Bacopa
OTHER NAME(S): bacopa, Bacopa monnieri, brahmi, water hyssop
Overview
Bacopa is a plant called Bacopa monnieri. The leaves of the plant are used to make dietary supplements. People take bacopa for many reasons, such as to improve memory and thinking skills, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include loose stools or diarrhea, gas, nausea, or upset stomach. Before taking bacopa, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is bacopa used for?
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use bacopa include the following.
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- To improve memory and thinking skills
Note: The FDA has not reviewed bacopa for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
Products that contain bacopa may contain multiple ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and other herbs.
How does bacopa work (mechanism of action)?
Bacopa is a plant called Bacopa monnieri. Dietary supplements made from bacopa contain the leaves of the plant. Bacopa has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as brahmi. However, another plant called gotu kola (Centella asiatica) may also be called brahmi. These plants are not the same and may have different effects and side effects in the body.
Bacopa contains chemicals called bacosides (bacopa glycosides) that are thought to have cholinergic effects in the brain. This means that they may act similarly to a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Bacopa is commonly used as a nootropic to improve memory and thinking skills. Some studies have shown that bacopa may help improve certain aspects of memory, but other studies have shown no benefit. Research on the use of bacopa for any purpose is limited, and its benefits are not well defined.
Herbal products like bacopa naturally contain many different chemicals, such as bacopa glycosides. The amounts of each chemical in a specific bacopa product may vary. Different amounts of bacopa glycosides may change the effects of bacopa on the body. Some bacopa dietary supplements are made to contain a certain amount of these chemicals.
How should I store bacopa?
You should store bacopa according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of bacopa?
The most common side effects of bacopa are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Loose stools, diarrhea, or gas
- Nausea
- Stomach pain or cramps
There may be other side effects of bacopa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of bacopa?
While less common, the most serious side effects of bacopa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions.Bacopa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking bacopa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use bacopa?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take bacopa.
- Bacopa
- Bacopa monnieri
- Brahmi
- Water hyssop
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bacopa products they stock.
What should I know about bacopa before using it?
Bacopa is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep bacopa out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as bacopa, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific bacopa product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Bacopa is typically available as a dried ground powder in a capsule. Many bacopa products contain other ingredients intended to boost memory and thinking skills. These other ingredients may have different effects and side effects than bacopa. Read the product label closely to see which ingredients it contains.
The FDA has not tested bacopa products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using bacopa?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if bacopa is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Asthma
- Heart problems, including changes in your blood pressure or heart rate
- High calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Problems emptying your bladder
- Stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
- Thyroid problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Bacopa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking bacopa, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bacopa could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if bacopa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does bacopa interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between bacopa and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bacopa.
Does bacopa interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking bacopa.
- A type of medicine called a cholinergic, such as bethanechol, carbachol (Miostat), and pilocarpine (Salagen and others), which may be used if you are unable to empty your bladder (urinary retention) or have dry mouth, dry eyes, or glaucoma
- An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
- A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels
The interactions between bacopa and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with bacopa is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking bacopa with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much bacopa?
If you or someone else has used too much bacopa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Many bacopa products also contain other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and other herbs. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take bacopa safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: “Efficacy of standardized extract of bacopa monnieri (Bacognize) on cognitive functions of medical students: a six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial.”
- Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience: “The neurocognitive effects of bacopa monnieri and cognitive training on markers of brain microstructure in healthy older adults.”
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- HerbClip: “Special extract of bacopa examined for safety.”
- Journal of Medical Case Reports: “Suspected cholinergic toxicity due to cevimeline hydrochloride and Bacopa monnieri interaction: a case report.”
- National Library of Medicine: “LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]: Bacopa monnieri,” “StatPearls [Internet]: Bacopa monnieri.”
- Neuropsychopharmacology: “Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory.”