690.
This study examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Bacopa in aged rodent tissues. The findings indicated measurable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the potential of Bacopa for age-related oxidative stress management.
“Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Bacopa monnieri in aged rodent tissues.”↑ Back to top
Study 28 · In Vitro
Russo, A., Borrelli, F., Campisi, A., Acquaviva, R., Raciti, G., & Vanella, A. (2005). Phytotherapy Research, 17(10), 1227-1231.
This in vitro study examined the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of Bacoside A, a key constituent of Bacopa. The findings indicated potent antioxidant activity and neuroprotective properties against induced oxidative stress.
“Our results suggest Bacopa has potent antioxidant activity against induced oxidative stress.”↑ Back to top
Study 29 · Animal Model
Usha, T., Middha, S.K., Goyal, A.K., Karthik, M., Shivnath, N., & Pande, V. (2015). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 165, 214-222.
This study examined the antioxidant and DNA protective potential of Bacopa among traditional Indian medicinal plants. The findings indicated significant antioxidant and DNA protection capacity in the experimental models tested.
“The Antioxidant and DNA Protection Potential of Indian Tribal Medicinal Plants.”↑ Back to top
Study 30 · In Vitro
Jadiya, P., Fatima, S., & Bhargava, A. (2011). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2(2), 73-79.
This in vitro study examined the protective effects of Bacopa and its constituents on brain synaptosomal membranes against oxidative stress. The findings demonstrated that Bacopa could protect synaptosomal membranes from oxidative damage.
“Bacopa monnieri and its constituents protect the brain synaptosomal membranes from in-vitro oxidative stress.”↑ Back to top
Study 31 · Animal Model
Kishore, K., Singh, M. (2005). Phytotherapy Research, 19(8), 670-673.
This study examined how Bacopa modulates mitochondrial enzymatic activities in the aging rat brain. The findings indicated that Bacopa can support mitochondrial function in neural tissue, with potential implications for age-related oxidative decline.
“Bacopa monnieri and L-deprenyl modulate mitochondrial enzymatic activities in different brain regions of aged rats.”↑ Back to top
Study 32 · Animal Model
Kamkaew, N., Norman Scholfield, C., Ingkaninan, K., Taepavarapruk, N., & Chootip, K. (2011). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 137(1), 790-795.
This study examined the cardiovascular effects of Bacopa and its constituents. The findings indicated hypotensive and vasodilator effects in anaesthetized rats, suggesting potential cardiovascular support applications.
“Bacopa monnieri and its constituents is hypotensive in anaesthetized rats and vasodilator in various artery types.”↑ Back to top
Study 33 · Animal Model
Viji, V., & Helen, A. (2010). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 48(10), 1006-1012.
This study evaluated Bacopa’s synergistic activity with rivastigmine in augmenting brain cholinergic function and antioxidant defense. The findings indicated that Bacopa can support cholinergic function and antioxidant defense in the brain when used alongside other compounds.
“Evaluation of Bacopa monnieri for its Synergistic Activity with Rivastigmine in Augmenting Brain Cholinergic Function.”↑ Back to top
Study 34 · Animal Model
Saini, N., Singh, D., & Sandhir, R. (2014). Pharmacognosy Magazine, 10(Suppl 3), S481-S486.
This study examined how Bacopa affects the expression of dopamine receptors in rat brain tissue. The findings indicated that Bacopa supplementation was associated with changes in dopamine receptor expression, supporting its role in neurotransmitter modulation.
“Effects of Bacopa monnieri on the expression of dopamine receptors in the brain of rats.”↑ Back to top
Study 35 · Animal Model
Kamkaew, N., Norman Scholfield, C., Ingkaninan, K., & Chootip, K. (2013). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 148(3), 848-853.
This study examined the metabolic effects of Bacopa and its constituents in diabetic rat models and in vitro insulin secretion assays. The findings indicated hypoglycemic effects and promotion of insulin secretion, supporting potential metabolic regulation applications.
“Bacopa monnieri and its constituents is hypoglycemic in diabetic rats and promotes insulin secretion in vitro.”↑ Back to top