Supplements Herbal Supplements What Is Bacopa? By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 01, 2022 Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Jay Yepuri, MD, MS, is board-certified in gastroenterology. He is a partner with Digestive Health Associates of Texas and a medical director at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB Hospital. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Selection and Preparation Side Effects Interactions Product Concerns Bacopa (Bacopa monniera) is an herb used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It is also called: AndriBacopa monnieriHerb of graceHerpestis herbHerpestis monnieraIndian pennywortWater hyssop Bacopa is widely promoted as a treatment for a number of medical problems, including: Memory disorders Anxiety Thyroid health Not all these benefits are supported by scientific evidence. This article looks at the purported uses of bacopa and its known side effects. Subrata Dutta / Getty Images What Is Bacopa Used For? Bacopa may have antioxidant properties. It contains saponin compounds such as bacosides and bacopasides. These compounds may enhance cognition, learning, and memory. They may also inhibit inflammation in the brain. To date, however, few studies have tested the health effects of bacopa. The research that has been done has focused on the treatment and/or prevention of several health problems. Bacopa should not be confused with gotu kola. Gotu kola and bacopa are both sometimes called brahmi. Memory and Brain Function Several studies suggest that bacopa may help preserve memory and enhance cognitive function. A 2014 meta-analysis looked at nine previously published studies assessing the effect of bacopa on cognitive function. Researchers concluded that bacopa could potentially improve cognition. They also said, however, that large, well-designed trials comparing the supplement to medication are needed. An earlier review also looked at previously published studies on bacopa for cognitive performance. It found evidence suggesting the herb extract may improve memory during free-recall tests. Similarly, in a 2016 study researchers gave 60 medical students either 300 mg of bacopa per day or a placebo for six weeks. They found that the students who took the bacopa had improvements in cognitive function. Anxiety Other studies suggest bacopa may help alter the activity of certain enzymes involved in the stress response. This means bacopa may help the brain function better when under stress. In one small 2014 study, researchers looked at the effects of a bacopa extract in healthy participants engaging in multiple tasks. They found positive cognitive effects, some positive mood effects, and a reduction in cortisol levels in those taking bacopa. Cortisol is a hormone that is associated with stress. What Is Cortisol? Selection and Preparation Bacopa is available in capsule or tablet form. You can find bacopa in your local vitamin store or online. Currently, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for this supplement. Doses typically depend on several factors including: Current health statusAgeSex If you're thinking of trying bacopa, consult your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if bacopa would be safe for you and what dose may be appropriate. Possible Side Effects of Bacopa Bacopa may cause side effects such as: NauseaStomach crampsBloatingDiarrheaIncreased bowel movementsDry mouthFatigue Bacopa may also increase calcium levels in the blood. It could also affect levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Neurotransmitters transmit messages between neurons and between neurons and muscles. Interactions and Contraindications There's little research into bacopa's interactions with medications. This includes medications that act on neurotransmitters. That said, interactions may occur with: Drugs that are metabolized by the liver Medications for Alzheimer's disease Anticholinergic drugs Cholinergic drugs Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Thyroid hormones At present, there are no known interactions between bacopa and foods, other herbs, or supplements. Keep in mind that the safety of supplements in nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions has not been established. Pregnant women shouldn't take bacopa. This is because there are no studies about safe use in pregnancy. Animal studies suggest bacopa may reduce fertility. Bacopa Product Concerns Supplements haven't been tested for safety. Because they are largely unregulated, the content of some products may be different than what is listed on the product label. For example, one study analyzed 12 samples of bacopa formulations. If found lead, calcium, and chromium in all of them, but at levels below the allowed limit. Another study found elevated levels of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc. The authors of that study warned that bacopa needs to be tested for metal content before it's used in herbal supplements. Verywell Health's Dietary Supplement Methodology Summary Bacopa has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Evidence for its health effects and benefits are limited, though. Some studies have found that it helps cognition and memory. It may also be helpful in reducing stress. Before taking bacopa, talk to your healthcare provider. The safe dosage isn't known and may depend on factors like your age and health. Bacopa may also cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and it may interact with certain drugs. 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Scholfield CN. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-35. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008 Pase MP, Kean J, Sarris J, Neale C, Scholey AB, Stough C. The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. J Altern Complementary Med. 2012;18(7):647-52. Kumar N, Abichandani LG, Thawani V, Gharpure KJ, Naidu MU, Venkat Ramana G. Efficacy of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on cognitive functions of medical students: a six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2016;2016. Benson S, Downey LA, Stough C, Wetherell M, Zangara A, Scholey A. An acute, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on multitasking stress reactivity and mood. Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):551-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.5029 Chaudhari KS, Tiwari NR, Tiwari RR, Sharma RS. Neurocognitive effect of nootropic drug Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurosci. 2017;24(2):111-22. doi:10.1159/000475900 Mishra A, Mishra AK, Tiwari OP, Jha S. Studies on metals and pesticide content in some Ayurvedic formulations containing Bacopa monnieri L. J Integr Med. 2016;14(1):44-50. doi:10.1016/S2095-4964(16)60241-8 Lavu RV, Prasad MN, Pratti VL, et al. Trace metals accumulation in Bacopa monnieri and their bioaccessibility. Planta Med. 2013;79(12):1081-3. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1328713 By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit