Bacopa is an herb often used to support brain function.
Some studies suggest it might protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Researchers are also looking into its potential to improve symptoms of ADHD and mood disorders.
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Clinical trials show that bacopa may help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and learning problems.
It might also boost emotional health by easing symptoms of depression and improving overall well-being.
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to understand its health effects.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Bacopa has several plant chemicals, likesaponins, which may include bacosides A and B.
These plant substances are likely responsible for how bacopa works.
As with many natural products, more, extensive research is necessary.
But people might use bacopa for various reasons.
In general, bacopa did not have that big of an effect.
However, bacopa might help with logical and verbal memory.
Logical memory is your ability to assign meaning to something you learned.
Bacopa may have benefits for children with memory and attention problems.
ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)is a very common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder.
Its hallmark symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Bacopa seems to have the ability to improve functioning in people with ADHD.
It also improved hyperactivity and attention with few mild side effects.
A 2022 review and meta-analysis looked into the effects of bacopa and other herbal remedies on ADHD.
The results showed bacopa treatment has the potential to be an effective treatment for managing ADHD.
However, more research is needed before this therapy can become established.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are a wide group of conditions causing a loss ofneurons.
This group includes Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
While this might sound promising, this study was small.
These future studies could also compare bacopa tostandard AD treatment, such as Aricept (donepezil).
According to another clinical trial, results suggest that bacopa may also help people with AD.
But in this 12-month study, bacopa was combined with other herbs.
Free radicals can damage cells and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Although these results were positive, additional high-quality and extensive research is still necessary.
These future clinical trials should also assess the effects of each component (ingredient) in the herbal mixture.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s diseaseaffects motor function.
It can cause tremors, slowed movements, stiffness, imbalance, and other symptoms.
Bacopa may also be able to improve emotional function.
However, this was a small study and more studies are needed to confirm these results.
Mood
In a meta-analysis, study results were mixed on whether bacopaby itselfrelievesdepressionoranxietysymptoms compared to placebo.
Anhedonia is the inability to find pleasure in things you used to enjoy.
This is a common symptom of depression and other brain-related conditions.
Depression symptoms seem to improve in both people with and without AD.
Future clinical trials must consistently use the same tests to study these mental health conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Bacopa?
Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with bacopa.
But in a meta-analysis, many studies didn’t seem to mention any serious side effects.
Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, swollen airways, itchiness, and rash.
Arsenic poisoning: While rare, according to the NCCIH,arsenic poisoningis possible with Ayurvedic products.
For this reason, contact a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks before taking bacopa.
If there were side effects, they were mild and temporary.
Dosage: How Much Should I Take Bacopa?
If you take bacopa, follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations and the label instructions.
Supplement Facts
What Happens if I Take Too Much Bacopa?
There is little information about bacopa toxicity and overdose in humans.
If you suspect you’re experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Interactions
There is limited information about possible medication interactions with bacopa.
Anticholinergicmedications:Acetylcholineis a naturally occurring substance in your body.
In people with AD, there is a low level of acetylcholine.
When taken with anticholinergic drugs, bacopa can cause an even greater reduction.
Since bacopa may help improve AD symptoms, anticholinergic medications might also work against bacopa.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Bacopa can impact inflammation.For this reason, bacopa might interact with other medicines that affect inflammation.
Store in a cool and dry place.
Similar Supplements
Bacopa may have potential uses for memory, brain function, and depression.
Long-term use of certain B vitamins may slow down worsening memory problems in older adults.
Saint-John’s-wort:Saint-John’s-wortmight be effective for depression, but it interacts with many medications.
In general, don’t combine multiple natural products until you first talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Sources of Bacopa and What to Look For
There are several different sources of bacopa.
If you have difficulties swallowing pills, bacopa may also be available in liquid and powder dosage forms.
Vegetarian and vegan options might also be available.
You may also see bacopa in combination with other herbs.
Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects.
Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form.
So, following a healthcare provider’s recommendations and label directions is important.
Summary
Bacopa is an herb from the figwort family.
It’s used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a traditional Indian medical system.
In general, it might have some potential use for brain health.
But similar to many medications and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are possible.
Additional higher-quality clinical trials are still necessary to better assess the effectiveness and safety of bacopa.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ayurvedic medicine: in depth.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Mental health.
