Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) Mini Monograph 

Family: Scrophulariaceae (Bone 2003 p. 80, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113).

Other Names: Herb of grace (Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, 2016 p 35), herpestis herb, Indian pennywort, jalanimba, jalnaveri, sambrani, keenmind, Nira-Brahmi (Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113).

“The name Brahmi is derived from the word ‘Brama’, the mythical ‘creator’ in the Hindu pantheon. Because the brain is the centre for creative activity, any compound that improves brain health is called brahmi”. – Russo & Borrelli (2005)

Part used: Aerial parts, leaves and stems (Bone, 2007 p. 15, Bone 2003 p. 80, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113).

Energetics: Bitter, cooling

Main Actions: Cognition enhancing (Bone & Mills, 2013 p. 284), nervine tonic, anxiolytic, mild anticonvulsant, thyroid stimulant (Bone, 2007 p. 15 Bone 2003 p. 80, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113-118), nootropic, sedative, adaptogen, neuroprotective, antioxidant,  antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, antinociceptive (Herbal Extracts 2020, Bone 2003 p. 80, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, 2016 p 35, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113-118), hepatoprotective (Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113-118).

Contraindications & Cautions: Minor GIT disturbance – nausea & diarrhea (Herbal Extracts 2020, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 118). Caution in hyperthyroidism and with serotonergic medications (SSRI’s) (Herbal Extracts 2020, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113-118). Saponins may cause or aggravate gastro-oesophageal reflux (Bone, 2007 p. 15, Bone 2003 p. 80). Considered to be safe in children (Santich & Bone 2008 p. 10).

Constituents: Dammarane-type saponins (loosely described as bacosides), flavonoids (Bone, 2007 p. 15, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113), triterpenoid saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, phytosterols, luteolin, phenylethanoid glycosides (Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113) and stigmasterol (Herbal Extracts 2020).

Quality/Adulteration Issues: Centella asiatica (Gotu kola) has the same name in India (Brahmi) and is a common adulterant (Bone, 2007 p. 15). Merremia gangetica is also often referred to as Brahmi (Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113).

Traditional Use: Vedic scholars used Bacopa to support their ability to memorise sacred scriptures and hymns (Herbal Extracts 2020). In Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa was used to support memory and nerve function, relieve pain and inflammation and was thought to have sedative actions (Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, 2016 p 35). Other traditional Ayurvedic uses included nervous breakdown, epilepsy, debility, urinary incontinence especially with constipation and as a tonic for skin, nervous system and blood disorders (Bone 2003 p. 80, Braun & Cohen 2015 p. 113-118).

The Doctrine of Signatures is a concept where the plant’s unique characteristics provide us with clues as to how it may affect body tissues or organ systems and treat disease. Brahmi, a creeping succulent, whose main action works on the brain and memory, looks very similar to the neurons or nerve cells in the brain.

References:

Bone, K. (2007). The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press.

Bone, K. (2003). A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs. Queensland. Australia: Churchill Livingstone. 

Bone, K. Mills, S. (2013). Principles & Practice of Phytotherapy, (2nd ed.): Modern Herbal Medicine. UK: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier.

Braun, L. & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence-based guide (4rd ed. Vol 2.). NSW, Australia: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier.

Herbal Extracts (2020). Bacopa monnieri - Clinical Summary.

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (2016). The Gardener’s Companion to Medicinal Plants: An A-Z of Healing Plants and Home Remedies. UK: Quarto Publishing.

Russo, A. Borrelli, F. Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview. Phytomedicine 12: 305-317.

Santich R. & Bone K. (2008). Healthy Children: Optimising Children’s Health with Herbs. QLD Australia: Phytotherapy Press.