Bacopa is a perennial flowering plant frequently used for its mood-enhancing qualities, but it’s also an incredibly powerful nootropic for learning and memory. The molecule shown is Bacoside-A, which we explore in detail below.
Bacopa Monnieri is one of the oldest, most well-known Ayurvedic medicines in existence, with some accounts tracing it as far back as 800 B.C![1] Also known as Brahmi, bacopa has been extensively used as an adaptogen as well as an herbal remedy used to treat everything ranging from anxiety to depression and even leprosy.[2]
This old world medicine has also been used as a potent cognitive enhancer and neuroprotectant, which is why we’re covering it today. Bacopa offers a wide range of benefits, especially in regards to memory and learning, that make it a “can’t miss” supplement, particularly for the nootropics users and bio-hackers out there, and is included in our current favorite energized nootropic, Beast Neuro Beast.
Let’s take a deeper look into what this age-old nootropic medicine is all about!
What is Bacopa Monnieri?
Bacopa Monnieri is a perennial, creeping herb native to the wet northeast and southern regions of India. The herb is incredibly important to the world of Ayurveda and is even named after Lord Brahma, the mythological creator of the world and of the science of Ayurveda.[1]
While the herb has been used for all manner of illnesses throughout the centuries, more recently it’s been investigated for the powerful cognitive benefits it offers, particularly in the areas of learning, memory, and neuroprotection.
Effect of different doses of bacosides on neurotransmitter acetylcholine content in aged rate brain. Results are expressed as mean±standard deviation of 6 rats in each group.[3]
How does bacopa have such wide-ranging effects on the brain and its assorted functions?
We answer that question next!
What does Bacopa do?
Bacopa impacts several systems of the body, but its nootropic and anxiolytic (stress-relieving) qualities are primarily attributed to its ability to promote neural communication and enhance the release of certain neurotransmitters.
The reason bacopa is able to exert these effects in the body is due to their bacosides,[6] potent bioactive compounds that modulate antioxidant enzymes (like Superoxide Dismutase) and regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, especially acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, and serotonin.[3,4]
Look for bacosides
Say hello to Bacoside A3, a major component of bacoside — the compound really responsible for Bacopa’s neurological powers.
Bacosides are classified as dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins,[5] and in addition to their role as neurotransmitter regulators, they can regenerate synapses and repair damaged neurons.[4] These powerful saponins also combat “hippocampus devaluation” by removing aluminum in the cerebral cortex,[3] which is particularly useful if you are cautious about aluminum-loaded vaccines or use mainstream deodorants containing aluminum or any other healthcare product loaded with the metal.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what you’re dealing with, let’s take a look at the numerous benefits you’ll get by adding this herb to your daily nootropic stack!
Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri
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Improves Memory & Cognition
Although bacopa works in a number of different ways, the primary way it enhances memory and cognitive function is by improving synaptic communication. Bacopa supports the growth and proliferation of dendrites, which enhances neural signaling. For those of you unaware, dendrites are the branch-like nerve cell extensions used in the transmission of nerve impulses. With better neural impulse transmission, you’ll experience heightened cognitive function.
Remember at the top when we talked about bacosides?
Well, it’s one of those bacosides, Bacoside-A specifically, that stimulates nerve cells, thereby making your synapses more receptive to the nerve impulses.
Bacopa also improves memory and cognition via stimulation of hippocampal activity. This is accomplished by increasing protein kinase activity, which regulates cellular pathways.[7] Since the hippocampus is vital to virtually all cognitive activity, researchers believe this is one of the most important ways in which bacopa enhances brain power.
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Reduces Stress
Bacopa helps alleviate stress and anxiety by significantly reducing cortisol levels in the body.[23]
Perhaps bacopa’s most well-known role is that of an adaptogen. As you probably are aware, adaptogens are compounds, herbs, or other natural substances that help the body cope with all manner of physical, emotional, and psychological stressors.
Bacopa has some solid human research demonstrating its adaptogenic effects, including decreased cortisol,[23] which is something other adaptogens (like ashwagandha) also do. Reduced cortisol helps boost mood and decrease stress.
Moreover, since bacopa affects dopamine and serotonin production, it can attenuate chronic stress-induced changes in dopamine and serotonin in the hippocampus and cortex,[24] which serves as further proof of bacopa’s adaptogenic properties.
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Relieves Anxiety
Anxiety and stress are almost a given in today’s age of “gotta have it now!”
Fortunately, bacopa helps crush stress and anxiety too!
More specifically, the herb modulates the activity of certain neurotransmitter receptors (especially serotonin), which play a prominent role in mood and stress management. Bacopa increases production of Tryptophan Hydroxylase (TPH2), an enzyme that is vital to several CNS activities, including the creation of serotonin.[8]
Bacoside-A back at it
Notice how bacopa monnieri was able to increase levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT).[3]
Other research notes that Bacoside-A can also prevent dopamine receptor dysfunction,[9] and as well all know, dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that governs pleasure and reward, making it vital to a healthy, happy mood. On top of that, Bacoside-A also has been documented to support GABA activity,[10] thereby preventing anxiety by reducing the activation of neurons that can get overstimulated and lead to stress. Remember, that GABA is the body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, so promoting its actions will help to chill you out.
The final manner in which bacopa supports mood and combats stress is due to hersaponin, another bioactive compound in bacopa. Hersaponin has been shown to exert a relaxing / sedative-esque effect.[11,12]an alkaloid that has been demonstrated to have a relaxing, sedative-like effect.
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Increases Learning
One of bacopa’s biggest benefits is its ability to make learning faster and easier. Research has shown that the herb improves spatial learning, as well as enhance learning capacity while under stress.[13,14,15]
Anecdotal accounts of those using bacopa for study purposes frequently remark that it’s easier to recall new material and assimilate it as well. While bacopa is useful both acutely and long-term, researchers believe they operate via different mechanisms. For acute benefits, they mostly attribute it to increase cerebral blood flow or energy metabolism as well as acetylcholinesterase inhibition and/or choline acetyltransferase, thereby yielding greater acetylcholine (“the learning neurotransmitter”) levels.[3,16] Long-term benefits of bacopa are linked to an improvement in inflammation and antioxidant status and a reduction in beta-amyloid.[16]
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Neuroprotection
Effect of Bacognize Bacopa monnieri (300 mg/day) on neuropsychological tests (mean scores ± SD).[4] Notice the massive imrovement in the bacopa group vs placebo.
Cognitive decline and neurological disorders are some of the most devastating things to occur to humans as we age. It’s not a pretty sight to see when a loved one can’t remember names or easily gets confused.
Bacopa was historically used as a brain tonic, and modern research backs up its efficacy. Studies show that the herb combats neuroinflammation,[17] repairs damaged neurons,[18] and exerts powerful antioxidant effects[19] that protect the brain from all sorts of stressors that impair cognitive function and lead to neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. Bacopa prevents the buildup of β-amyloid and combats neuroinflammation, which are hallmark signs of brain aging and dementia.[18]
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Comparable to Pharmaceuticals
For the ultimate test, researchers decided to pit bacopa (as well as ginseng) against one of the premier pharmaceutical nootropic drugs in Modafinil. Even though the mechanisms of action are different as well as the time it takes for each to take effect, researchers concluded that over the long haul bacopa yielded similar cognitive enhancement as did the prescription drugs.[20]
Basically, with Bacopa Monnieri you’ll experience:
- Increased attention
- Better working memory and processing
- Relieve stress & anxiety
- Clearer thinking
That’s something we’ll sign up for any day of the week!
Bacognize — the BEST form of Bacopa!
When looking for the best bacopa monnieri extract on the market for cognitive benefits, there’s only one choice — Bacognize.
Generally speaking, Bacopa Monnieri leaf extracts are less potent and typically require a larger dose (~750mg) just to get 10% bacoside yield. While you could do that, we’re in favor of standardized extracts that clearly stated the percentage of bacosides contained in the extract.
Non-Standardized and Proprietary Blends have similar issues
Non-standardized forms of bacopa are used in many of the “popular”, mainstream nootropic supplements, but there are two things to remember:
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If they don’t disclose the exact standardization, you might not be getting anywhere near the effective amount of bacosides, and;
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A supplement brand can change the product from batch to batch and you wouldn’t even know… until you didn’t feel it “working” as well!
This is especially true if you see bacopa (or any ingredient) buried in a proprietary blend. Who’s to say they’re not changing the formula between batches to meet cost targets?
Here’s a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) graph showing the concentrations of Bacognize.
The word standardization is for a reason – you want to get the same ingredient at the same strength each and every time. You really think some supplement companies don’t switch their raw materials between batches after they get a call from a cheaper Chinese supplier?
For this reason, we’re big fans of Bacognize by Verdure Sciences.
Bacognize is an all natural Bacopa monnieri extract standardized for 45% Bacosides. Studies using Bacognize demonstrate improved cognitive function, in part due to activation of 5HT(serotonin) receptors which are critical to optimal cognitive function.[4,21] Plus, it’s also been proven to improve memory acquisition and retention in healthy older adults.[21]
Bacognize / Bacopa Dosage – How Much to Take?
Neuro Beast is here, and this is looking like one incredible Nootropic Energy & Focus Pill!
The research demonstrating Bacognize’s effectiveness use a dosage of 300mg, and that’s what we’re sticking to. Remember, that Bacopa does exert acute effects, as covered above, but it really starts to show its benefits when it’s used long-term, at least 6-8 weeks preferably.
Top Bacopa Monnieri Nootropic Supplements
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Beast Neuro Beast
Neuro Beast is without question one of the favorite nootropic formulas of the PricePlow crew. Not only do you get the large dose of Bacopa, and plenty of other nootropics including a few other stimulants.
Neuro Beast delivers some extremely pronounced focus and drive to work your tail off, and is about as complete a nootropic supplement as you’ll find that’s also extremely affordable.
We can’t say enough great things about this formula. It really feels “next-level”, right from the first take!
Beast Neuro Beast – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
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Bacopa Monnieri Side Effects: Is it safe?
Bacopa has been studied hundreds of times,[25] in animals and humans, and on the whole is very safe. The only noticeable human side effect has been some modest GI cramping and occasional diarrhea.[16,22]
Stacking Bacopa
Bacopa works mighty fine on its own, but like most other nootropics, can certainly get a boost when paired with one of these:
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Rhodiola
Rhodiola Rosea: Our favorite feel-good herb with some additional workout boosting properties
For the ultimate “chillaxed” focus, stack rhodiola and bacopa together. Rhodiola is another well-known Ayurvedic herb that helps individuals cope and adapt to all sorts of stressors, and when used in conjunction with bacopa should make for some intense, yet controlled focus. You’ll also experience considerably less stress and anxiety too!
Dosage: 100-300mg Rhodiola (depending on standardization)
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Choline
Choline supplements are a staple for us, and pair incredibly well with bacopa due to its acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting properties. Pairing a superior form of choline (Alpha GPC or Citicoline) alongside bacopa helps prevent any headaches and ramp up the effectiveness of bacopa’s cognitive-boosting powers.
Dosage: 300mg Alpha GPC or 250mg Citicoline
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Caffeine
You’ll frequently see caffeine as a part of nootropic formulas that also include bacopa. There is some feedback stating that bacopa can “dull” the stimulating effects of caffeine since bacopa does affect dopamine in the striatum. Combining these two may result is less “pop” to your caffeine, but the noticeable increase in focus and energy will still be evident.
Dosage: 100-300mg caffeine (based on personal preference) or whatever your favorite amount of coffee is.
Takeaway
Bacopa monnieri is one of the best mainstream nootropics that provide a wealth of benefits whether you’re looking for heightened brain function, memory enhancement, or stress relief. It’s incredibly safe, and when used over the long haul can go a long way to ensuring you stay as mentally sharp in your golden years as you are now.
Bacopa – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
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Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.
Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.
Beast Neuro Beast – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
Get Price Alerts
No spam, no scams.
Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.
Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.
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