Brahmi

Scientific Name(S): Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. family: Scrophulariaceae (figworts); also known as Bacopa monniera, Herpestis monniera, or Moniera cuneifolia

Common Name(S): Brahmi, Jalnaveri, Jalanimba, Sambrani chettu, thyme-leaved gratiola

Brahmi is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after herbs in Australia today, and for good reason!  Brahmi  is also know as bacopa monniera; also known as bacopa. It is a creeping plant found in damp, marshy regions throughout India. Of all Indian herbal therapies, Brahmi was, and still is, considered to be the premier herb for treating brain problems and age-related mental decline as well as to improve cognitive processes such as memory.

History: Brahmi is a well-known drug in the Ayurvedic medical tradition in India, and is used in many Ayurvedic herbal preparations. It has been traditionally used to treat asthma, hoarseness, insanity, epilepsy, and as a nerve tonic, cardiotonic, and diuretic. It was prominently mentioned in Indian texts as early as the 6th century A.D.

Uses of Brahmi

• Brahmi is used as a nerve tonic and an aid to learning.
• As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. It may also be of value in assisting those with epilepsy.
• It is traditionally used as an Ayurvedic rejuvenative or rasayana which helps to decrease the signs of aging, particularly in the mind as it increases mental clarity and brain functioning.

Side Effects of Brahmi

There are no known side effects to taking Bacopa.

Till the date, there is no record of any person who experienced side effects after using Brahmi. Person of any age, staying in any environment can benefit from Brahmi. The Brahmi is an incredible herb which can change your mental ability dramatically, it helps in improving grasping power in those who take it regularly

Toxicology: Brahmi appears to be free of reported side effects. Its CNS actions do not include serious sedation, although the potentiation of chlorpromazine's effect on conditioned avoidance responses may indicate caution with phenothiazine coadministration.

Drug Interactions:

Use caution when coadminstering with phenothiazine.

Summary: Brahmi is an extract of Bacopa monnieri used in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic and aid to learning. Animal studies lend support to these indications, however no human trials have been reported to date. It is not monographed in any of the European or American compendia.