A herb known as brahmi, water hyssop, or bacopa monnieri has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and may offer brain-boosting, stress-reducing, and anti-inflammatory benefits, according to health experts.
Registered dietitian Sarah Thomsen Ferreira told the Cleveland Clinic that bacopa protects the brain through antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease. While human studies on its brain effects are limited, animal trials have established a biological rationale for protective properties, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation noted.
Bacopa is also an adaptogen, meaning it can reduce stress by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates stress hormones. Additionally, several studies have found that bacopa reduces inflammation in the central nervous system and related pain, potentially lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and dementia.
Although bacopa is generally considered safe, experts warn that not all risks have been studied and that supplement quality may vary. The foundation recommends choosing third-party verified supplements.
