Bacopa monnieri

Silver· human data

Also known as: Brahmi

A traditional memory herb with reasonably consistent, if slow, cognitive evidence.

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 8–12 weeks rather than acutely, so it is a slow-burn nootropic. Gastrointestinal upset is the common side effect; taking it with food helps.

Sources

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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: