Bacopa Leaf Extract

Bacopa leaf extract(Bacopa monnieri), is a perennial herb that has been recently reclassified into the Plantaginaceae family from the Scrophulariaceae or Figwort family. Bacopa is a small, creeping succulent and water loving herb, which grows in ponds, tidal lands, and wetlands in tropical and semitropical areas. The flowers have 5 petals, are white or whitish-blue, and grow on short pedicels at the axils of the leaves The whole plant can be dried and used medicinally, or the aerial parts can be eaten fresh.

Native to India & Sri Lanka, but now naturalized in the southern coasts of the U.S, & Australia, its growth habits can be a challenge for finding pure sources. Given its ability to thrive and absorb the moisture of its environment, Bacopa is notorious for also absorbing the pollutants of its environment, such as pesticides, microbes, and heavy metals.

Analysis:

Bacopa Leaf Extract Benefits:

1.Memory Improvement

One of the main uses of bacopa leaf extract is to improve cognition and memory recall. Proponents argue that the herb offers nootropic and adaptogenic benefits that may help improve the speed of recall, reduce stress and increase the ability to multitask. Several studies have shown promise when it comes to these memory-boosting benefits.

A study published in Phytotherapy Research examined the neuropharmacological effects of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri on brain function. The study consisted of 17 healthy adults who received a series of cognitive tests to examine multitasking abilities as well as stress and mood. Participants who took bacopa demonstrated improvement on memory tests and displayed lower levels of stress compared to a placebo.

2.Stress Reduction

Laboratory studies and animal studies show that bacopa herb extract may help to reduce stress and limit the effects of anxiety. Human trials are ongoing and have shown conflicting results, so more research is needed to confirm these benefits in adults.

One animal study investigated the anti-anxiety effects of Bacopa monnieri extract in rats. The study focused on the effects of bacosides A and B, the most prevalent saponins in the plant. The researchers found that a 5 mg/kg dose of Bacopa monniera extract displayed similar anxiety-reducing results as lorazepam — a common anti-anxiety medication. When doses were increased to 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, the bacopa was more effective than lorazepam.

3.ADHD Treatment Potential

ADHD, known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurological condition that causes difficulty paying attention and controlling impulse reactions. It’s commonly seen in children and can cause a host of learning issues. Some research shows that bacopa leaf extract may help reduce these symptoms by improving attention span.

A small open-label study examined the benefits of bacopa on ADHD severity in 31 children between the ages of six and 12. In an open-label study, participants know what treatment is being given. This is different from a double-blind study, which is designed to prevent bias by not telling the participants the details of the treatment. The study was conducted in India, beginning in 2008 and ending in 2010.

4.Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a natural body healing response. When you get a scrape or bump your shin on the coffee table, your body responds with acute inflammation to heal the wound. Acute inflammation is a sign of normal healing and generally isn’t a cause for concern. However, chronic inflammation can be a sign of an underlying issue or health conditions including cancer and heart problems.

Research shows that bacopa may help decrease inflammation and cytokine responses that cause the immune system to overreact. Compounds in bacopa leaf bacopa monnieri extract work to inhibit enzymes that can trigger chronic inflammation. Most of the research on these benefits has been conducted in the lab and clinical trials are needed to show effectiveness in the human population.

5.Neuroprotective Effects

Bacopa herb extract contains high levels of antioxidants that can help prevent some signs of aging. These protective benefits may boost memory recall, which may aid in the fight against brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, that affect older adults. These antioxidants work to fight against free radicals — highly reactive molecules that attach to healthy cells and cause a breakdown, known as oxidative stress, that impedes normal cellular processes.

Studies of bacopa show that the herb may help by offering neuroprotective effects against memory impairment. The active ingredients in bacopa help prevent the damage free radicals cause in fat molecules. Animal studies have also shown that bacopa helps reduce dementia in rats, though these results haven’t been replicated in human trials.

Bacopa Leaf Extract Application:

1. As Healthy Products ingredients.
2. As Nutrition Supplements ingredients.
3. As cosmetic ingredients