06/13/2023
As the daughter of a parent with dementia, the mother of a child with ADHD, and my own personal history of epilepsy, I’m especially intrigued by plants that nourish the brain. And I'm not alone- today there is tremendous interest in nootropics, or substances that can enhance cognition.
Given its long history of use for learning and memory, researchers are actively investigating bacopa. The antioxidant activity of bacopa may offer neuroprotection and positively impact the regulation of neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine). Bacopa appears to have a modulating effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in the maintenance of physiological brain functions related to mood and concentration.
Open and randomized controlled trials have examined the impact of bacopa on cognitive outcomes in both children and adults. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (518 participants) found that bacopa improved cognition and sp*ed of attention. Another review found significant and consistent improvements in cognitive and memory performance in children with ADHD, as well as improvements to hyperactivity and attention-deficit. The authors have called for more research to see if these results can be replicated with larger numbers of participants.
Bacopa may also assist working memory in older adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that bacopa improved the power, sp*ed, and continuity of attention, in addition to quality and sp*ed of memory. Given our aging population, looking for natural and safe ways to preserve cognition is certainly a worthy goal.
For references and more information, visit my blog here: https://www.drlowdog.com/four-herbs-backed-by-science-and-wisdom/
