Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview

Phytomedicine. 2005 Apr;12(4):305-17. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2003.12.008.

Abstract

Bacopa monniera (BM), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, used for centuries as a memory enhancing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antiepileptic agent. The plant, plant extract and isolated bacosides (the major active principles) have been extensively investigated in several laboratories for their neuropharmacological effects and a number of reports are available confirming their nootropic action. In addition, researchers have evaluated the anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic and other pharmacological effects of BM preparations/extracts. Therefore, in view of the important activities performed by this plant, investigation must be continued in the recently observed actions described in this paper. Moreover, other clinical studies have to be encouraged, also to evidence any side effects and possible interactions between this herbal medicine and synthetic drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Bacopa*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • India
  • Medicine, Ayurvedic
  • Mice
  • Nootropic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Nootropic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Nootropic Agents
  • Plant Extracts