Bacopa monnieri (commonly called bacopa) is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurveda traditional medicine. Abstracts of studies included below discuss the many Bacopa benefits for Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
I learned about Bacopa as a treatment for Parkinsons from an interview with herbalist Andrew Bentley. He said …
“There are certain things that are fundamentally helpful with getting the nervous system to repair itself. One of the things I use in that capacity is an herb called Bacopa. Bacopa comes to us from the traditional medicine of India. As such it has a very long documented history of use for helping the nervous system repair itself.”
Recent Studies List A Variety of Bacopa Benefits for Parkinsons.
Nutrients. 2025 Jun 5;17(11):1939. Bacopa monnieri: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence of Neuroactive Effects, Safety of Use and the Search for Improved Bioavailability
Abstract
Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi or Waterhyssop, is a plant used in Ayurveda for its memory-enhancing properties and control of blood sugar levels. It contains active compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and cucurbitacins, which have various biological activities.
The plant has been studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression.
Animal studies have shown promising results in reducing symptoms and protecting against neurodegeneration. Concerning safety, Bacopa monnieri has been found to be generally non-toxic, with no serious side effects reported. However, interactions with certain medications and contraindications in conditions like hyperthyroidism should be considered.
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Curr Pharm Des. 2024;30(13):1016-1030. Investigating Bacopa monnieri L. Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Abstract
The popular perennial creeping plant known as Bacopa monnieri (also known as Brahmi) is being utilized in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine practice. It has a variety of bioactive phytoconstituents that have been used therapeutically to treat a number of serious illnesses.
Ancient Vedic scholars used this herb because of its pharmacological effects, particularly as a nerve booster and nootropic supporter. However, it is vital to comprehend the active phytochemical components of Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) and their molecular mechanisms in order to better grasp the effect of BME on neurological illnesses and diseases.
Numerous clinical investigations indicated that BME may have neuroprotective benefits, so it is worthwhile to re-evaluate this wellknown plant.
Here, we focused on neurological problems as we examined the pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics of BME. For their effective usage in neuroprotection and cognition, many clinical concerns and the synergistic potential of Bacopa extract have been investigated.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition caused by the production of reactive oxygen species, which also causes amyloid-beta (A?) and tau protein aggregation and increases neuro-inflammation and neurotoxicity. Our review offers a more indepth molecular understanding of the neuroprotective functions of BME, which can also be connected to its therapeutic management of neurological illnesses and cognitive-improving effects.
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J Med Food. 2023 Feb;26(2):114-119. Bacopa monnieri in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Purpose of Study: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. could be of interest in the control of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but clinical evidence of its efficacy is lacking. This clinical trial assessed the effects of an extract of B. monnieri on parameters that are related to Parkinson’s diseases.
Design: Twenty volunteers with Parkinson’s disease were recruited for a primary, interventional, controlled, parallel, double-blind clinical study. The volunteers were assigned to treatment with either a commercial B. monnieri extract (225 or 450 mg/day) or placebo. The Parkinson’s Disease Quality-of-Life (PDQL) questionnaire was applied, and motor activity was assessed before treatment and 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment with the B. monnieri extract or placebo. Characteristics such as age, body weight, and height were also collected. No differences in parkinsonian and systemic symptoms, emotional function, or social function were observed between.
Results: The delta percent (?%) showed time-dependent improvements in emotional function with B. monnieri treatment at the daily dose of 450 mg. A strong correlation was found between quality of life and motor outcomes at baseline and 30 days of treatment with B. monnieri, and a moderate correlation for 60 and 90 days of treatment with B. monnieri when compared with baseline time. A moderate correlation was found between motor outcomes and Hoehn and Yahr stages at baseline.
Conclusion. Our results suggest that B. monnieri extract can improve emotional function in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me




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