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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 4 [October to December]
  3. BRAHMI (BACOPA MONNIERI): COGNITIVE ENHANCER IN AYURVEDA AND NEUROPHARMACOLOGY – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
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Ms. Priya Bhaware

BRAHMI (BACOPA MONNIERI): COGNITIVE ENHANCER IN AYURVEDA AND NEUROPHARMACOLOGY – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.), an important Medhya Rasayana in Ayurveda, has been traditionally prescribed for memory, intellect, and mental well-being. Its neuropharmacological potential has attracted increasing attention in the context of cognitive decline, stress disorders, and neurodegeneration. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, alongside Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya). Studies between 1950–2024 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were preclinical, pharmacological, and clinical trials, while anecdotal reports and low-quality studies were excluded. Results: Ayurvedic texts describe Brahmi as Medhya Rasayana, promoting intellect, calming the mind, and treating Unmada (psychosis) and Apasmara (epilepsy). Phytochemical analysis reveals bacosides A and B, bacopasaponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and sterols. Pharmacological studies demonstrate cholinergic modulation, antioxidant, anti-amyloid, anxiolytic, adaptogenic, and neuroprotective effects. Clinical studies suggest improvements in memory acquisition, attention, anxiety reduction, and symptomatic relief in ADHD and age-related cognitive decline. However, sample sizes and heterogeneity limit generalizability. Discussion: Ayurvedic Medhya properties resonate with neuropharmacological findings, especially in cognition, stress adaptation, and neurodegeneration. Standardization and large-scale trials remain pressing needs. Conclusion: Brahmi represents a unique bridge between Ayurveda and neuroscience. With its favorable safety profile and multi-targeted actions, standardized extracts could contribute significantly to cognitive health and management of neurodegenerative disorders.

 

KEYWORDS: ADHD, Ayurveda, Bacopa monnieri, Cognitive enhancement, Neuroprotection