Bacopa Monnieri is a dietary supplement designed to support a healthy memory. The formula is marketed by Advance Physician Formulas, a company specialized in the production and sale of nutritional supplements. The company claims their products are science-based and are developed by specialized professionals (doctors and herbalists) using the highest quality raw materials. Dr. Ray Sahelian, the worldwide renowned nutritionist and author, formulated several products for the company.
The manufacturer claims the supplement uses a standardized extract of Bacopa Monnieri, (meaning 45 mg of Bacopa Saponins containing 45 mg of Bacosides A and B). Standardized extracts are always superior to other extracts in terms of safety, because generally these standardized forms are used in clinical trials and research studies, hence specialists know what to expect from the compound when it comes to potential benefits and associated side effects.
The manufacturer does not provide much information regarding other benefits of the formula or specific ailment claims. The supplement being reviewed is however gluten free, therefore people with an intolerance to gluten can still safely use the formula. Bacopa Monnieri is designed to help adults who are interested in maintaining a healthy cognitive function, especially a healthy memory function.
1) What is Bacopa Monnieri?
Bacopa Monnieri is a single ingredient herbal formulation based on a standardized extract of Bacopa Monnieri.
Also known as Brahmi, the herb is an Indian plant traditionally used as an Ayurvedic medicinal treatment for a variety of conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, ulcers, indigestion or inflammations.
Modern scientists have discovered that the plant consists of a large number of active constituents including Alkaloids, Saponins and Bacosaponins (Bacosides A, B etc.). Bacosides A and B appear to have antioxidant and liver protective potential. Out of a total of 225 mg Bacopa per capsule, 45 mg consists in Saponins Containing Bacoside A and B.
Several studies conducted on animals revealed Bacopa Monnieri benefits memory capacity as well as learning ability. The plant seems to increase retention in people suffering from memory impairment as well.
2) Bacopa Monnieri Ingredients
Bacopa Monnieri includes the following ingredients: Organic Bacopa whole plant (Bacopa Monnieri Pennell) standardized extract (45 mg Bacopa Saponins containing Bacosides A&B).
3) Does Bacopa Monnieri Work?
Traditionally, Bacopa Monnieri was used for the treatment of epilepsy and asthma, ulcers, tumors, indigestion, anemia, and leprosy. Also, this herb has potent antioxidant properties which help prevent free radical damage to the brain and body.
A study performed on laboratory animals indicated that a Bacopa Monnieri extract might have a positive effect on the memory function and other brain function parameters. Other more recent research made in humans suggest that extracts from this herb significantly improve cognitive functions by leading to faster and better learning and enhanced retention and memory capacity.
Extracts from this herb are also being used as a brain tonic because it is believed that it has restorative and rejuvenating properties. Studies suggest that the plant might also be useful when dealing with stress and nervous anxiety. Also, herbal extracts are credited a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Proposers claim that the plant can clean the blood and the functions of the liver, kidneys, and lungs and that in the process, it might also stimulate the growth of hair, skin, and nails.
Bacopa monnieri supplementation is mostly used for ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), ADD (Attention deficit disorder), Alzheimer’s disease and other memory related issues. However, extensive research is needed to prove this herb’s effectiveness in these fields.
Side effects of Bacopa-based supplements are usually associated with the long-term use of the plant under various forms. Not enough is known about its effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women; therefore, caution is advised.
4) What Bacopa Monnieri Does?
- Discounts are offered by the manufacturer
- Free shipping is available for orders over $70 within the US territory
- The formula comes with a low price for a few months supply
- Refunds are offered under certain conditions
- A standardized extract of the plant is used, an extract which has been used in trials and proven safe
5) Precautions of Bacopa Monnieri Use
- Lack of reviews from consumers referencing the supplement
- No clinical evidence of studies are available on the formula
- There is little information about the product’s specific action and benefits (only a general description of the Bacopa Monnieri benefits)
6) How Much Does Bacopa Monnieri Cost?
The supplement is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s official website exclusively. No other online retailers were identified at the time of this review. The dietary supplement is currently being sold at an affordable price, and one bottle containing 60 capsules should be enough for a two month supply. The formula is available in convenient two month supply bottles, given the daily dose is not exceeded. For items returned within a 30 day period from purchase, the company offers a full or partial refund (less shipping and handling costs).
The company offers free samples of several products at the time of this review, and may potentially offer for this product as well. A permanent free sample policy is not however disclosed.
7) How to Use Bacopa Monnieri
Advance Physician Formulas product has not been involved in clinical trials. In order to reduce the occurrence of potential side-effects the company claims they use the minimum amount of active ingredient known to be efficient. The suggested dose is 1 caplet a few times a week or as recommended by the healthcare professional. No other precautions or warnings are issued by the manufacturer. Consumer reviews are scarce and insufficient in our endeavor to establish the formula’s actual effectiveness.
8) Conclusion
Bacopa Monnieri is offered as a science-based, standardized formula extract of Bacopa Monnieri offered to support memory function. The product bears very little differentiation from Bacopa extracts offered by other suppliers. Most of the information offered for the product revolve around the general uses of Bacopa Monnieri as a nutritional supplement and the product’s interactions with other formulas offered by the manufacturer.
The formula may potentially work, if we judge by the fact that Bacopa has been generally reported to give good results. It is however unclear why a consumer would chose this product over other alternative products.
The active ingredient is considered potentially safe with no noticeable side effects. However Bacopa Monnieri is not an FDA approved supplement and should be considered with caution by those with known medical conditions.
Before I used to find my every day activities overwhelming. Now it’s been some time and I feel much better, more relaxed.
I am in high school and I am using this. It helps me a lot with my learning process.