What Is Bacopa?

In pursuit of enhancing brain function, many individuals turn to nootropics, substances used to improve cognitive abilities. Among natural supplements, Bacopa Monnieri stands out as one of the most well-studied and effective options.

Bacopa is a creeping herb found in wetlands across the globe. Sometimes, it's called "Brahmi," "Water Hyssop," "Herb of Grace," or "Indian Pennywort." And it has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for millennia.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Bacopa, exploring its potential for memory enhancement and benefits to cognitive health. From scientific research to recommended dosages, we'll provide you with all the information you need to harness Bacopa's power for a sharper mind.

The Science of Bacopa

Numerous studies have investigated the memory-enhancing effects of Bacopa. They have explored various aspects of memory, such as the ability to recall information, retrieval speed, and retention duration. And the results have been promising. They show that Bacopa may improve memory across these dimensions to varying extents, rarely with any side effects.

There have been at least ten human studies. Participants have included young and healthy older adults. They've also included people with common memory challenges associated with aging. Here are summaries:

• 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. In 2014, this study found that Bacopa "produced some adaptogenic and nootropic effects." 17 participants used 320 mg or 640 mg of 55% bacoside extract (at least 176 mg bacoside) once. The lower dose was more effective, increasing memory about 9% at 1 hour (letter search task compared to placebo).
• An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of a special extract of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on sustained cognitive performance. In 2013, this study found that Bacopa improved performance on a battery of cognitive demand tests. 24 participants used 320 mg or 640 mg of 55% bacoside extract (at least 176 mg bacoside) once. The higher dose was not more effective, and both doses improved cognitive parameters related to memory at 2 hours.
• Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. In 2010, this study found that "Bacopa significantly improved memory acquisition and retention." 36 participants used 300 mg of 40% bacoside extract (120 mg bacoside) daily. Supplements increased memory about 35% at 3 months (delayed recall task compared to placebo).
• Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. In 2008, this study found that Bacopa "has potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance in the aging." 24 participants used 300 mg of 50% bacoside extract (150 mg bacoside) daily. Supplements increased memory about 6% at 6 weeks and about 18% at 12 weeks (delayed recall task compared to placebo).
• Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. In 2008, this study found that Bacopa improved spatial working memory and visual information processing. 33 participants used 300 mg of 55% bacoside extract (165 mg bacoside) daily. Supplements increased memory about 2% at 3 months (working memory task compared to placebo).
• Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. In 2006, this study found that Bacopa "is efficacious in subjects with age-associated memory impairment." 20 participants used 250 mg of 55% bacoside extract (137.5 mg bacoside) daily. Memory improved about 10% at 2 months (total memory test compared to placebo).
• Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. In 2002, this study found that Bacopa "decreases the rate of forgetting of newly acquired information." 37 participants used 300 mg of 55% bacoside extract (at least 165 mg bacoside) daily. Supplements increased memory about 25% at 3 months (delayed word pairs task compared to placebo).
• The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. In 2001, this study found that Bacopa "may improve higher order cognitive processes … such as learning and memory." 23 participants used 300 mg of 55% bacoside extract (165 mg bacoside) daily. Supplements were ineffective at 5 weeks, and increased memory at 12 weeks (proactive interference task compared to placebo).

Science can be complex. Differences between study participants, environments, and supplement variables may be difficult to control. Reflecting that difficulty, a couple studies of Bacopa Monnieri have not demonstrated nootropic effect:

• Brahmi for the better? New findings challenging cognition and anti-anxiety effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in healthy adults. In 2013, this study only observed "a trend for lower state anxiety in the [Bacopa] group as compared to placebo group." Participants used 450 mg of 24% bacoside extract (108 mg bacoside) daily. Supplements were ineffective at 12 weeks.
• The acute effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy normal subjects. In 2001, this study found that Bacopa "has no acute effects on cognitive functioning in normal healthy subjects." Participants used 300 mg of 55% bacoside extract (165 mg bacoside) once. Supplements were ineffective at 2 hours.

There are at least a couple possible explanations for these results, in contrast to other studies. The 2013 study may have used a bacoside dosage that was too low. And the 2001 study may have been too short.

In summary, research indicates that daily supplementation with 120 mg of bacoside for at least two to three months consistently showed positive effects on memory. However, lower dosages and similar dosages for shorter periods yielded inconsistent results. High doses for shorter durations were somewhat effective but not more so than the recommended daily intake.

Sometimes scientists perform studies of studies – or meta-analysis. In doing this, they often combine the results from multiple studies to increase confidence in a general observation. The following meta-analysis confirms the nootropic efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri supplements:

• Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. In 2014, this meta-analysis of nine studies found that Bacopa "has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention."

In another meta-analysis, scientists used Cohen’s D to compare Bacopa with a popular nootropic drug. Cohen’s D is a method that measures magnitude of effect on a scale of 0 to 1. A magnitude of 0 is no effect, .2 is small effect, and .8 is large effect.

• Cognitive effects of two nutraceuticals Ginseng and Bacopa benchmarked against [drug]: a review and comparison of effect sizes. In 2013, this study found the magnitude of effect of a nootropic drug was .77. And the magnitude of effect of Bacopa was .95. The study concluded that "neurocognitive enhancement from [Bacopa] can produce cognition enhancing effects of similar magnitude to those from pharmaceutical interventions."

Theses studies reinforce the nootropic potential of Bacopa Monnieri. They have shown that Bacopa may enhance cognition, particularly the speed of attention. And, in fact, the magnitude of Bacopa's effect on cognitive function appears to be comparable to that of certain pharmaceutical interventions.

Bacopa Supplements

When selecting a Bacopa Monnieri supplement, it's essential to consider the dosage and bacoside content. Look for supplements with a serving size of at least 120 mg of bacoside. For instance, you may choose an extract standardized to 20% bacoside at 600 mg or an extract with at least 50% bacoside at 240 mg.

Ideally, choose a supplement with 320 mg of Bacopa standardized to 55% bacoside. This is among the most common and potent extracts in Bacopa studies. And it has consistently demonstrated nootropic effect.

In the United States, the principal source of 55% bacoside is Synapsa, which is a patented extract. For more than 30 years, scientists have studied the effects of Synapsa on the cognitive performance of healthy adults. At least six human studies have demonstrated that Synapsa may improve visual processing, learning rate, working memory, and information retention.

To maximize the benefits of Bacopa Monnieri, consider complementing it with other natural nootropics that offer additional cognitive advantages. Traditionally, Bacopa has been paired with Gotu Kola. Other well-researched options include Rhodiola Rosea for focus and energy, L Theanine for relaxation without sedation, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids or Zinc for improved mood.

Thrivous

Based on studies referenced above and others, Thrivous developed Clarity Daily Nootropic. It’s a dietary supplement for daily use to enhance memory, focus, and mood.

Each serving of Clarity contains 320 mg of Synapsa, the premium Bacopa Monnieri extract. It is standardized to 55% bacoside. And it provides about 175 mg bacoside per serving.

In addition, Clarity contains a clinical dose of Rhodiola Rosea, to decrease fatigue and to enhance focus and mood. It contains L Theanine to enhance relaxation without sedation. And it also provides nootropic vitamins and minerals to support healthy brain function.

Thrivous supplements pass through rigorous quality control. We test each ingredient multiple times to ensure purity, potency, and safety. And we publish all test results from our suppliers, manufacturing, and third party labs on our website for your review.

Clarity Daily Nootropic is available to order online. Buy yours today.