Brahmi, also called Bacopa monnieri, belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is a small, succulent ( stems adapted to store water), glabrous (smooth), creeping or prostrate (branches above the ground) annual herb.1It is also known as Herpestis monniera, water hyssop (small bushy) and is locally known as Jalanimba or brahmi in India. The term brahmi is derived from the word ‘Brahma’, which refers to the mythical God of creation in Hindu mythology.2
Brahmi is primarily has been used for nearly 3000 years by Ayurvedic medical professionals. As the brain is considered the centre of creative activity, any substance that might boost the brain’s health is known as brahmi. It also means ‘bringing knowledge of the supreme reality”. Brahmi may be recognised as a popular memory booster among locals.2
The common local names of brahmi are Neerbrahmi, Bamanevari in Gujarati; Jalnam, Birami, Brahmi in Marathi; Brahmi in Oriya; Bhahmi in Malayalam; Brahmibuti in Punjabi; Sambarenu, Sambrani in Telugu; Brahmi vazhukkai, Nirabrahmi in Tamil; Ondelaga, Mandukaparni, Nirubrahmi in Kannada, Manduka Parni in Hindi; Brahmi in Assamese; Kapotavanka, Sarasvati in Sanskrit; Thyme Leaved Gratiola in English.1
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The compounds in brahmi that might be responsible for beneficial effects are saponin, alkaloids, and sterols.2
The properties of brahmi are described as follows:
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Based on my observations, Brahmi has shown potential in reducing the risk of stroke. Studies have revealed that Brahmi can protect the brain from ischemic insults, which are often associated with stroke. It helps decrease the size of damaged brain tissue, improve memory function, and enhance muscle coordination.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
The potential uses of brahmi might be beneficial for various conditions. However, more research is needed to state the true potential of brahmi for human health.
The stomach-related effects of brahmi have been studied in the lab, animal, and human studies. A review report by Gohil and Patel et al. 2010 suggests the following benefits of brahmi.
However, more studies are required to ascertain the potential uses of brahmi for ulcers. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor as stomach ulcers and IBS are serious problems and should only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified doctor.
In my experience, I have observed that Brahmi has shown potential in relaxing cardiac and smooth muscles. This relaxing effect is thought to be mediated by the accumulation of calcium ions outside the cells.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Some researchers Bhattacharya et al. 1999 have reported that the brahmi extract was found to reverse the cognitive deficits (loss of memory and thinking) in animal models. In a human study conducted by Roodenrys et al. 2002 with people of ages 45 to 65 years, it was seen that the rate of learning was unaffected, implying that brahmi might reduce the rate of forgetting newly acquired information. Cognitive effects of Brahmi might be due to its antioxidant property.2 There is a need for further research to say that brahmi might benefit human cognition.
Some studies by Aithal et al. 1961 and Prakash et al. 1962 have found that brahmi extract and the extract of the whole plant may have sedative and tranquillising (reduces anxiety, tension, fear) effects on animals.2 There is a need for more studies on humans to suggest that brahmi may have sedative properties as these studies are very old and also done on animals.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional use of brahmi as an anti-anxiety medication may be supported by both human and animal studies. In a human study by Singh R et al. 1982, brahmi showed reduced symptoms of anxiety, level of disability and mental fatigue, level of anxiety, and an increase in memory span.2 This information is insufficient and requires more studies to back this claim.
In Ayurvedic medicine, brahmi has been used as a solution for seizures. The extracts of brahmi were tested on animals, which showed anti-convulsant activity in animals.2 Therefore, brahmi might be helpful in convulsions seen in seizures. However, human studies are required to confirm its anti-convulsant property.
In an animal study, brahmi was found to be beneficial against drug-induced kidney and liver toxicity. It may also show strong activity in maintaining the antioxidant system that might benefit animals from drug induced liver toxicity.5 However, this information is not sufficient because these studies are done on animals. We require more human study to support the true scope of brahmi on human health.
Brahmi extract was tested for its anticancer property in various cancer cell lines and animal models. The cell line study by Elangovan et al. 1995 suggested that brahmi may have anticancer activity and mainly shows anticancer action by inhibiting the DNA replication. This might decrease the chances of the cancer cells from multiplying and producing new cancer cells. Thereby, it might slow the growth of the tumour.2 However, similar studies on humans are required to check the effectiveness of brahmi in humans as an anticancer agent. Since cancer is a severe condition, it requires a proper diagnosis and treatment. So, kindly consult a doctor and do not use brahmi to self-medicate yourself.
Though there are studies that show the benefits of brahmi in various conditions, but these are old and insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of brahmi on human health.
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You can use brahmi in:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements made from brahmi. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Commonly reported side effects of brahmi include:
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to brahmi, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.
Brahmi might be considered safe if it is consumed in small amounts. However, general precautions have to be followed to avoid complications.
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Lab and animal studies have shown that the extract of brahmi might enhance the effects of some drugs or have effect against some drugs and their harmful side effects.
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Brahmi may have beneficial effects on the brain. It may also have antidepressant, antianxiety, sedative and cognitive effects on the brain.2 However, this information is insufficient and requires more research to support the benefit of brahmi on human health.
Brahmi has a few reported side effects, including nausea, increased stomach upset, and stomach motility.3 Therefore, it is essential to take precautions and immediately contact a doctor if any such side effects are observed. They will be the best person to provide you with proper treatment.
No, there is no sufficient data to support its usage during pregnancy. Therefore, avoid brahmi or consult your doctor in case of pregnancy.
Does brahmi cause sleep?
Brahmi may have sedative properties that may help induce sleep.2 Some studies suggested that the extract of the whole brahmi plant might have sedative and tranquillising (reduces anxiety, tension, fear) effects on animals.2 Therefore, brahmi may induce sleep and may also be helpful for insomnia. However, human studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of brahmi on humans.
Is brahmi good for hair?
Brahmi may be used as a hair tonic and encourage good hair health .6 However, this information is insufficient and requires more studies to support this claim.
Can I use brahmi during breastfeeding?
No, there is no sufficient data to support its usage during breastfeeding. Therefore, avoid brahmi or consult your doctor before taking brahmi.
Does brahmi interact with the thyroid?
Brahmi might enhance thyroid hormone activity. Brahmi may have the potential to interact with the thyroid hormone in the body. As a result, before taking brahmi, consult your doctor.2
1. THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA PART- I VOLUME – II [Internet]. 25–26 p. Available from: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-2.pdf
2. Gohil KJ, Patel JJ. A review on Bacopa monniera: Current research and future prospects. Int J Green Pharm. 2010;4(1):1–9. Available at: https://www.greenpharmacy.info/index.php/ijgp/article/view/111
3. Aguiar S, Borowski T. Neuropharmacological review of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri. Rejuvenation Res. 2013;16(4):313–26. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746283/
4. Irritable bowel syndrome [Internet]. Merrian-Webster Dictionary. [cited 2022 Apr 11]. Available from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritable bowel syndrome
5. Sudharani D, Krishna KL, Deval K, Safia AK P. Pharmacological profiles of Bacopa monnieri: A Review. Int J Pharm. 2011;1(1):15–23. Available at: https://www.pharmascholars.com/abstract/pharmacological-profiles-of-bacopa-monnieri-a-review-50874.html
6. Dr. Mahtab Alam Khan. Concept of Cosmetics in Unani Sytem of Medicine [Internet]. National Health Portal. 2016. Available from: https://www.nhp.gov.in/concept-of-cosmetics-in-unani-system-of-medicine_mtl
7. Khan DMA. Greying of Hairs / Canities ( Sheeb ) [Internet]. National Health Portal. 2020. Available from: https://www.nhp.gov.in/greying-of-hairs-canities-sheeb_mtl
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