Background

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is sometimes called Brahmi.

Bacopa might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. It might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer disease.

Bacopa is commonly used for Alzheimer disease, memory and thinking skills, anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Do not confuse bacopa with gotu kola. Both plants are sometimes called Brahmi.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Bacopa is possibly safe when used in doses up to 600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects include stomach cramps, nausea, and dry mouth.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bacopa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Bacopa is possibly safe when taken by mouth by children 6-14 years old for up to 6 months.

Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Bacopa might slow down the heart rate. This could be a problem in people who already have a slow heart rate or other heart disease. If you have a heart condition, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.

Gastrointestinal tract blockage: Bacopa might make GI tract blockage worse. If you have a GI tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.

Ulcers: Bacopa might make stomach ulcers worse. If you have stomach ulcers, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.

Lung conditions: Bacopa might make asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. If you have asthma or COPD, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.

Thyroid disorders: Bacopa might increase levels of thyroid hormone. Bacopa should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

Urinary tract blockage: Bacopa might make blockage of the urinary tract worse. If you have a urinary tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Bacopa has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-600 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Cevimeline (Evoxac)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Bacopa might change how quickly the body breaks down cevimeline. This could change the effects and side effects of cevimeline.

Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Bacopa can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking bacopa might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bacopa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bacopa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bacopa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bacopa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Thyroid hormone

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Bacopa might increase how much thyroid hormone is produced. Taking bacopa with thyroid hormone might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase its effects and side effects.

Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Bacopa can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking bacopa with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.