It’s a herb with several names. Some know it as brahmi. Others call it water hyssop. It’s also referred to as bacopa, or bacopa monnieri.
But, many don’t know “the herb of grace” at all.
Still, the perennial herb has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurveda traditional medicine, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and boasts brain boosting benefits, among others.
“Bacopa monniera protects the brain through antioxidants,” registered dietitian Sarah Thomsen Ferreira previously told the clinic. “It helps to stimuli enzymes in our body’s own antioxidant defense system.”
Antioxidants include vitamins and minerals that prevent cell damage and are found in many foods. A diet high in antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Bacopa’s brain impacts haven’t been studied in humans, but trials in animals have “established a biological rationale for protective properties,” according to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
The small trials have made it challenging to draw firm conclusions, but a systematic review of the research reported at least one statistically significant improvement on at least one neuropsychological measure in the majority of trials it analyzed, the non-profit said.
But, that’s not the only reason you may want to use the tropical herb in your next cup of tea or protein shake — after consulting with a doctor, of course.
Bacopa is an adaptogen, the clinic notes. Adaptogens are groups of plants and herbs that can reduce stress. It is believed they work by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: a group of three endocrine system organs that initiate the body’s stress response, according to UCLA Health. The organs include the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland and the kidneys’ adrenal glands. All of the organs regulate hormones, which cause stress.
Lastly, several studies have found that bacopa can reduce inflammation in the central nervous system and related pain.
Inflammation, which is our immune system’s natural response to invaders, can be harmful when it persists. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, respiratory illness, autoimmune disease, arthritis, dementia, cancer, and other conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Bacopa is generally considered to be safe, but not all of its risks have been studied and may vary by individual.
The foundation warns that some sources could be unsafe, depending on where the plant is grown.
“Consider choosing supplements whose content has been verified by a third party,” it said.