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Bacopa Enlighten Review – 8 Things You Should Know Before You Buy

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Synopsis | Ingredients | Claims | Precautions | Cost | Directions | Conclusion

Bacopa Enlighten is a dietary supplement advertised to promote 3 core benefit areas as follows: the formula offers cognitive support (memory and other mental functions), is able to promote protection for the nervous system and offers anti-aging support. The manufacturing company Advanced Orthomolecular Research or AOR claims the formula works by boosting the anti-oxidant defense of the body and hence limiting the negative effects associated to free radicals.

Advanced Orthomolecular Research is a company originated in Canada which develops, manufactures and markets an extensive line of natural dietary supplements and vitamins. The company’s product portfolio currently comprises over 500 different products designed to assist with a large number of health conditions from asthma and diarrhea to immune system support and brain function enhancers. The company has greatly focused upon developing and designing a state of the art manufacturing system, which includes superior equipment and ingredients, as well as delivery technologies and processes that foster excellence in terms of quality and safety of the final product.

Bacopa Enlighten is designed for adults who desire enhanced cognitive functions and an anti-aging neuro-protective natural formulation. A health care practitioner should be consulted if the using period exceeds 3 months Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use Bacopa Enlighten.

Synopsis

1) Bacopa Enlighten at a Glance

Bacopa Enlighten is a standardized extract of the herb Bacopa Monnieri or Brahmi as it was known to the traditional Ayurvedic medicine practitioners.

The plant is used by modern medicine for its excellent brain tonic properties, anti-oxidant effect and brain function enhancement effects. In fact, studies on both animals and humans have indicated that extracts of the plant improve memory capacity, lessen anxiety feelings, promote better social adjustment and lessen mental fatigue.

Bacopa Enlighten contains an extract of Bacopa Monnieri standardized to contain a minimum of 50% bacosides A and B, chemicals from the class of bacopasaponins to which the nootropic and anti-oxidant effects of the plant are attributed. It is these standardized extracts that are used in clinical trials and are considered safe, as opposed to non-standard extracts.

Furthermore, a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial with fifty four 65 or older men concluded that Bacopa Monnieri has the potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance which usually decreases with age. The manufacturer cites a number of studies that support Bacopa’s effectiveness, however it fails to specifically name these studies.

Ingredients

2) Details on Bacopa Enlighten Ingredients and Uses

Bacopa Enlighten includes the following ingredients: Bacopa Monnieri extract 300 mg (50% Bacosides A & B), and microcrystalline cellulose.

3) Does Bacopa Enlighten Work?

Bacopa monnieri or Brahmi is an Ayurvedic medicinal herb that has been used in India for centuries in the treatment of various illnesses, from cognitive dysfunctions to cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown it to be a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants work to protect the brain (as well as other organs) against the destructive effects of free radicals.

Traditionally, the herb was used to improve overall brain function and performance, including memory, concentration, and cognition. Studies have shown that this herb plays an important protective role for the nerves of the hippocampus and helps stop nerves from degeneration, which is believed to be the cause of impaired memory and other brain functions.

A Study of the Effectiveness of Bacopa monnieri on the human brain showed a significant improvement in its usage. The study included 76 adults ages 40 to 65. The subjects showed significant improvement in memory as well as anxiety levels. The study conducted was double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled.

Side effects of Bacopa Monnieri include gastrointestinal problems, dryness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, anti-fertility, and liver toxicity. The formula should not be used for a period exceeding three months consecutively without a doctor’s consent.

Claims

4) Bacopa Enlighten Claims

  • These are 100% vegetarian capsules
  • The formula contains no wheat, gluten, corn, nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish or any animal products
  • The supplement is based on a standardized extract of Bacopa Monnieri (used in clinical trials and considered safe)
  • Numerous studies and years of practical use certify Bacopa’s brain enhancing effects

Precautions

5) Precautions of Bacopa Enlighten Use

  • Side effects may be associated with use, particularly with long term use;
  • The supplement is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women;
  • Safety recommendations warn the formula not to be used for more than 3 months without a doctor’s consent;
  • There is a small number of consumer reviews available online

Cost

6) Bacopa Enlighten Cost

Bacopa Enlighten is an inexpensive dietary supplement which can be found in bottles containing 60 vegetarian capsules designed to last for about two months of usage (at a daily dosage of 1 capsule per day). The product is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website or from various other online retailers. The manufacturer offers users an online locator function available on their website, which allows users to find a distributor. The search only works for retailers located in Canada. A toll-free number is, however, available. There are no details disclosed on a potential return policy or money back guarantee.

Directions

7) Directions For Taking Bacopa Enlighten

The manufacturer recommends taking 1 capsule daily. Side effects as mentioned by the manufacturer include nausea, dry mouth or fatigue. Consumer reviews for Bacopa Enlighten are rare and report mixed results.

Conclusion

8) Conclusion

Bacopa Enlighten is a single ingredient herbal dietary supplement based on a standardized extract of Bacopa Monnieri. Bacopa Monnieri is the topic of numerous undergoing studies which aim to determine its cognitive enhancement and neuro-protective properties. Additionally, some testes revealed powerful anxiolytic properties. The formula offered by Bacopa Enlighten is not much different from other standardized extracts of Bacopa Monnieri. Consumer reviews are very rare and mixed: some mention being satisfied, others mention side effects such as sedation which determined them to stop using the product. This is why we recommend you ask the opinion of a healthcare provider before use.

Given that, generally, products featuring a Bacopa Monnieri standardized extract receive good consumer reviews, we may assume AOR’s formula will accomplish its purpose at least for a fraction of consumers.

3/5 - (2 votes)
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Norma Vidal

I feel like helping with memory, but not as much as need. I wonder if an increse of the dosage would be safe sawondr if itl”- bacopa enlightin 300 mg