Traditionally Bacopa Monnieri (BM) is associated with the Hindu medicine Ayurveda. Also known as Brahmi this herb often grows in temperate wetlands like Southern India, Northern Australia, Africa, parts of Europe and South America. Named after Hinduism’s God of creation, this creeping plant has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries. Bacopa Monnieri has been used to treat a variety of ailments particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. (1)
Outside of tradition and mythological tales what benefits does this extract offer? The consensus of many experts is that Bacopa Monnieri seems to provide its benefits by stimulating dendritic growth of nerve cells. In various research trials scientists discovered significant growth of dendritic intersections and branching points in rats treated dosed with Bacopa Monnieri. With this discovery they concluded that BM extract possess dendritic growth stimulating properties. (1)
Why is dendritic growth important?
Nerve cells use dendrites to communicate with each other. If our neurons are the wires of our body, and acetylcholine is the power that keeps our machine running smoothly, then our dendrites are electrical tape between each wire. We want to make sure that all of these connections are in great shape, so we can make sure every message is delivered properly. With more dendrites it allows for more efficient inter-neural communication, which in turn allows them greater ability to transmit and process information at greater speed. This allows for improved memory and cognitive function. When our dendrites are in abundance and functioning correctly it allows us to draw on information faster and with greater clarity.
Many researchers believe our memories are scattered around our brain in clusters like socks in a bachelor’s living room. This means our neurons must fire in a particular pattern to recall specific memories. We have to expect our bachelor to search about the house for the perfect pair of somewhat clean socks to wear to work, this may take awhile. However, in theory if we improve the size of his dendrites he will have the improved memory and cognitive function to find those pesky socks without running to late to work.
Could there be another reason why Bacopa Monnieri helps memory and cognitive function?
As much as some may pretend, no one knows everything. Science is the practice of searching for the best possible answer. Ultimately even the laws of nature or simply theory, really strong theory, but still just the opinion of a collections of people. So, yes, Dendrite growth seems to be the answer, but could there be some other reason? Absolutely.
Potential Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri
- Some research shows it may be a promising and safe method for enhancing cognitive performance in the aging. (2)
- Additional research indicates it may possess potential anti-oxidant qualities that may promote brain health. (3)
- Another research study revealed significantly improved memory function and retention in older adults, but also increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps, and nausea. (4)
- May improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory. (5) (6)
- Clinical research suggests it may increase cerebral blood flow, independent of systemic blood pressure. (7)
- May help prevent age-related neuroinflammation. (8)
- May help protecting brain cells from aluminium-induced cerebellar toxicity. (9)
- May help prevent oxidative stress caused by methyl-mercury. (10)
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