Bacopa Monnieri Extract For Memory – How Does It Work?

Bacopa Monnieri extract is one of the best kept secrets of Ayurveda medicine that is quickly becoming a popular mainstream brain supplement.

A staple remedy in India for centuries, Bacopa Monnieri is known to dramatically enhance memory and other cognitive functions. It acts as a potent anxiolytic and may even have neuro-protective qualities.

This creeping wetland vine, also known as Brahmi, is native to almost every continent on Earth. Now, the nootropic community has embraced it as an essential part of brain boosting stacks like Alpha Brain.

Can Bacopa Monnieri extracts improve the quality of your intellect? Read on to find out how it works, and the best ways to take this traditional memory booster.

Bacopa Monnieri

Natural Nootropic

Brain Function

Memory

Stress

How It Works:

• Increases communication between neurons
• Supports memory, focus & cognition
• Reduces anxiety & stress

Dosage:

Between 50 - 500mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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The Chemistry of Cognition

Bacopa Monnieri extract is drawn from a creeping vine native to the marshlands of Nepal, India, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, whose name “Brahmi” means “the herb of grace.”

It is in a category of chemicals called adaptogens. Adaptogens work to block stress messages at the chemical level, before they trigger resulting stress responses in the body. Adaptogens are meant to be taken before stressful situations occur, as part of a daily regimen.

Bacopa decreases stress by limiting the amount of the biomarker HSP70 in the brain. This decreases the amount of stress that the brain and the user perceive in the first place, improving the body’s adaptability to external factors.

Bacopa’s memory effects occur because the supplement increases amounts of the enzyme Tryptophan Hydroxylase (TPH2), which boosts synaptogenesis. This is the process by which new connections are formed in your brain between neurons.

One of Bacopa’s chief ingredients, Bacoside A, also amplifies synaptic communication. Synapses and nerve cell receptors become more active and information flows more rapidly between them.

This function is key to long-term memory. Bacopa’s anxiolytic effects partially come from its constituent Hersaponins, which causes relaxation. This natural herb also increases serotonin and regulates dopamine.

Common Uses of Bacopa Extract

Bacopa Monnieri extract is a valuable supplement for anyone suffering from symptoms of depression or anxiety. It has the ability to soothe jangled nerves and create a calm mental environment.

It is also a good therapy for people with ADHD, or any conditions wherein a hyperactive mind distracts from normal daily activities.

For general use, Bacopa remains an excellent tool to boost memory and learning capabilities. For this reason, it is a popular supplement for students of all ages. It has also been used as a treatment to slow the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Bacopa also has significant anti-inflammatory qualities. Inflammation is the root cause of many chronic disorders, including arthritis, and can eventually lead to tissue damage, weight gain, and improper organ function. Bacopa has long been used as a remedy to cut inflammation and end chronic pain in joints and muscles.

Bacopa Monnieri is suitable for all ages. Children, traditionally given Bacopa supplements at the start of every school day, can benefit from its boost to learning capacity. On the other end of the spectrum, elderly users can use Bacopa to offset the cognitive losses associated with aging.

Bacopa Safety Concerns and Dosage

Most people are able to tolerate Bacopa Monnieri extract fairly well and do not report major side effects. Not only has it been taken safely for centuries as an Ayurveda folk medicine, it is also incorporated into other brain supplements such as Alpha Brain.

The main side effect which is frequently mentioned is an upset stomach. For reasons we don’t yet understand, Bacopa can irritate the stomach when taken on its own. Alpha Brain does not seem to have this universal side effect.

Dosage does not seem to be a major issue here, as the standard 300 mg per day dose is not considered high or toxic in any way. Make note of how your stomach reacts. If discomfort is too intense, consider trying another nootropic supplement which has similar effects, such as Piracetam.

One factor which may be considered a drawback is slow efficacy for certain benefits. The anxiolytic qualities of the supplement seem to appear very rapidly.

The cognition and memory benefits can take a lot longer to appear. Some people, fearing the supplement is not working, then add to the dosage. This is a mistake, and can actually lead to side effects which wouldn’t occur otherwise.

So, when taking Bacopa on its own, be sure to allow an adequate amount of time to feel effects, perhaps 1-2 hours. To boost the speed of onset, try taking Bacopa stacked with other nootropics which potentiate it, such as in the product Alpha Brain.

Bacopa Monnieri Extract should also not be taken in conjunction with prescription thyroid medication, anti-depressants like Wellbutrin or Lexapro, or Sedatives like Valium. Additionally, if you have pre-existing GI, blood pressure, liver issues, this supplement could worsen your symptoms.

However, for most people, a Bacopa Supplement is a safe and effective way to enhance memory and cut stress.

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