Many Western doctors now accept the fact that plants and herbs used in Eastern practices can promote good health without the risks of manufactured drugs. I’ve been interested in a long time to discover natural supplements to boost brain health and prevent memory loss. Recently, I’ve learned about Bacopa monnieri, a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Here are two studies on humans to support the use of this plant to improve memory, attention, and information processing. (Taken from an article on Healthline.com)
A 12-week study in 46 healthy adults observed that taking 300 mg of Bacopa monnieri daily significantly improved the speed of processing visual information, learning rate, and memory, compared with the placebo treatment (Source).
Another 12-week study in 60 older adults found that taking either 300 mg or 600 mg of Bacopa monnieri extract daily improved memory, attention, and the ability to process information, compared with the placebo treatment (Source).
Another study in mice showed that supplementing with Bacopa monnieri improved their spatial learning and ability to retain information (Source).
The same study also found that it increased dendritic length and branching. Dendrites are parts of nerve cells in the brain that are closely linked to learning and memory (Source).
Boost Brain Health with Supplements
This Healthline.com article listed 7 Emerging Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri, including its use as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and to reduce ADHD symptoms, anxiety, stress, and blood pressure. Additionally, other studies are exploring its anti-cancer properties.
Before you purchase the many supplements containing this plant, be advised that there are side-effects worth noting. It is ill-advised for women who are pregnant. It may cause digestive symptoms, including nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
I have tried it over the last three days and did notice stomach symptoms. I’ll wait to see if I adapt. Also, when on other medications, you need to get your healthcare provider’s opinion on drug interactions.
Health food stores and online sources usually recommend a dose of 300 to 450 mg per day.
The good news is that scientists are now more open to finding solutions to problems that don’t involve harsh pharmaceutical drugs with side effects. As a senior with an aging brain, you probably already take several medicines for other conditions. You can’t know about drug interactions without asking a trained professional. Don’t take that risk.
The big drug companies continue to search for a magic bullet memory-boost pill at big expense to consumers. The help we need to boost brain health may be growing in a field in Asia or South America instead. All you have to do is search online to find out more about this natural supplement and the benefits to your brain. It’s available from several supplement companies in both pill and powder forms.
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