Brahmi

HABITAT

Brahmi is a perennial herb that has been recently reclassified into the Plantaginaceae family from the Scrophulariaceae or Figwort family. Brahmi is a small, creeping succulent and water loving herb, which grows in ponds, tidal lands, and wetlands in tropical and semitropical areas. The flowers have 5 petals, are white or whitish-blue, and grow on short pedicels at the axils of the leaves. Native to India & Sri Lanka but is now common throughout the world, in shaded, watery places.

INTRODUCTION

Brahmi is a Sanskrit word derived from the word ‘Brahma’ the mythical “creator” in the Hindu pantheon. Brahmi literally means the energy (or “Shakti”) of Brahma. Thus, Brahmi has a lot to offer to the medical world. In India, Brahmi is largely treasured as a revitalizing herb used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for almost 3000 years.

The ancient Ayurvedic sages, who were also great physicians, revealed Brahmi’s role in promoting Medhya (intellect), Ayushya (longevity), Rasayana (rejuvenation), Prajnasaktivardhana (intellectual power), Hrdaya (Heart), Majjadhaty Rasayana (nervous system rejuvenation), Balya (strength, especially mind), Jivaniya (life energy), Nidrajanana (sleep), Dhana (wealth), Svara (voice), Varna (complexion) and Anuloma (redirecting the flow of vata downwards). Over the centuries, the role of Brahmi in the treatment of Kustha (leprosy/skin disorder), Pandu (anemia), Meha (diabetes), Asra Vikara (blood disorders), Kasa (cough), Visa (poison), Sopha (edema), Jwara (fever), Vatahara (vata), Unmadahara (mental illness), Unmada (insanity), Alaksmi (inauspiciousness), Apasmara (epilepsy), Papa (evil deeds), Krtya (black magic), Ruk (pain) and Manasavikara (mental disorders) has been well described.

BENEFITS

Boosts Cognition: One of the most prized benefits of Brahmi is its ability to stimulate the mind, particularly in terms of memory and concentration. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to increase focus and retention. Some of the organic compounds in Brahmi stimulate cognitive pathways in the brain to boost cognitive ability.

Ayurvedic View: Brahmi helps in managing age-related memory loss when used on a regular basis. According to Ayurveda, the nervous system is controlled by Vata. An imbalance of Vata leads to weak memory or poor mental alertness. Brahmi is useful to enhance memory and gives instant mental alertness. This is due to its Vata balancing and Medhya (improve intelligence) properties.

Reduces Anxiety & Stress: The active ingredients in this herb can affect hormonal balance in the
body and positively impact the balance of stress hormones in our body, thereby inducing a calm, relaxed state in a natural way, avoiding the side effects of traditional pharmaceutical options for stress and anxiety relief.
Ayurvedic View: Brahmi is useful to manage the symptoms of anxiety. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all the movement and actions of the body and nervous system, respectively. Anxiety is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Brahmi helps to balance Vata and gives a calming effect on the nervous system.

Anti-inflammatory: Brahmi plant can reduce swelling and eliminate irritation, as well as inflammation inside the body as well.

Antioxidant: The antioxidants contained in Brahmi are essential for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Antioxidants can eliminate free radicals, the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism that can cause cells to undergo apoptosis (cell death) or mutate into cancerous cells.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The Ayurvedic herb Brahmi, also called water hyssop or bacopa, is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals associated with learning and memory. It's used to treat Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and ADHD, along with fighting stress and improving memory. Bacopa monnieri has the ability to inhibit inflammation through modulation of pro-inflammatory mediator release. Brahmi has been shown to enhance protein kinase activity in hippocampus which could also contribute to its nootropic action.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Pase MP, Kean J, Sarris J, Neale C, Scholey AB, Stough C. The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. J Altern Complement Med (Review). 2012; 18(7):647-52.
Pravina K, Ravindra KR, Goudar KS, Vinod DR, Joshua AJ, Wasim P et al. Safety evaluation of BacoMind in healthy volunteers: a phase I study. Phytomedicine. 2007; 14(5):301-308.
Dhanasekaran M, Tharakan B, Holcomb LA, Hitt AR, Young KA, Manyam BV. Neuroprotective mechanisms of ayurvedic antidementia botanical Bacopa monniera". Phytotherapy Research. 2007; 21(10):965-969.
D. sudharani, K. L. Krishna, K. Deval, A.K.Safia and Priya, “Pharmacological profiles of Bacopa monnieri: a review,” International Journal of Pharmaceutics, vol 1, no. 1, 2011, pp. 15-23
Singh HK, Dhawan BN., Neuropsychopharmacological effects of the Ayurvedic nootropic Bacopa monnieri Linn (Brahmi): Indian J. Pharmachol. 1997; 29:359-365.