Mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) for cognitive and brain enhancement

The plant Bacopa monnieri (water hyssop, Brahmi, thymeleaved Gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort) is a perennial, creeping herb native to the wet lands of India, particularly northeast and southern regions. Bacopa is an important plant of Ayurveda, where it is named as Brahmi, after Lord Brahma, themythological creator of the world and originator of the science of Ayurveda. Bacopa is frequently mentioned in the religious, social, and medical treatises of India since the time of Vedic civilization. Its antiquity can be traced to the time of Athar Ved (the science of well-being) written in 800BC where Bacopa finds a mention in the very first verse of the third chapter of Athar Samhita (compilation on the factors promoting well-being).More recently researchers have turned their attention to better understanding the mechanisms and efficacy of various extracts of Bacopa monnieri on human conditions. Although extracts of Bacopa have been studied and used to treat various disorders for centuries (pain, epilepsy, and inflammation, amongstmany) perhaps the chief therapeutic claimconcerning its benefits has been in improving memory.