Supplement · Nootropics & cognition
Bacopa monnieri
Also known as: Brahmi
A traditional memory herb with reasonably consistent, if slow, cognitive evidence.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb used for memory, with one of the more consistent evidence bases among cognitive herbs.
Meta-analyses suggest standardised bacopa can improve aspects of memory and speed of learning, but the effect builds over roughly 8 to 12 weeks rather than acutely, so it is a slow-burn nootropic. Gastrointestinal upset is the common side effect; taking it with food helps.