Question
A friend suggested I try Bacopa. Says it’s an herb that’ll help me remember stuff. Does it really work?
Answer
Bacopa (or Bacopa monnieri) is one of the few good ones IMO, at least when it comes to herbal nootropics.
In fact, I consider Bacopa the Boswellia Serrata of nootropic herbs, because despite the fact its quite good at what it does – you almost never hear about it.
Like many of the good ones, Bacopa was originally used in Ayurvedic Medicine, or traditional Indian medicine going back thousands of years (think Cissus, Ashwaghanda, Turmeric etc).
It primarily works via strengthening communication between neurons – by increasing the growth of nerve endings, known as dendrites.
And if you can do that, you increase the rate at which the brain communicates with the body.
Adaptogen
Bacopa is also categorized as an adaptogen, which as you know are substances that better allow your body to adapt to certain types of stress.
It does that by lowering levels of something called HSP70.
Heat Shock Protein 70 is a biomarker that rises when your body encounters various stressors.
One study looked at gas station attendants who were exposed to high levels of MMT, an organic derivative of manganese (Mn), used as an antiknock agent and octane enhancer in gasoline.
After repeated exposure to that environmental stressor, their HSP-70 levels rose dramatically.
Bacopa reliably lowers HSP70 (and probably other HSP’s), although the ultimate benefit of doing so remains hotly debated.
GABA Receptors
Studies also show Bacopa works synergistically with GABA receptors.
GABA if you’ll recall is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and for my money its the big daddy of let’s say, staying calm. GABA itself, Phenibut, Taurine and Glycine all modulate this system as well.
More than 1 study also suggests Bacopa may promote focus and attention, likely due to its 1-2 punch of more efficient GABA function and more efficient neurotransmitter activity.
Other studies show better learning, memory formation and retention, general focus, and mental performance, particularly in situations or environments requiring multitasking.
In a study from 2001, subjects who were given Bacopa significantly improved their rate of learning, memory consolidation, and processing of visual information. That same study also showed a reduced incidence of forgetfulness.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from 2002 found that subjects showed improved memory retention.
Two other double-blind, placebo-controlled studies showed participants who took Bacopa displayed significant improvement in information processing, working memory, and accuracy in completing complex cognitive tasks.
Finally, a 2012 study showed improved information processing and decision making in multitasking situations.
Bottom Line
I like to think of Bacopa as the “foundation” of a good herbal nootropic. I can’t really quantify the faster nerve communication, but it does noticeably improve mood and wipes out brain fog. It does take some time though, at least a few weeks of taking 300mg/day. While it’s nothing earth shattering, there are distinct and worthwhile benefits IMO. One of the few BTW, that’s worth a try…
