Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.Family: Plantaginaceae
Synonyms: Anisocalyx limnanthiflorus (L.) Hance Bacopa micromonnieria (Griseb.) B.L.Rob. Bacopa micromonnieria (Griseb.) Borhidi Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Bacopa monnieri (L.) Edwall Bacopa monnieri war. cuneifolia Michx. Bacopa monnieri var. micromonnieria (Griseb.) Pennell Bacopa monnieria Hayata & Matsum. [Illegitimate] Bacopa monnieria var. cuneifolia (Michx.) Fernald Bramia indica Lam. Bramia micromonnieria (Griseb.) Pennell Bramia monnieri (L.) Drake Bramia monnieri (L.) Pennell Calytriplex obovata Ruiz & Pav. Capraria monnieria Roxb. Gratiola monnieri (L.) L. Gratiola portulacacea Weinm. Gratiola tetrandra Stokes Habershamia cuneifolia (Michx.) Raf. Herpestis cuneifolia Michx. Herpestis monnieri (L.) Rothm. Herpestis monnieri (L.) Kunth Herpestis procumbens Spreng. Limosella calycina Forsk. Lysimachia monnieri L. Moniera africana Pers. Moniera brownei Pers. Moniera pedunculosa Pers. Monniera cuneifolia Michx. Monnieria africana Pers. Monnieria brownei Pers. Monnieria pedunculosa Pers. Septas repens Lour.
Synonyms: Bacopa monnieria (L.) Wettst.; Bramia indica Lamarck; B. monniera (L.) Pennell; Calyptriplex obovata R. & P.; Gratiola monniera L.; Habershamia cuneifolia (Michx.) Raf.; Herpestis cuneifolia Michx.; H. monniera (L.) Kunth; H. procumbens Sprengel; Limosella calycina Forsskal; Lysimachia monniera L. (basionym); Moniera africana Pers.; M. brownei Michx.; M. cuneifolia Michx.; M. pedunculosa Michx.; Septas repens Loureiro; fide (BAZ; USN).
Common Names: Adhabirni (Ben., KAB, NAD), Adha-Birni (India, USN), Bacopa (Eng., Por., Scn., AH2, GMJ, USN), Bam (Guj., SKJ), Bama (Bom., DEP, KAB), Bamba (Mah., NAD), Barambi (Hindi, KAB), Barna (Ker., SKJ), Beami (Mal., DEP), Bĕremi (Malaya, IHB), Bharati (Sanskrit, KAB), Brahmi (Ayu., Hindi, Sanskrit, AH2, KAB), Brahmi-Sac (Ben., WO2), Brambhi (Hindi, EFS), Brāhmī (India, Nepal, Tam., AH2, KAB, OFF), Bremi (Malaya, KAB), Brihmisak (Ben., KAB, NAD), Brmhacharini (Sanskrit, KAB), Brmhakanyaka (Ben., KAB), Dhop Kammi (Ben., NAD), Divya (Sanskrit, KAB), Divyateja (Sanskrit, KAB), Ghola (Mah., SKJ), Graciola (Cuba, AVP), Herb of Grace (Eng., Ocn., AH2, AUS), Hierba de Culebra (Pr., AVP), Indian Pennywort (Eng., Ocn., AH2), Jalabrahmi (Sanskrit, NAD), Jalanimba (Ben., WO2), Jalanin (Urdu, KAB), Jalnavera (Mah., WO2), Jalneem (Hindi, KAB, SKJ), Kapotavanka (Sanskrit, KAB), Kapotavega (Sanskrit, KAB), Krishnaparna (Oriya, KAB), Lunuvila (Sin., KAB), Mahaushadhi (Sanskrit, KAB), Mandukamata (Sanskrit, KAB), Mandukaparni (India, AH2), Mandúki (Sanskrit, DEP, KAB, NAD), Matsyakshi (Sanskrit, KAB), Medhya (Sanskrit, KAB), Moneywort (Eng., USN), Neerbrahmi (Mal., Mar., Tam., WO3), Nibrami (Tam., KAB), Nirabrahmi (Sanskrit, Urdu, KAB, WO2), Nirpirimi (Tam., KAB), Nirubrahmi (Hindi, Kan., KAB, WO3), Pa Chi T’ien (China, EFS, KAB), Pak Mi (Thai, IHB), Parameshthini (Sanskrit, KAB), Petite Véronique (Wi., AUS, GMJ), Pu Tiao Ts’ao (China, EFS), Rau Dâng (FAC), Safed Chamni (Hindi, India, KAB, USN), Safed Kammi (Hindi, NAD), Sambranichettu (Tel., KAB, WO2), Saraswati (Sanskrit, KAB), Saumyalata (Sanskrit, KAB), Sharada (Sanskrit, KAB), Soma (Sanskrit, KAB), Surasa (Sanskrit, KAB), Surashreshtha (Sanskrit, KAB), Sureshta (Sanskrit, KAB), Survachala (Sanskrit, KAB), Svetakamini (Sanskrit, NAD), Svetchamni (Hindi, KAB), Swayambhuvi (Sanskrit, KAB), Thyme-Leaved Gratiola (Eng., EFS, NAD), Ti Quinine (Creole, GMJ), Vaidhatri (Sanskrit, KAB), Vallari (Sanskrit, KAB), Vara (Sanskrit, KAB), Vayastha (Sanskrit, KAB), Verdolaga de Costa (Cuba, AUS), Véronique (Fwi., AUS), Vira (Sanskrit, KAB), Water Hyssop (Eng., Ocn., AH2, FAC), Ya’ax-Kach (Maya, AUS), Yerba de Culebra (Pr., AUS). [Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of Latin America]
Common name: Brahmi, Water Hyssop, Indian pennywort
Arabic: باكوبا منيرة
Assamese: Brahmi
Bengali: Brahmi-sak
Chinese: 假馬齒莧
Deutsch: Kleines Fettblatt
Finnish: Pikkubakopa
Gujarati: Jalanevari
Hebrew: פשטה שרועה
Hindi: ब्राह्मी Brahmi
Jawa: オトメアゼナ
Kannada: Brahmi, Jalabrahmi
Manipuri: Brahmi-sak
Malayalam: ബ്രഹ്മി brahmi
Marathi: Brahmi
Nepali: मेधा गिरी Medha giree
Sanskrit: ब्राह्मी brahmi, gundala, indravalli, jalasaya, Manduka Parni
Tamil: நீர்ப்pராமி Nirbrahmi
Telugu: సరస్వతి saraswathy
Uses: Used as nervine tonic/memory enhancer [Advances in Medicinal Plants]
Chemistry: Plant contains bacosides A & B, bacogenins, stigmasterol, stigmaotanol B-sitosterol. Leaves give herpestine/ Monnierin is also isolated from the plant. [Advances in Medicinal Plants]
Ayurvedic uses: Kushta, Jvara, Sopha, Pandu, Prameha, Manasavikara [API, PArt-1]
Brahmi or Thyme leaved gratiola is an important drug in Ayurveda for the improvement of intelligence and memory and revitalisation of sense organs. It clears voice and improves digestion. It is suggested against dermatosis, anaemia, diabetes, cough, dropsy, fever, arthritis, anorexia, dyspepsia, emaciation, and insanity. It dispels poisonous affections, splenic disorders and impurity of blood. It is useful in vitiated conditions of kapha and vata, biliousness, neuralgia, ascites, flatulence, leprosy, leucoderma, syphilis, sterility and general debility. The whole plant is used in a variety of preparations like Brahmighrtam, Sarasvataristam., Brahmitailam, Misrakasneham, etc. In unani Majun Brahmi is considered as a brain tonic [MEDICINAL PLANTS by P. P. Joy, J. Thomas, Samuel Mathew, Baby P. Skaria]
Bacopa monnieri L. (Scrophulariaceae) has a long history of use in India as an anti-ageing and memory-enhancing ethnobotanical therapy. It has been mentioned in religious, social and medical treatises of India since the time of Atharvan Ved (800 BC); the first clear reference to its CNS effect is to be found in Charak Samhita, written in the first century AD. It is mentioned in the authentic Ayurvedic treatise, Susrutu Samhita, which describes brahmi as efficacious in the loss of intellect and memory. The alcoholic extract of brahmi showed a beneficial effect on the acquisition, consolidation and retention of three newly acquired behavioural responses in albino rats (Singh et al., 1982). Alcoholic extract of brahmi (40 mg/kg) and its two important chemical constituents, bacosides A and B (10 mg/kg), were investigated for shock-motivated brightness discrimination reaction, active conditioned avoidance and conditioned taste aversion response. Preadministration for 3 days with bacosides A and B significantly improved the acquisition, consolidation and retention in all three behavioural paradigms. Beside this effect bacosides attenuated the retrograde amnesia produced by immobilisation-induced stress, and scopolamine[Evaluation of Herbal Medicinal Products Perspectives on quality, safety and efficacy]
Activities — Adaptogen, Analgesic, Anticancer, Anticonvulsant, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Anxiolytic, Aperient, Aphrodisiac, Cardiotonic, Cerebrotonic, Convulsant, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Hypertensive, Hypotensive, Laxative, Memorigenic, Negative Chronotropic, Nervine, Neurotonic, Sedative, Spasmogenic, Tonic, Tranquilizer, Vasoconstrictor.
Indications — Aging, Anemia, Anxiety, Aphonia, Ascites, Asthenia, Asthma, Bronchosis, Cancer, Cardiopathy, Catarrh, Constipation, Convulsion, Cough, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Dysuria, Epilepsy, Fever, High Blood Pressure, Hoarseness, Hysteria, Impotence, Inflammation, Insanity, Insomnia, Leprosy, Lethargy, Leukoderma, Low Blood Pressure, Nervousness, Neurasthenia, Pain, Rheumatism, Scabies, Splenomegaly, Stress, Stroke, Syphilis, Tumor, Water Retention.
[Handbook of Medicinal Herbs by James A. Duke]
Nayadis, Bhils, ethnic communities of Arunachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Maharashtra use the herb as tonic and different parts in many diseases but not in family welfare. According to Atharva Veda the herb improves the quality of semen; in Ayurvedic system it is used for invigorating sex and in many disabilities and diseases; in unani and allopathic systems the herb is considered useful in low adynamic conditions and many other diseases. [Herbal Cures: Traditional Approach by Dr. D.A.Patil]
The drug contains alkaloid (brahmine) and triterpenoid saponins (bacosides A and B). The plant is used as a nervine tonic, and diuretic and is commonly used to treat asthma, epilepsy, insanity, and hoarseness. It is a major constituent of medhya rasayana formulations, which facilitates learning and improves memory. Initial studies using 50% ethanolic extract of the whole plant without roots demonstrated its effects on short and long term memory retention. Bhattacharya and his coworkers studied the effects of B. monnieri extract on AD using a rat model. Oral administration of a 5 to 10 mg extract per kilogram of body weight markedly reduced the memory deficits as well as acetylcholine concentrations, choline acetylase activity, and muscuranic receptor binding in the hippocampus
and frontal cortex [Herbal Drugs: Ethnomedicine to Modern Medicine, by K.G. Ramawat]
Adaptogenic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves mental functions, used in insanity, epilepsy), antispasmodic (used in bronchitis, asthma and diarrhoea). Key application: In psychic disorders and as a brain tonic. [Indian Medicinal Plants
An Illustrated Dictionary]
Whole plant: Mixed with a little salt into a bitter infusion used for a febrifuge and antimalarial.
CHEM: Contains the alkaloid brahmine, which raises blood pressure when administered in therapeutic dosage, and is hypotensive when given in very strong dosage. A tranquilizing saponin resembling reserpine is also present. Alcoholic extract of plant is a muscle relaxant and cardiovascular relaxant [Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana)]
Unani uses: Muqawwi-e-Dimagh Wa Hafiza, Musakkin, Musaffi-e-Dam, Mudir-e-Baul,Waja-ul-Asab, Musakkin, Hirkat-ul-b.
Brahmi or Thyme leaved gratiola is an important drug in Ayurveda for the improvement of intelligence and memory and revitalisation of sense organs. It clears voice and improves digestion. It is suggested against dermatosis, anaemia, diabetes, cough, dropsy, fever, arthritis, anorexia, dyspepsia, emaciation, and insanity. It dispels poisonous affections, splenic disorders and impurity of blood. It is useful in vitiated conditions of kapha and vata, biliousness, neuralgia, ascites, flatulence, leprosy, leucoderma, syphilis, sterility and general debility. The whole plant is used in a variety of preparations like Brahmighrtam, Sarasvataristam., Brahmitailam, Misrakasneham, etc. In unani Majun Brahmi is considered as a brain tonic [MEDICINAL PLANTS by P. P. Joy, J. Thomas, Samuel Mathew, Baby P. Skaria]
Bacopa monnieri L. (Scrophulariaceae) has a long history of use in India as an anti-ageing and memory-enhancing ethnobotanical therapy. It has been mentioned in religious, social and medical treatises of India since the time of Atharvan Ved (800 BC); the first clear reference to its CNS effect is to be found in Charak Samhita, written in the first century AD. It is mentioned in the authentic Ayurvedic treatise, Susrutu Samhita, which describes brahmi as efficacious in the loss of intellect and memory. The alcoholic extract of brahmi showed a beneficial effect on the acquisition, consolidation and retention of three newly acquired behavioural responses in albino rats (Singh et al., 1982). Alcoholic extract of brahmi (40 mg/kg) and its two important chemical constituents, bacosides A and B (10 mg/kg), were investigated for shock-motivated brightness discrimination reaction, active conditioned avoidance and conditioned taste aversion response. Preadministration for 3 days with bacosides A and B significantly improved the acquisition, consolidation and retention in all three behavioural paradigms. Beside this effect bacosides attenuated the retrograde amnesia produced by immobilisation-induced stress, and scopolamine[Evaluation of Herbal Medicinal Products Perspectives on quality, safety and efficacy]
Activities — Adaptogen, Analgesic, Anticancer, Anticonvulsant, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Anxiolytic, Aperient, Aphrodisiac, Cardiotonic, Cerebrotonic, Convulsant, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Hypertensive, Hypotensive, Laxative, Memorigenic, Negative Chronotropic, Nervine, Neurotonic, Sedative, Spasmogenic, Tonic, Tranquilizer, Vasoconstrictor.
Indications — Aging, Anemia, Anxiety, Aphonia, Ascites, Asthenia, Asthma, Bronchosis, Cancer, Cardiopathy, Catarrh, Constipation, Convulsion, Cough, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Dysuria, Epilepsy, Fever, High Blood Pressure, Hoarseness, Hysteria, Impotence, Inflammation, Insanity, Insomnia, Leprosy, Lethargy, Leukoderma, Low Blood Pressure, Nervousness, Neurasthenia, Pain, Rheumatism, Scabies, Splenomegaly, Stress, Stroke, Syphilis, Tumor, Water Retention.
[Handbook of Medicinal Herbs by James A. Duke]
Nayadis, Bhils, ethnic communities of Arunachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Maharashtra use the herb as tonic and different parts in many diseases but not in family welfare. According to Atharva Veda the herb improves the quality of semen; in Ayurvedic system it is used for invigorating sex and in many disabilities and diseases; in unani and allopathic systems the herb is considered useful in low adynamic conditions and many other diseases. [Herbal Cures: Traditional Approach by Dr. D.A.Patil]
The drug contains alkaloid (brahmine) and triterpenoid saponins (bacosides A and B). The plant is used as a nervine tonic, and diuretic and is commonly used to treat asthma, epilepsy, insanity, and hoarseness. It is a major constituent of medhya rasayana formulations, which facilitates learning and improves memory. Initial studies using 50% ethanolic extract of the whole plant without roots demonstrated its effects on short and long term memory retention. Bhattacharya and his coworkers studied the effects of B. monnieri extract on AD using a rat model. Oral administration of a 5 to 10 mg extract per kilogram of body weight markedly reduced the memory deficits as well as acetylcholine concentrations, choline acetylase activity, and muscuranic receptor binding in the hippocampus
and frontal cortex [Herbal Drugs: Ethnomedicine to Modern Medicine, by K.G. Ramawat]
Adaptogenic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves mental functions, used in insanity, epilepsy), antispasmodic (used in bronchitis, asthma and diarrhoea). Key application: In psychic disorders and as a brain tonic. [Indian Medicinal Plants
An Illustrated Dictionary]
Whole plant: Mixed with a little salt into a bitter infusion used for a febrifuge and antimalarial.
CHEM: Contains the alkaloid brahmine, which raises blood pressure when administered in therapeutic dosage, and is hypotensive when given in very strong dosage. A tranquilizing saponin resembling reserpine is also present. Alcoholic extract of plant is a muscle relaxant and cardiovascular relaxant [Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana)]
Unani uses: Muqawwi-e-Dimagh Wa Hafiza, Musakkin, Musaffi-e-Dam, Mudir-e-Baul,Waja-ul-Asab, Musakkin, Hirkat-ul-b.
245 Published articles on Bacopa monnieri
