Brahmi for the better? New findings challenging cognition and anti-anxiety effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in healthy adults
Sathyanarayanan V, Thomas T, Einother SJ, Dobriyal R, Joshi MK
Published in Psychopharmacology
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial; 72 healthy urban Indian adults aged 35-60 took 450 mg/day Bacopa monniera extract or placebo for 12 weeks, with verbal learning and memory, inspection time, attention, interference and state/trait anxiety measured.
Key Findings
There were no significant differences between groups on any cognitive measure. A non-significant trend toward lower state anxiety was seen in the Bacopa group.
Conclusions
A single daily 450 mg dose of Brahmi for 12 weeks did not improve cognition or anxiety in healthy middle-aged adults, contradicting several earlier positive trials.
Limitations
Single dose level and single daily administration; educated urban sample may show ceiling effects; 12 weeks may be short for some outcomes.
Supplements Studied
In the present study, there were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the cognitive measures.
Outcomes Measured
In the present study, there were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the cognitive measures.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Industry co-authors (Unilever R&D)
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