Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a general health tonic and anti-stress agent. Adaptogenic herbs are particularly useful as they allow the physiological functions of the consumer to be balanced during periods of disruption from stress such as physical activity or mental challenge. Panax ginseng is perhaps the most well known adaptogenic herb, but this does not mean it is superior to other less well known examples. In fact, brahmi shows many of the same properties as Panax ginseng and there is no evidence that one is superior to the other with regard its physiological effects. Ayurvedic medicine states that brahmi has sedative, mood enhancing, cognitive enhancing and anti-epileptic effects. The physiological effects of brahmi have been reported with chronic administration, and in this regard brahmi is similar to other adaptogenic herbs in that it can be taken as a general tonic to improve physical and mental health and well being over the long term.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an adaptogenic herb with properties similar to Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng). In this regard brahmi is an effective anti-stress compound that can also improve cognition and elevate mood. Brahmi is a safe and effective for long term use, but is also effective at improving cognition after a single acute dose of 320 mg. The best extract to use is one standardised for bacosides, the likely active ingredient in the herb. Bacosides are similar in structure to the ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng.
The traditional way of taking brahmi is therefore as a tonic over the medium to long term, often administered during periods of recovery from stress, or as a prophylactic to protect the consumer from a stressful period. However, a number of studies have noted the short term effects of a number of adaptogenic herbs, and this included brahmi. For example, the cognitive enhancing effects of brahmi have been investigated using a single acute dose of 320 mg. Subjects took a single dose of the herb as an extract and then two hours later performed a number of cognitive tests. The supplement used in this study was the KeenMind CDRI 08 extract, which was standardised for at least 55 % bacosides. The results of the study showed that 320 mg of brahmi significantly improved cognition in the subjects in the subsequent tests, but had no effects on cardiovascular parameters, or the perception of fatigue or stress. Therefore 320 mg of brahmi appears to have cognitive effects 2 hours post consumption after a single dose.
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