Bacopa monnieri: A Cognitive Enhancer with Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aguiar S, Borowski T
Published in Rejuvenation Research
Abstract
Review examining Bacopa monnieri's cognitive enhancement effects and mechanisms including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Methodology
Narrative review of Bacopa monnieri phytochemistry, preclinical neuropharmacology and human cognitive trials.
Key Findings
Bacosides are identified as the principal active constituents. Preclinical work shows antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum, reduced beta-amyloid deposition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and increased cerebral blood flow. Human trials, mostly in healthy adults and older adults, report improvements in memory acquisition and delayed word recall after roughly 12 weeks of 300 mg/day standardised extract; effects on attention and executive function are less consistent.
Conclusions
Bacopa has plausible neuroprotective mechanisms and reasonably consistent evidence for improved memory retention with sustained dosing of about 12 weeks, though effect sizes are modest and benefits are not immediate.
Limitations
Narrative review with no systematic search, pooled analysis or risk-of-bias assessment; heavy reliance on animal models; human trials were small, short and used varied extract standardisation; gastrointestinal side effects are common.
Supplements Studied
Bacosides are identified as the principal active constituents. Preclinical work shows antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum, reduced beta-amyloid deposition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and increased cerebral blood flow. Human trials, mostly in healthy adults and older adults, report improvements in memory acquisition and delayed word recall after roughly 12 weeks of 300 mg/day standardised extract; effects on attention and executive function are less consisten
Outcomes Measured
Bacosides are identified as the principal active constituents. Preclinical work shows antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum, reduced beta-amyloid deposition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and increased cerebral blood flow. Human trials, mostly in healthy adults and older adults, report improvements in memory acquisition and delayed word recall after roughly 12 weeks of 300 mg/day standardised extract; effects on attention and executive function are less consisten
Bacosides are identified as the principal active constituents. Preclinical work shows antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum, reduced beta-amyloid deposition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and increased cerebral blood flow. Human trials, mostly in healthy adults and older adults, report improvements in memory acquisition and delayed word recall after roughly 12 weeks of 300 mg/day standardised extract; effects on attention and executive function are less consisten
Bacosides are identified as the principal active constituents. Preclinical work shows antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum, reduced beta-amyloid deposition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and increased cerebral blood flow. Human trials, mostly in healthy adults and older adults, report improvements in memory acquisition and delayed word recall after roughly 12 weeks of 300 mg/day standardised extract; effects on attention and executive function are less consisten
Study Details
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