Bacopa Formula Enhances Cognition

LISMORE, AustraliaA proprietary formula of the Ayurvedic botanical Bacopa monnieri may enhance cognitive performance, according to a new study (J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(7):753-9. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0342). Researchers from Southern Cross University recruited healthy adults over age 55 (n=98) for the randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received 300 mg/d of Bacopa monnieri (as BacoMind, from Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd.) or an identical placebo; they completed neuropsychologic and subjective memory assessment tests at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Subjects taking bacopa had significant improvements in verbal learning, memory acquisition and delayed recall. There were also some improvements in subjective memory performance, although the group differences were not significant. Bacopa also did have some gastrointestinal side effects, including increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps and nausea.

Dr. Shivaprasad, head of international marketing for the Human Health Division at Natural Remedies, commented, We are very excited by this new publication, which is the first independent verification of BacoMinds efficacy and works to support the multitude of published scientific and human clinical trials already undertaken."

Among the previous studies was a randomized, open-label, dose-escalation study in which 23 adults received BacoMind daily for 30 days; the only side effects were mild GI events, underscoring the safety of the formulation (Phytomed. 2007;14(5):301-308). Additional clinical trials conducted by Natural Remedies have shown the compound has the ability to support attention and long-term memory.