Last verified: 17 days ago
Bacopa Extract
Also known as: Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa monniera, Brahmi, BM extract, SBE, water hyssop
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Traditional Ayurvedic herb with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects shown in animal studies.
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What it does
Bacopa extract is a plant-based ingredient from the Ayurvedic tradition, derived from Bacopa monnieri. Animal studies suggest it has antioxidant properties that may protect brain cells from...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Bacopa extract is a plant-based ingredient from the Ayurvedic tradition, derived from Bacopa monnieri. Animal studies suggest it has antioxidant properties that may protect brain cells from oxidative damage and support normal neurotransmitter activity. It has also been studied for potential liver-protective effects and for reducing drug-induced toxicity in animal models, though no human clinical trials are included in the available research.
What It Doesn't Do
No human clinical trial data in the provided studies supports memory improvement claims. Not proven to treat or prevent schizophrenia or psychosis in humans. No evidence from provided studies that it boosts intelligence or prevents Alzheimer's. Don't assume animal results translate directly to humans.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Protects brain cells from oxidative damage in animal models of neurotoxicity.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May protect the liver from drug-induced oxidative stress in animal studies.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Contributes to antioxidant enzyme activity when combined with other phytochemicals.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor to Moderate — standard extract has low aqueous solubility (~42% dissolution). Phospholipid complexation (Bacopa Naturosome) improves solubility 20-fold and permeation to >90% in lab models, but human bioavailability data is not available in the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- All efficacy data in provided studies is from animal models — no human clinical trials included
- Doses used in animal studies (40–120 mg/kg) do not directly translate to human dosing
- Widely sold in supplements (1,000+ registered products) despite very limited human evidence
- Antipsychotic and neuroprotective claims are based entirely on mouse and rat experiments
Products Containing Bacopa Extract
See how Bacopa Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins
Supplement
Himalaya Organic Bacopa
Supplement
Organic India Joy! Mood Support Capsules
Supplement
Smartvita Women's Total Synergy Multivitamins
Supplement
Brain Defender
Supplement
Nutricost Bacopa Monnieri
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bacopa Extract do?
Traditional Ayurvedic herb with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects shown in animal studies.
What is the effective dose of Bacopa Extract?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Bacopa Extract safe?
All efficacy data in provided studies is from animal models — no human clinical trials included
What doesn't Bacopa Extract do?
No human clinical trial data in the provided studies supports memory improvement claims.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25