Brahmi extract 50% | Bacopa monnieri

Properties: Bacopa’s traditional name – Brahmi – stems from the name of a very important deity in the Hindu pantheon – Brahma. This fact alone signifies how highly this plant was valued in ancient India. Nowadays, when its properties are well-known, we might wonder whether the name hides the promise of god-like powers – at least in terms of enhancing human capacities. Let’s see.

Although Brahma is mortal, he is blessed with longevity – his lifespan equals this of the Universe. Brahmi supplementation may not let us live that long, but scientific studies unanimously proved that it can significantly reduce neurodegeneration associated with aging. Thus, it helps to maintain optimal cognitive functioning longer. Moreover, the length of lifespan is undoubtedly associated with the attitude towards life. Unsurprisingly, those who experience more stress live shorter. Surprisingly, however, scientific studies prove that Brahmi has stress-relieving properties. On top of that, this herb has a confirmed upregulating effect on the activity of serotonin – “happiness hormone”. Taken together, its promise of a long life draws close to reality.

Brahma is a god – the primordial entity who gave rise to all living forms. It is unlikely that we will reach a creative potential comparable with this offered to Brahma by Wishnu. It is, however, possible that we will increase our creativity. Brahmi supplementation results in better blood flow to the brain. The increase reaches around 25%. On top of that, the concentration of acetylcholine is doubled – which should be enough to feel creative, almost like a god. It can also grant a god-like insight into the structure of reality, because it helps to acquire new information and activates processes responsible for storing it in the long-term memory. To put it simply, Brahmi makes learning quick and easy. So, does Brahmi deserve its name? Certainly it allows us to recognize our inner godly potential. It is hard to believe that some people consider it to be just a weed!

Occurrence: Small-leaved bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a perennial plant from the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Its leaves are bright green, fleshy and elongated, whereas its flowers are five-petalled, pink or purple, and rather tiny. It grows in wetlands, near shallow water bodies on the height up to 1300 m above sea level. Bacopa is very widespread – it can be found all over the world, from temperate to tropical climates. However, it is found mainly in India. In traditional Indian medicine – Ayurveda – bacopa has been used for over 5000 years. In this system it is considered a Medhya Rasayanas – an essential herb that rejuvenates and brings about clarity and peace of mind. Ancient herbalist Ćaraka, the author of medical textbooks written in the VII century, recommends Brahmi as a remedy for anxiety and lack of concentration.

Biochemistry: The substances that cause most of the beneficial effects of small-leaved bacopa are bacosides A and B, with their derivatives. From the chemical perspective, they belong to steroid saponins and constitute roughly 8% of the fried leaf matter. Besides that, the plant contains also: alkaloids (herpestine, bramine), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), phenol compounds, organic acids (including betulinic acid), phytosterols, tannins, terpenoids, as well as proteins, amino sugars and carbohydrates.

Fun fact: Traditional name of Bacopa monnieri signifies how valued are its healing properties in India. Bacopa received the name Brahmi in honor of Brahma – the creator of the world and the leader of Hindu pantheon.