| Bacopa monnieri | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Bacopa |
| Species: | B. monnieri |
| Binomial name | |
| Bacopa monnieri L. Pennell[1] |
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| Synonyms | |
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Bacopa monniera |
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Bacopa monnieri (Coastal Waterhyssop, Brahmi, Thyme-leafed gratiola, Water hyssop) is a perennial, creeping herb whose habitat includes wetlands and muddy shores. Brahmi is also the name given to Centella asiatica by some botanists,[2][3] while others consider that to be a mistake that arose during the 16th century, when brahmi was confused with mandukaparni, a name for C. asiatica.[4]
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The leaves of this plant are succulent and relatively thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant. It can even grow in slightly brackish conditions. Propagation is often achieved through cuttings.
It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and is also found in Florida and other southern states of the USA where it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.
This plant has a number of uses in Ayurveda. It is a traditional treatment for epilepsy and asthma.[5] It has antioxidant properties, reducing oxidation of fats in the bloodstream.[5] However, anti-epilepsy properties seem to be in very high toxic and near lethal doses, so it's only used—at much lower non-toxic dosage—as a (cognitive) additive to regular epilepsy medication. Studies in humans show that an extract of the plant has antianxiety effects.[5]
It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. In India, this plant has also been used traditionally to consecrate newborn babies in the belief that it will open the gateway of intelligence. Laboratory studies on rats indicate that extracts of the plant improve memory capacity and motor learning ability.[5] Recent studies suggest bacopa may improve intellectual activity.[6][7][8] The sulfhydryl and polyphenol components of Bacopa monniera extract have also been shown to impact the oxidative stress cascade by scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and reducing divalent metals.[9] This mechanism of action may explain the effect of Bacopa monniera extract in reducing beta-amyloid deposits in mice with Alzheimer's disease.[9]
It is used in Rebirthing therapy to accelerate trauma release and make continuous breathing easier. Bacopa monneri is a well known nootropic plant reported for its tranquilizing, sedative, cognitive enhancer, hepatoprotective and antioxidant action.(ref name: m mujassam)
A standardized Bacopa monniera preparation was evaluated for safety and tolerability in 23 healthy adult volunteers.[10] Participants took 300 mg of the extract daily for 15 days, followed by 450 mg/daily for the subsequent 15 days. No adverse effects were observed in biochemical, electrocardiographic, hematological or clinical parameters in the post-treatment vs. the pre-treatment period. There were some reports of mild gastrointestinal symptoms that resolved spontaneously.
Bacopa Monnieri might agonize (strengthen) cytochrome p450 liver isoenzymes "7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase" (CYP2B1/2?) and "7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation" (CYP1A1), especially under stressful conditions[11].
It is used in Vietnamese cuisine, where it is called rau đắng biển. It is used in cháo cá, a variety of rice congee made with fish and nấm tràm mushrooms.
Bacopa monnieri is a known hyperaccumulator of Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Mercury, and as such can be used for phytoremediation.[12],[13]
vinayak 1999
Classification System: APG II (down to family level)
Main Page
Cladus: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiospermae
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: core
eudicots
Cladus: Asterids
Cladus: Euasterids
I
Ordo: Lamiales
Familia: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Bacopa
Species: Bacopa monnieri
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For more multimedia, look at Bacopa monnieri on Wikimedia Commons. |
USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database, 6 March 2006 (http://plants.usda.gov). Data compiled from various sources by Mark W. Skinner. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
  | The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects - The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monnie...[Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001] - PubMed Result |
| | Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory - Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on hum...[Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002] - PubMed Result |
| | Bacopa monnieri information from NPGS/GRIN - Bacopa monnieri information from NPGS/GRIN |
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