In Ayurvedic medicine, most Bacopa Monnieri benefits are common knowledge.
This plant-derived natural medicinal has been widely prescribed to both children and adults to enhance brain power for centuries in India.
Specifically, Bacopa improves memory retention, while eliminating sources of anxiety which stand in the way of great neural function. It is similar in effect to natural Piracetam – one of the best-selling brain supplements of all time.
As a part of modern nootropic stacks like Alpha Brain, the benefits of Bacopa Monnieri are amplified even further. Here’s a full summary of what we know about how Bacopa Monnieri works in the body.



- Increases communication between neurons
- Supports memory, focus & cognition
- Reduces anxiety & stress
Is Bacopa Monnieri A Natural Product?
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The famous Bacopa Monnieri benefits don’t originate in a pharmaceutical research lab.
The supplement is harvested from a wildly growing natural plant – the creeping vine also known as Brahmi, or “herb of grace.”
It is given this name because consumption of the herb in its native wetland climates of India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Nepal was a well-known cure-all for many conditions arising from chronic inflammation and anxiety.
The crushed leaves of the Brahmi plant were found to have a calming quality on a variety of conditions, from joint pain and arthritis to epileptic seizures.
Though it wasn’t understood why until recently, Bacopa was believed to dramatically improve mental clarity and recall, much like natural nootropics. It was typically given to school children every morning before class, to assist in learning and retention.
How Do Bacopa Monnieri Benefits Work?
Bacopa Monnieri benefits are more than simply an ancient cultural myth. Modern research has revealed the mechanisms through which it boosts mood, enhances memory, and eliminates stress. Bacopa extract stimulates serotonin and regulates the loss of dopamine.
These two critical hormones manage mental energy, feelings of joy, calm, and euphoria. As with many other nootropic supplements, Bacopa’s managing of these two hormones is responsible for mood enhancement, reducing many symptoms of anxiety.
Bacopa contains large amounts of Bacoside A, an herbal compound which is critical to fast and efficient synaptic communication. By raising kinase activity in the hippocampus, Bacoside A electrifies the activity of nerve cell receptors, making communication in the brain flow rapidly and form easy connections. Bacopa’s long-term memory benefits arise from this action, in much the same way Piracetam functions.
Finally, Bacopa adds additional synapse enhancing enzymes like Tryptophan Hydroxylase into the mix. The total effect results in incredible memory, recall of facts, and a much easier time learning and organizing new information.
Stress is also reduced at the chemical level, by regulating the amount of available HSP70, a common biomarker for stress. This action provides the subjective impression of less stress on the part of the user. The result is a clear mind, free from anxiety attacks, with enhanced recall and memory.
Who Can Benefit From Bacopa?
Bacopa supplements can provide a dramatic improvement in the quality of life for anyone suffering from anxiety-related disorders. By calming the mind, reducing hyperactive thoughts, and setting the chemical conditions for learning, Bacopa can help both adults and children who experience anxiety.
The mood lifting qualities of the supplement also make it a worthy therapy for depression.
Even if you do not suffer from serious conditions like these, Bacopa is still appropriate for everyday use. It is safe for use by children, and older people feeling the effects of age-related cognitive decline will also benefit from boosts to memory and learning.
Best Dose For Bacopa Monnieri Benefits
Over centuries of use, the best Bacopa Monnieri benefits have been found to occur at a dosage of 300 mg per day. This amount is appropriate for both adults and children.
The supplement is sometimes known to take some time to fully “kick in.” Advanced memory effects may take longer to become noticeable, though anti-anxiety effects onset quite rapidly.
Be patient and do not increase the dose to avoid side effects. Eventually, the full range of Bacopa Monnieri health benefits will manifest.
Is Bacopa Monnieri Safe?
Bacopa Monnieri is perfectly safe for most people. If you currently take anti-depressants like Prozac or Lexapro, you should not take Bacopa. Other contraindications include pre-existing liver and thyroid problems, excessively high or low blood pressure, or GI blockage. These conditions could be made worse by Bacopa.
Many people do report general stomach upset when taking the supplement. These symptoms tend to be light and temporary, but discontinue use if these symptoms become too intense. You can also try Brahmi Tea as an alternative form of this supplement that is less likely to cause stomach discomfort.
Your Bacopa Monnieri benefits do not have to be marred by side effects. If you are unsure about taking Bacopa on its own, combining it in increments with other supplements is a very popular option. By taking the supplement as a part of a proven nootropic combo such as Alpha Brain, the harmonious synergy of effects will provide incredible and lasting cognitive benefits.
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Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment