By: Lacey Wilfur
Are you or someone you know struggling with mental clarity, forgetfulness, concentration and mood swings? These symptoms are common in many cognitive disorders including ADHD and Alzheimer’s.
In 2023 an estimated 15.5 million of adults had an ADHD diagnosis and approximately 1/2 received diagnosis in adulthood. This number is estimated to grow in the coming years.[1] In 2024, 6.9 million adults have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is expected to double by 2060 to about 13.8 million adults in the US alone.[2] These numbers are alarming and effect many of the population and show how cognitive disorders need to be addressed and ensure we are using every tool at our exposure to help bring people into a healthy mental state.
Many people with cognitive disorders feel ashamed, isolated, helpless and keep quiet. They are concerned about prescriptions with side effects, as well as the expense and stigma that comes with taking them. What if people had a more natural option with mild to no side effects and no toxicity? Many studies have been done on the herb, bacopa monnieri. Could bringing in this herb into people’s lives, make the impact we need to help people regain confidence in treating their mental state, relieve some of the mental issues they are struggling with, without the side effects or shame of taking a beneficial medicine?
We will look at ADHD and Alzheimer’s, how they are defined and how they each effect a person and what symptoms people diagnosed with these cognitive disorders have. These two disorders are vastly different in how they develop in the brain yet have similar outcomes on how we function in life with these disorders.
We will look at the herb bacopa monnieri, its chemical constituents, medicinal properties and the studies related to ADHD and Alzheimer’s when this herb was administered medicinally and what effect it had on the patients. Can this herb be beneficial to our cognitive function and can be use it medicinally to treat people with cognitive disorders?
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri has been around for thousands of years as a medicinal plant of Ayurvedic Medicine. It was written about in the classical texts like the Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Astanga Hrdayam, and is still being researched today by its powerful effects on the mind and its functions.
Bacopa Monnieri is also referred to in classical texts as Brahmi. “Brahman is the Hindu word given to the universal consciousness and Brahma is the Definity responsible for all creative forces in the world. Brahmi literally means the energy or shaki of Brahman, (ie. Sarasvati). With Brahmi deriving its name from these roots it has a lot to live up to, and it does! Its mind enhancing and nervous system soothing effects are legendary.” [3]
For many years there was controversy about Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola) and Brahmi (Indian pennywort) as both herbs are Medhya Rasayanas (neural tonic). Many scholars “quoted Mandukaparni and Brahmi are synonymous. But Susruta mentioned these two plants separately under the Rasayana chapter.” [4] They are now refined separately to remove confusion.
Brahmi in the chart below [4,5]
| Botanical Name | Bacopa Monnieri (Linn.) Pennell (B. monnieria (L.) Wettst; Herpestis monnieria (L.) Kunth; Gratiola monniera L.) | Rasa (Taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kasaya (Astringent) |
| English Name / Sanskrit Name | Indian Pennywort / Brahmi | Virya (Energy) | Sita (cooling) |
| Family | SCROPULARACAE | Karma (Dosa effect) | Kapha-pitta hara (KP-) |
| Classical Categorization | Caraka – Prajasthapana (establishing procreation, reproductive herb) | Guna (Quality) | Laghu (Light) |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, brahmine, herpestine, alanine, hentriacontane, octacosane, monnierin (saponin), hersaponin, bacoside A&B, bacogenins A1 – A4 (Sapogenins), B-sitosterol | Vipaka (post-digestive effect) | Madhura (sweet) |
| Indications | Apasmara (memory loss), Prameha (urinary disorder), Kustha (skin disorder or leprosy), Pandu (pale complexion), Sotha (inflammation), Jvara (fever), Kasa (cough) Vatahara (calms vata), Anuloma (redirects the flow of vata downward), Unmadahara (reduces mental illness), Prajnasaktivardhana (increases intellectual power), Hrdaya (Heart Tonic), Majjadhatu Rasayana (Rejuvenative, particularly to the nervous system), Ayusya vardhana (Increases longevity), Balya (gives strength, especially to the mind), Jivaniya (Promotes energy), Medhya (Nervine), Nidrajanana (Promotes sleep) | Important Preparations | Brahmi Rasayana, Brahmighrtia |
Brahmi has many medicinal properties. It is “biomedical actions: sedative, nervine, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory. Brahmi helps to improve memory, learning ability and concentration. It is used in mental disorders, epilepsy (apasmara) mania, and hysteria (unmada).” [1] We will look closely to how “it specifically enhances the quality of sadhaka pitta, and this directly influences the nature of consciousness. Used in aid recovery from exhaustion, stress, and ability with aggravation of vata. A specific herb for all conditions with deficient majja dhatu. Consider using in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, autism, depression, and drug addiction.” [1]
“Bacopa monnieri (L.) – (BM) is a perennial, creeping herb which is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine as a neural tonic to improve intelligence and memory. Research into the biological effects of this plant has burgeoned in recent years, promising its neuroprotective and memory boosting ability, among others. Extensive literature allows an insight into the participation of numerous signaling pathways and oxidative mechanism involved in the mitigation of oxidative stress, along with other indirect mechanisms modulated by bioactive molecules of BM to improve the cognitive action by their synergistic potential and cellular multiplicity mechanism. This directs a way to harness this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to manipulate its intracellular pathways.” [6]
“Bacopa monnieri (often called Brahmi) is a botanical herb. The main indications for using Bacopa in Ayurvedic medicine are memory improvement, insomnia, epilepsy, and as an anxiolytic. Many clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in verbal learning, delayed word recall, memory acquisition, and anxiety reduction with using Bacopa. It has been described as a calming cognitive enhancer. The triterpenoid saponins are believed to be responsible for most of the herb’s pharmacological actions. Bacopa has a high therapeutic index and is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including increased stool frequency, nausea, and abdominal cramps.” [7]
Classic Ayurvedic Reference
Looking at the classical text, Caraka Samita. It explains unmada (insanity, ailments of the intellect) and the etiology, signs and symptoms and some classic herbal formulas to treat these disorders. “Unmada stands for samubhrama, i.e. perversion. Because, in this ailment, the intellect, mind and memory get perverted, this is called unmada (insanity).” [8]
Caraka Samhita states the “etiology of unmada is as follows:
- Intake of polluted and impure foods
- Insult to the gods, preceptors and dvijas
- Affliction of the mind because of fear and exhilaration
- Unwholesome regime” [8]
Signs and Symptoms of unmada are “intellectual confusion, fickleness of mind, unsteadiness of the vision, impatience, incoherent speech, and a sensation of vacuum in the heart (vacant mindedness) Such a patient with bewildered mind becomes incapable of experiencing pleasure or sorrow. He becomes incapable of conducting himself appropriately. Therefore, he loses peace of the mind altogether and becomes devoid of memory, intellect, and recognition. His mind wavers from here to there.” [8]
Vatika Unmada best describes what is going on when someone has ADHD or AD. Caraka Samhita explains “vata gets exceedingly aggravated by the intake of unctuous food, less of food and cold food, excessive elimination of dosas, diminution of tissue elements and fasting. This aggravated vayu adversely affects the heart afflicted with mental agony (including worry, passion, and anger) and instantaneously perverts the intellect and memory, because of this, the following signs and symptoms are manifested:
- Laughing, smiling, dancing, singing, speaking, moving limbs of the body, and weeping in inappropriate place (inopportune moment); and
- Roughness of the skin, emaciation, and reddish coloration of the skin.
These signs and symptoms become more conspicuous after the digestion of food (when normally vayu gets aggravated)” [6]
Listed are some classical formulas to help treat these symptoms were classified as medhya rasayanas.
Aindra Rasayana: is “used to prevent old age arid diseases and promotes memory as well as, intellect par excellence. It promotes longevity, nourishment, dhana (wealth), svara (voice), and varna (complexion). It is an excellent promoter of ojas. By the administration of this recipe psychic diseases afflicting medha (intellect), smrti (memory), and jnana (knowledge) and excessive aggravation of vayu are cured.” [9] This formula includes the herb Brahmi, BM as it supports the body in these ways.
Mahapaisacika Ghrta: is another classical formula containing Brahmi. This medicated ghee is “effective in curing unmada (insanity) and promotes intellect and memory and helps in the development of the physique of children.” [10]
“The patient suffering from unmada should be administered the following recipes of medicated ghee:
- Ten-year-old ghee, cooked with hingu and hinguparni.
- Ten-year-old ghee, cooked with kayastha and vayahstha (brahmi); and
- Ten-year-old ghee, cooked with vayastha (brahmi), hingu and coraka” [11]
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Next, we will look deeper into ADHD and the defining factors. “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People mostly have symptoms of inattention, while others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, or some people have both types of symptoms. Symptoms begin in childhood and can interfere with daily life, including social relationships and school or work performance.[10] ADHD is well-known among children and teens, but many adults also have the disorder.
People with ADHD may experience an ongoing pattern of:
- Inattention: Difficulty paying attention
- Hyperactivity: Showing too much energy or moving and talking too much
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control
Signs of inattention can include frequent difficulty with:
- Paying attention to details
- Concentrating on tasks or activities
- Listening when spoken to directly
- Following instructions or finishing tasks at school, work, or home
- Organizing tasks and activities, managing time, and meeting deadlines
- Completing tasks that require sustained attention.
- Losing things, such as backpacks, books, keys, wallets, and phones
- Getting easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.
- Forgetting about daily activities, such as chores, errands, and events, or other important things, like assignments, appointments, and phone calls
Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include often:
- Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming while seated.
- Moving around when expected to remain seated or feeling restless in these situations.
- Running, climbing, or moving around at times when it is not appropriate.
- Being constantly “on the go” and acting as if driven by a motor
- Being unable to quietly play or take part in hobbies and activities.
- Talking excessively
- Answering questions before they are complete or finishing other people’s sentences.
- Struggling to wait or be patient, such as when playing a game or waiting in line
- Interrupting or intruding on others, for example, in conversations, games, or meetings” [12]
“There are three different ways ADHD presents itself, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual at the time of diagnosis:
- Inattentive presentation
- Hyperactive-impulsive presentation
- Combined presentation (a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)” [13]
“Researchers have identified several ways in which the brains of people with ADHD differ from those of people without the condition. These differences relate to:
Brain volume: People with ADHD have slightly lower brain volumes than neurotypical people. They found that these volume differences affected several areas of the brain, including the accumbens nucleus, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, amygdala, putamen, and amygdala. The differences were most significant among children.
Brain composition: ADHD changes the behavior of gray matter and white matter in the brain and reduces the volume of gray matter. It may also change the behavior and structure of the prefrontal, occipital, and parietal lobes. Gray matter is where most neuroprocessing occurs, while white matter communicates these processes to the rest of the body.
Neural networks: Brain signals travel through the brain in networks. ADHD has a link with changes in these networks that may affect functioning. People with ADHD had changes in neural networks in their gray and white matter. These changes correlated with deficits in working memory and attention.
Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals across a nerve synapse. People with ADHD have different levels of several neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine plays a key role in pleasure, motivation, and reward, and ADHD drugs often act on this neurotransmitter.
Although several studies provide evidence of brain differences between people with ADHD and neurotypical people, these brain differences are not consistent and vary from person to person. In addition, it is not possible to generalize the results from large studies to an individual person.
As experience can change the brain, it is difficult to know whether:
- these brain differences cause ADHD.
- ADHD causes these brain differences.
- the experiences of people with ADHD alter the behavior of their brain.
Furthermore, other medical and psychiatric conditions — such as diabetes and substance use disorders — may also affect the brain. Due to this, it remains unclear whether these subtle brain differences are due to ADHD or something else.
People with ADHD often have other neurodevelopmental disorders. A 2020 study of 336 adults with a new diagnosis of ADHD or autism found that 72.8% had at least one other mental health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 14% of children with ADHD have autism, and 1% have Tourette’s syndrome. Psychological diagnoses are even more common, with 52% having a behavioral or conduct issue, 33% experiencing anxiety, and 17% having depression.
This continuum suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders share some common genetic origins and that various developmental processes may result in different neurodevelopmental disorders. The overlapping genetics of these diagnoses may help explain why they often occur together.
The difference between neurological and psychological conditions is not clear, as a continuum of disorders affects the brain and behavior. Conditions that most doctors consider neurological can also affect psychological states and behavior. Some researchers now argue that the line between neurology and psychology is arbitrary and not based on real differences between the two groups of conditions.
Even for those who accept the difference, though, ADHD has both psychological and neurological characteristics. It correlates with specific differences in brain structure and chemistry but also changes psychological states, causing impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive behaviors. However, because it is typically psychologists and psychiatrists who treat the symptoms of ADHD, most people view it as a psychological or psychiatric condition.” [14]
Alzheimer’s Disease, AD
Now we will look deeper into Alzheimer’s Disease, AD and it is defining factors. Alzheimer’s is pronounced “alz-HAI-mers.” It is a neurodegenerative disease that affects your brain. This means it damages and destroys cells in your brain over time. AD is a brain condition that slowly damages your memory, thinking, learning, and organizing skills. It is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and symptoms usually first appear in people older than 65. [15.16] “Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.” [13] “Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. One in 10 people older than 65 have it. 1 in 3 people older than 85 have AD.” [16]
“Alzheimer’s worsens over time. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over several years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to continue a conversation and respond to their environment.” [15] Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s has no cure. Today, there is a worldwide effort underway to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and prevent it from developing. [15,16]
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.
Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. [15,16]
“Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently. But in general, it can weaken or eliminate your:
- Memory
- Reasoning
- Language
- Behavior and personality
- Spatial understanding
An abnormal build-up of proteins in your brain causes Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, two proteins called amyloid and tau. Your brain has billions of nerve cells called neurons. Your neurons let you think, learn, remember, and plan. Amyloid protein sticks together in your brain cells, forming clumps called plaques. Tau proteins twist together in fiber-like strands called tangles. The plaques and tangles prevent neurons from working as they should. They block neurons’ ability to send electrical and chemical signals back and forth.
When amyloid and tau proteins build up in your brain, they slowly kill neurons. This causes permanent damage that leads to Alzheimer’s symptoms. Nerve cell death starts in one area of your brain and then spreads to other areas. It is most common for Alzheimer’s to begin in the hippocampus, that part of your brain that controls memory.
Experts are still studying Alzheimer’s disease to learn more about what exactly causes these proteins to build up. Researchers think the protein build-up happens a long time before it causes symptoms. It might happen up to 10 years before you notice any changes.
Having the APOE ε4 gene increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It is also associated with developing AD at a younger age (an earlier age of onset). But not everyone who has the APOE ε4 gene will get Alzheimer’s. It is just one factor that can increase your risk.
The biggest complication of Alzheimer’s disease is the damage it does to your brain. That can cause permanent changes to your ability to think, to use your body and to your personality. As the condition progresses, you are likely to experience complications, some of which can be fatal.” [16]
ADHD and AD Similarities
Now with the understanding of both ADHD and AD. We can start to see the correlation between the two disorders and how they are different yet still effect the CNS and the brain in similar ways. While ADHD begins in childhood and can be managed through medication, AD occurs in seniors with sudden symptoms that worsen over time and are degrative, we cannot ignore the similarities. The similarities such as struggling to remember important information or events, completing tasks, problem-solving, organization, personality, and psychological issues, such as mood swings. [17]
“New research has shed light on the connection between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer’s, two neurological conditions that manifest in very different ways. One study showed that people who are genetically predisposed to ADHD may be more likely to develop cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
Although this connection between the two has been suspected of for a while, the study is the first to tie the genetic risk of ADHD to the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology. This study was published by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
“Understanding the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is crucial for prevention and for closely monitoring those who are more susceptible and at higher risk,” said Tharick Pascoal, MD, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at the university and senior author of the study.
Another study, conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, showed that noradrenergic drugs prescribed for ADHD, such as Ritalin and Concerta, may effectively improve cognitive symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Noradrenergic drugs change the levels of brain chemicals in people with ADHD to improve attention and other symptoms. In people with Alzheimer’s, they showed a small but significant effect on cognition, according to the researchers.
In both studies, the authors stated that we need more follow-up trials to better understand the connection between ADHD and Alzheimer’s and which types of drugs are most likely to be most effective.
ADHD is considered a childhood disorder, but in many cases, it can persist into adulthood. In children, symptoms include trouble paying attention or staying focused, problems finishing a task, losing items, easily distracted, and being forgetful.
In adults, symptoms include impulsiveness, disorganization, poor time management, excessive restlessness, frequent mood swings, and problems coping with stress. These symptoms can be more subtle in adults, which may make it challenging to diagnose.
The University of Pittsburgh researchers used a database of 212 adults ages 55 to 90 with no diagnosis of ADHD or cognitive impairment. The data included brain scans, baseline levels of the brain proteins amyloid and tau, and the results of cognitive assessments over six years, as well as the patients’ genome sequences.
There is no single gene that determines whether a person will develop ADHD; rather, it can be derived from a series of small genetic changes. To measure risk, the researchers used an existing tool called ADHD polygenic risk score, or ADHD-PRS.
By calculating each patient’s risk score and comparing it with any signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers were able to show that a higher ADHD-PRS was associated with greater decline of cognitive function and the development of Alzheimer’s over time.
Dr. Pascoal pointed out that because there are no large studies that followed children diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood, they could not rely on clinical diagnoses of the condition. “What we don’t know is if a patient is medicated their whole life and is stable with no ADHD symptoms, do they also have a higher risk or not,” he said. “If we treat ADHD, does that lower risk?”
The next step in his team’s research is a study involving people in their 40’s who had been followed since they were diagnosed with ADHD as young children. They will be followed for 15 to 20 years to learn more about the connection between the clinical diagnosis of ADHD and the risk of Alzheimer’s. It may take many years to produce more definitive answers. “For now, I would say that young adults with ADHD should not be overly concerned, and older adults who begin to experience cognitive symptoms that start to get in the way of familiar tasks should behave like anyone else experiencing these symptoms,” Dr. Pascoal said. “They should see their medical provider and not just write off any cognitive symptoms they may be having as a normal part of aging”.” [18]
With the knowledge of these two diseases ADHD and AD and the similarities between them. We will now look at studies and other research that show how Bacopa Monnieri can help treat the symptoms of one or both disorders. We are focusing more on the main indications of the herb and how they overlap with the symptoms of these disorders and how they show promising results in improving memory, learning ability, and concentration and how it aids in the recovery of the nervous system. [3]
Supporting Evidence 1
“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that present during childhood, with onset occurring before 7 years of age. Children with ADHD suffer from inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. All these factors can result in functional impairment in terms of school performance, such as the inability to finish given tasks or follow instructions. In addition, both social relationships and family functioning can be negatively affected by behaviors such as fidgeting, excessive talking, and inability to sit through a whole meal. Although the causative agents are unknown, possible risk factors have been identified.
Bacopa monnieri is an herbal Ayurvedic medicine that has been used in the past 3000 years for its ability to improve cognition and memory and promote longevity.
For the supplement Bacopa monnieri, four studies investigating the influence of Bacopa monnieri on ADHD symptoms met the inclusion criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted by Kean et al. in Australia, involving a population of 112 males displaying symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity aged 6–14 years. The results revealed significant improvements in inattention, hyperactivity, and cognitive function in the group receiving compared with the placebo group, the Bacopa monnieri group performed better on tasks related to attention and hyperactivity.
In an earlier randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial, Kean et al. investigated the impact of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08)/160 mg capsules on hyperactivity and inattention symptoms in 100 male children and adolescents ranging from 6 to 14 years over a span of 16 weeks. Using the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), EEG, cognition, mood, and sleep assessments, Bacopa monnieri improved hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and distractibility symptoms in children.
An open-label clinical trial lasting 6 months that included 3 males and 24 females ranging from 6 to 12 years was conducted by Dave et al. in India. The aim of the trial was to use ADHD symptom subtest scores to measure the outcomes of Bacopa monnieri (225 mg/d) in managing symptoms of ADHD in children. The results revealed improvements in restlessness (93%), impulsivity (67%), inattention (85%), self-control (89%), psychiatric problems (52%), and learning problems (78%).
The fourth study included an open-label clinical trial that evaluated the effects of Bacopa monnieri (225 mg/d) on intellectual and memory functions in children aged 4 to 18 years, including 13 males and 15 females, via memory scale tests. The trial lasted for 4 months and revealed significant improvements in working memory, immediate verbal memory, logical recall, autobiographical memory, and visual and auditory recall.” [19]
Supporting Evidence 2
This article reviews an herb with both adaptogenic and nervine properties-Bacopa monnieri (bacopa or water hyssop). This herb has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine. We frequently urge clinicians to incorporate both adaptogenic and nervine herbs to help treat the stress that virtually all patients experience.
“Adaptogenic herbs are used to strengthen the body’s immune response and increase an individual’s ability to cope with physical and mental stress. These herbs are also used to increase overall vitality. Adaptogens are generally not used to treat specific ailments but are rather used on a long-term basis to help a patient achieve a more healthful state overall. Adaptogens also benefit patients who constantly develop minor ailments, such as colds. These herbs also are a great help for patients who are struggling with chronic ailments, for example, autoimmune disease. Because adaptogens help an individual cope with physical and mental stress, these herbs are highly useful for people who feel tired, run-down, “stressed-out,” “burned-out,” and ill. This replenishment is not an energy boost like that of caffeine or amphetamine in which the temporary boost ultimately depletes patients’ strength further. Instead, these herbs assist patients to heal during convalescence, serve as prophylactics to build resistance, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote health.
Nervine herbs have been widely used historically to treat mild-to-moderate cases of anxiety and depression, as well being used to promote sleep. While often lacking well-designed clinical studies to support their use, these herbs offer a safe, nonaddictive way to help people maintain emotional balance in acute care settings.” [20]
Supporting Evidence 3
“The disorders of the central nervous system are increasingly recognized as one of the most prevalent disorders in the present world. It has been envisaged that neurological disorders will be of great concern in the present and future populations worldwide. The different neurological disorders may be associated with signs, such as loss of memory, impaired brain function, and cognitive deficits.
Ayurvedic medications owing to their biosafety profile and utility in cognitive impairment. The depiction of one such plant, which is Bacopa monnieri, which possesses neuroprotective properties, and is classified as a Medhya Rasayana (a nootropic drug). This Indian herb, being a dietary antioxidant, has several modes of action to protect the brain against oxidative damage and age-related issues. Many of the plant compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes, present in medicinal plants, have been known to have therapeutic properties against neurodegeneration by virtue of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic effects.” [21]
Supporting Evidence 4
“The present data clearly demonstrates that B. monnieri especially at a dose of 300 mg/day, could improve power and speed of attention, continuity of attention, and quality and speed of memory together with decreased N100 and P300 latencies. Moreover, decreased AChE was also observed.
The assessment of selective attention, which brings targeted information into the focus of consciousness, while suppressing the detection and processing of nontarget signals, can be performed by assessing N100 component of ERP , whereas assessment of mental processes such as recognition, categorization of stimuli, expectancy, or short-term memory can be performed by assessing P300 component, a large positive voltage deflection in the interval between 300 and 500 ms following the stimulus onset. As age advances, the latencies of P300 and N100 components increase, whereas the amplitudes of these two components are decreased. Changes in both parameters have been reported to be associated with decreased memory function. A profile of evidence during the past decade has also shown that the alteration of N100, which reflects attention, and the alteration of P300, which reflects both attention and memory operation or cognitive processing, are associated with the function of cholinergic system. In addition, the activity of P300 has also been associated with the function of parietal cortex and hippocampus. The current findings clearly show that subjects who consumed B. monnieri demonstrated enhanced attention and cognitive processing capability together with enhanced working memory and cholinergic function. The mechanism for this might be that B. monnieri suppresses the function of AChE in the cerebral cortex, especially in the parietal cortex and hippocampus, leading to increased available ACh in the mentioned area, giving rise to enhanced attention and memory operation capability or cognitive processing and finally resulting in enhanced working memory. Interestingly, enhanced working memory was still presented at 4 weeks after the cessation of B. monnieri consumption. The possible explanation might be partly associated with changes in brain plasticity such as enhanced neuronal density in the hippocampus, an area which plays an important role in learning and memory, which in turn enhanced the available functional neurons in this area and resulted in the enhanced working memory. However, no changes were found in either N100 or P300 at the week 4 periods after the cessation of B. monnieri consumption, although both parameters were also associated with the cholinergic function. The possible explanation might partly be because the improved cholinergic function during this period might have been high enough to trigger change of event-related potential. In addition, subjects who consumed B. monnieri also showed higher improvement in power of attention at week 4 after the cessation of extract consumption. Although the precise underlying mechanism is still unclearly known, we suggest that it might be related to the effect of training.
This study confirms the health benefit of Bacopa monnieri for the healthy elderly. In addition, no toxicity or side effects were observed throughout this experiment. It clearly demonstrated that B. Monnier suppresses AChE activity resulting in enhanced cholinergic function, which in turn enhances attention and memory processing and gives rise to the increased working memory. Since mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early phase Alzheimer’s disease occur due to cholinergic degeneration and oxidative stress, this plant extract may provide a benefit in terms of decreasing memory impairment in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-phase Alzheimer’s disease and even in attention deficit disorder. However, these avenues of research require further investigation.” [22]
Supporting Evidence 5
“Objectives: Clinicians utilise critical research to advance their knowledge when prescribing standard and alternative therapies for developmental disorders. Recent research has reported that the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri may improve cognitive outcomes in adult populations; however, few studies have investigated its benefits in younger cohorts. The aim of the current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trial outcomes and safety of Bacopa and its effects on the cognition and behaviour in children and adolescents.
Method: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google, and CINAHL were searched up to August 2015 for trials investigating Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations. There were no restrictions in study design. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs, and effect sizes were calculated for all significant data to allow for direct comparisons.
Results: Five studies met inclusion criteria for this review. The results demonstrated significant consistent improvements in the language behaviour cognitive domain and in several of the memory sub-domains. Significant improvements were also seen in hyperactivity and attention-deficit domains. Overall outcome data demonstrated small to medium effect sizes (mean d=0.42). Safety and tolerability data was well reported for 80% of studies with only 2.3% of all participants reporting mild side-effects.
Conclusion: This review highlights the safe use of Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations for improving elements of cognition as well as behaviour and attention-deficit domains. However, there is a significant need for replicated study designs and stringent statistical analysis to validate these outcomes.” [23]
Supporting Evidence 6
“Introduction: Age-related cognitive decline affects quality of life and freedom during old age. Early interventions help to maintain normal and healthy cognitive aging. Bacopa monnieri is known for its memory-enhancing properties and used widely to improve cognitive functions. This study reports safety and efficacy of B. monnieri extract (BME) on memory and cognitive functions in healthy adults.
Methods: Eighty healthy subjects (40 per group) were evaluated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. Subjects consumed either 300 mg of BME containing 90 mg of total bacosides or placebo every morning after breakfast for 12 weeks. Memory (baseline, Days 28, 56 and 84) and cognitive functions (baseline, Days 1, 14, 28, 56 and 84) were measured using Creyos battery of tests; anxiety and sleep quality were assessed by Beck Anxiety Inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively at baseline, Days 28, 56 and 84. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (baseline and Day 84) and cortisol levels (baseline, Days 56 and 84) were analyzed in serum samples. Safety was assessed throughout the study based on physical examination, vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, and monitoring of adverse events.
Results: Thirty-six subjects from placebo group and 38 subjects from BME group completed the study. BME group showed significant improvements on both memory (verbal short-term memory, spatial short-term memory, working memory, visuospatial working memory, and episodic memory) and cognition skills (concentration, alertness, reasoning, and mental flexibility) over placebo from baseline to Day 84, with effects on cognitive skills as early as Day 14 and Day 28 for memory. Further, a significant acute effect on concentration was observed as early as 3 hours post single dose consumption of BME. Anxiety score and sleep quality were significantly improved for BME group on Days 28, 56 and 84 as compared to placebo. Serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced from baseline to Day 56 and 84, whereas serum BDNF was significantly increased on Day 84 for BME group as compared to placebo. However, no significant effects were observed for sustained attention and planning tasks. No safety concerns were observed.
Conclusion: BME supplementation improved memory and cognitive functions. Anxiety and serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced and sleep quality and serum BDNF was increased by BME consumption. The investigational product was safe and well tolerated throughout the study.” [24]
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have found that bacopa monnieri works amazing on neurological and central nervous system disorders. With much research and studies done I would like to highlight the connection between Bacopa Monnieri and how it does improve many phycological and central nervous system disorders, especially with cognitive function related to ADHD and Alzheimer’s Disease.
This plant has chemical constituents that penetrate deep into the body to heal different areas, including the brain and calm the central nervous system and our mental state. Bacopa monnieri has found to enhance the lives of people with ADHD and Alzheimer’s Disease and minimize their symptoms. It works on the working memory, cognitive function, intellect, memory, and concentration. These are all implications of these diseases and where people seem to struggle the most.
This is an herb that has been documented for centuries and will continue to be an asset to people with cognitive disorders. The book, Yoga of Herbs best sums it up by stating “Brahmi is perhaps the most important nervine herb used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It vitalizes the brain cells, removing toxins and blockages within the nervous system, while at the same time having a nurturing effect. It improves memory and aids in concentration. Himalayan Brahmi is an important food for yogis and improves meditation. A small number of fresh leaves are eaten daily for rejuvenating the mind. Brahmi helps awaken the crown chakra and balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It calms the heart and helps guard against heart attacks. As a rejuvenative it is best prepared in ghee. Brahmi ghee is an important medicine for the mind and heart that should be kept in every home.” [25]
References
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19 Marilyn Cornelis – Efficiency of Different Supplements in Alleviating Symptoms of ADHD with or Without the Use of Stimulants: A Systematic Review – PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12073678/
20 Kathy Abascal, BS, JD, RH (AHG), and Eric Yarnell, ND. – Bacopa for the Brain: A Smart Addition to Western Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2011.17106
21 Prachi Pattnaik, Chetan Panda, Tarun Minocha, Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Namrata Dwivedi and Sandeep Kumar Singh – Chapter – Bacopa monnieri and Neural Health: An Indian Herb | Bentham Science. https://www.eurekaselect.com/chapter/18777
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25 David Frawley – The Yoga of Herbs, An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine (Lotus Press, 2023) 240