Bacopa Herb
Proven Health Benefits of Bacopa Herb
- Boost brain function.
- Reduces ADHD symptoms.
- Prevents anxiety and stress.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Decelerates aging process.
- Prevents diabetes.
- Prevents and treats cancer.
What is Bacopa?
Bacopa monnieri is a herb, originally growing in wetlands of Africa, North and South America, Europe and Asia. Bacopa plant is characterized by succulent thick leaves and small white flowers with four or five petals. It mainly grows in swamps but recently Bacopa has been grown hydroponically for commercial purposes due to its medicinal and noootropic properties.
Bacopa monnieri is also known as brahmi, herb of grace, herpestis herb, herpestis monneriera, indian pennywort, water hyssop or moniera cuneifolia. Used for its therapeutic and laxative effects.
What is Bacopa useful for?
Bacopa was widely used in ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of indigestion, diarrhea, syphilis, leprosy, anemia, enlarged spleen, ulcers, biliousness and purify blood. It was also used in cooking to add flavor to food. Ancient Vedic scholars used it to boost memory and learn huge scriptures and hymns. Today Bacopa has drawn the attention of scientists due to its ability to promote the health of brain cells and increase cognitive function.
Bacopa is used in neuropathy to remedy speech problems in kids and improve the coordination among limbs, brain and tongue. In addition, Bacopa has been useful in controlling high blood pressure due to its high concentration of anti-oxidants thereby protecting the blood vessels and the heart.1
Bacopa contains bacosides and bacopasides which changes the levels of serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brains thus improving the overall brain heath boosting concentration and improving memory. Additionally, bacopa is used in the treatment of ulcers, tumors, and improving mental clarity. Bacopa can be used raw, in capsules, in blended form or extracts.2
Health benefits:
- Boosts memory as it contains bacoside a compound that enhances brain development.
- Controls asthma by blocking the activation of mast cells thereby preventing the release of histamine a great contributor to asthma.
- Prevents diabetes due to its high anti-oxidants contents that protects the beta cells which produces insulin.
- Reduces epilepsy. Bacopa contains saponin that improves brain function and reduces seizures.
- Lowers the cholesterol in the body by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the body.
- Lowers stress levels by restoring brain chemicals responsible for maintain mood balance. Also, the High content of antioxidants present in bacopa aids in the reduction of depression.
- Prevents cancer due to the Presence of bacoside A and B, Brahmin, cucurbitacins and betulic acid that inhibit the growth and spread of tumor in the body.
- Improves the health of the liver by flushing out toxins and harmful substances from the body due to high anti-oxidant content.
- Heals and prevents ulcers by secreting a mucus that prevents the inner lining of the stomach against corrosion effect of gastric acid, the mucus also regulates acidity.
Nutrition:
Bacopa contains;3- Protein 2.1 gm
- Fat 0.6 gm
- Carbohydrates 5.9 gm
- Crude Fiber 1.05 gm
- Ash 1.9 gm
- Calcium 202.0 mg
- Phosphorus 16.0 gm
- Ascorbic Acid 63.0
- Nicotinic acid 0.3
- Iron 7.8 mg
- Energy 38 cal
Toxicity:
Although Bacopa monnieri is safe to use, some people may have nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps after using it. Also, the herb is not recommended for use by pregnant women.