Bacopin Supplements And The Brain, An Overview Of The Research On This Herb

Bacopin supplements have been used for some time in India for enhancing mental functions and have become increasingly used in the US. Is this a useful herb or just more wishful thinking? What modern research says about this herb may surprise you.

There has been a lot of bacopin research done in the last several years. Much of what has been discovered about this herb has surprised scientists and affirmed what herbalists have been saying about its effects on the body and brain.

The studies done on this herb have covered a variety of effects and have uncovered a wide range of abilities for bacopin supplements. The primary effects seem to relate to the brain, but there are also some general effects for the body as a whole.

The first item researches have noted in their bacopin research is that the herb seems to improve memory and mental processing. The studies done on this aspect of the plant have shown a marked increase in both memory and speed of learning as well as overall improvement in general cognitive processes. Several studies done both in rats and in humans seems to demonstrate this enhancing capability.

The second important aspect of this herb revealed in recent studies was that bacopin supplements act as an adaptogen. That is to say, it works within the body to counter the effects of stress. This effect worked not only on brain processes related to stress, but other body functions as well. It may also have a protective effect on the stomach helping to reduce or eliminate the risk of ulcers due to stress.

Bacopin research has highlighted antioxidant properties in this plant as well. It seems that it can function as a free radical scavenger in the body and protects cells from free radical damage. This has a long term impact on the brain as scientists believe that free radical damage to nerve cells is a contributing factor in many of the age related cognitive issues we see in the elderly. They are particularly suspect in dementia, Alzheimer’s and age related memory loss. Bacopin supplements could have a protective effect that helps prevent or delay these types of age related issues.

Lastly, researchers also noted that Bacopin supplements seemed to have an anti-anxiety/depression ability. One study in particular compared it to a common antidepressant drug, imipramine and came to the conclusion that the herb performed as well as the drug in testing. More testing in this arena needs to be done, but the results so far are promising that Bacopin could be a useful treatment for some people suffering from depression/anxiety. Since there hasn’t been much in the way of side effects noted from the use of Bacopin this would be preferable to drugs which usually carry with them a number of undesirable side effects. As with anything health related, this should be discussed with a doctor knowledgeable in natural remedies before adding any supplement to your diet.

Despite all the hype out there regarding various supplements and their abilities, Bacopin supplements seem to live up to their touted functions. The research regarding this herb has shown significant benefits to those who use it for improving mental functioning and protecting the brain. Hopefully being armed with this knowledge will help you decide for yourself if this herb is one you want to add to your daily regimen.

Bacopin Supplements And The Brain, An Overview Of The Research On This Herb by J Wall