FlowVeda Science
Bacopa Monnieri
Clinical Research and Study Summaries
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.
Research Domains
35 clinical studies organized across 5 research domains. Select a domain to explore the studies.
8 Studies
Cognitive Function
Memory, learning, attention, information processing speed, and cognitive performance in healthy and aging populations
12 Studies
Stress Response
Stress adaptation, mood regulation, antidepressant effects, and cortisol modulation
5 Studies
Neuroprotection
Synaptic membrane protection, neurodegeneration models, neurogenesis, and bacoside-mediated neural support
6 Studies
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory
Oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial function, DNA protection, and inflammatory response modulation
4 Studies
Metabolic & General Health
Cardiovascular support, dopamine receptor expression, cholinergic function, and metabolic regulation Cognitive Function
Cognitive Function
Study 1 · HUMAN RCT
The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects
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.”
Study 2 · HUMAN RCT
Chronic Effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on Human Memory
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 monnieri on memory in healthy participants. The trial reported a significant effect on the retention of new information, with the rate of forgetting reduced. The rate of learning was unaffected.
Study 3 · REVIEW
The Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review of Randomized, Controlled Human Clinical Trials
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.”
Study 4 · REVIEW
Bacopa monnieri, a Neuroprotective Lead in Alzheimer Disease: A Review on Its Properties, Mechanisms of Action, and Preclinical and Clinical Studies
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.”
Study 5 · HUMAN RCT
Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
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.”
Study 6 · HUMAN RCT
Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
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.’”
Study 7 · REVIEW / META-ANALYSIS
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract
Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., & Scholfield, C.N. (2014). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528-535.
This meta-analysis pooled randomized controlled trials on the cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. The authors concluded that Bacopa monnieri has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention.
Study 8 · HUMAN RCT
Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
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.”
Stress Response
Study 9 · ANIMAL MODEL
Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera: an experimental study
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.”
Study 10 · ANIMAL MODEL
Antidepressant activity of standardized extract of Bacopa monniera in experimental models of depression in rats
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.”
Study 11 · HUMAN CLINICAL
An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
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 a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children. The reported reductions were in ADHD symptom domains, with restlessness reduced in 93 percent and attention improved in 85 percent of the children studied.
Study 12 · HUMAN RCT
An Acute, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Cross-over Study of 320 mg and 640 mg Doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on Multitasking Stress Reactivity and Mood
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.”
Study 13 · ANIMAL MODEL
Anxiolytic activity of Bacopa monniera Linn. extract in rats
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.”
Study 14 · ANIMAL MODEL
Anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of Bacopa monnieri extract in rats
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.”
Study 15 · ANIMAL MODEL
Anxiolytic effect of Bacopa monnieri in an experimental study of anxiety in rats
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.”
Study 16 · ANIMAL MODEL
Bacopa monnieri ameliorates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced rats
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.”
Study 17 · ANIMAL MODEL
Evaluation of anti-depression and anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri in rodents
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.”
Study 18 · ANIMAL MODEL
Protective effect of Bacopa monniera on aluminium induced neurotoxicity in cerebral cortex, striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus of rat brain
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.”
Study 19 · ANIMAL MODEL
Anti-fatigue activity of the aqueous extract of B. monnieri in rats
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.
Study 20 · ANIMAL MODEL
Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera
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.”
Neuroprotection
Study 21 · ANIMAL MODEL
The Neuroprotective Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Theoretical and Experimental Study
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.”
Study 22 · REVIEW
Neuropharmacological Review of the Nootropic Herb Bacopa monnieri
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.”
Study 23 · ANIMAL MODEL
Neuroprotective mechanisms of ayurvedic antidementia botanical Bacopa monniera
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.”
Study 24 · ANIMAL MODEL
Role of Bacopa monnieri in the regulation of differentially expressed proteins in stress induced rat brain
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.”
Study 25 · ANIMAL MODEL
Neuroprotective role of Bacopa monniera extract against permanent focal ischemia in rats
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.”
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory
Study 26 · ANIMAL MODEL
Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus
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.
Study 27 · ANIMAL MODEL
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Bacopa monnieri in aged rodent tissues
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.
Study 28 · IN VITRO
In Vitro Neuroprotective Properties of the Bacopa monnieri Constituent Bacoside A
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.”
Study 29 · ANIMAL MODEL
The Antioxidant and DNA Protection Potential of Indian Tribal Medicinal Plants
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.
Study 30 · IN VITRO
Bacopa monnieri and its constituents protect the brain synaptosomal membranes from in-vitro oxidative stress
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.
Study 31 · ANIMAL MODEL
Bacopa monnieri and L-deprenyl modulate mitochondrial enzymatic activities in different brain regions of aged rats
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.
Metabolic & General Health
Study 32 · ANIMAL MODEL
Bacopa monnieri and its constituents is hypotensive in anaesthetized rats and vasodilator in various artery types
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.
Study 33 · ANIMAL MODEL
Evaluation of Bacopa monnieri for its Synergistic Activity with Rivastigmine in Augmenting Brain Cholinergic Function and Antioxidant Defense in Rats
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.”
Study 34 · ANIMAL MODEL
Effects of Bacopa monnieri on the expression of dopamine receptors in the brain of rats
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.
Study 35 · ANIMAL MODEL
Bacopa monnieri and its constituents is hypoglycemic in diabetic rats and promotes insulin secretion in vitro
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.
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*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 summaries above reflect findings from the cited studies and do not constitute product claims by FlowVeda.