Bacopa (Water Hyssop, Herpestis monniera)
Bacopa is neuroenhancing and improves learning and memory. It has been used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. It addition, it may increase thyroid hormone (T4) levels. It can increase thyroid hormone T4 levels by over 41% in mice.
Bodybuilders use Bacopa Monnieri leaf as a fat-burner, taking it before breakfast at 1-2 grams, and with pre- and post-workout meals at 1-2 grams. Bacopa contains bacopasaponins, including the Bacosides A, which enhance SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) endogenous antioxidant activity.
Bacopa is described in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a brain tonic for enhancing memory, learning, and concentration. Bacosides A in Bacopa are thought to maintain the structural and functional integrity of the mitochondrial membrane by inhibiting excessive lipid peroxidation and creatine kinase, and by improving the activities of ATPases. The Bacosides A also maintain mitochondrial ionic equilibrium.
Active components of Bacopa include:
-alkaloids (brahmine and herpestine)
-saponins (d-mannitol and hersaponin, acid A, and monnierin)
-bacopa saponins (bacosides A, bacosides B, bacopaside II, bacopaside I, bacopaside X, bacopasaponin C, and bacopaside N2 with minor components bacopasaponin F, bacopasaponin E, bacopaside N1, bacopaside III, bacopaside IV, and bacopaside V.)
-flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin)
-betulic acid
-stigmasterol
-beta-sitosterol
