Overview

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.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Bacopa overview.

Side Effects

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 stomachcramps, nausea, and dry mouth.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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 stomachcramps, nausea, and dry mouth.

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.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with Bacopa

    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.

  • Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with Bacopa

    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.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Bacopa

    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) interacts with Bacopa

    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.

  • Cevimeline (Evoxac) interacts with Bacopa

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

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Bacopa

    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) interacts with Bacopa

    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.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Thyroid hormone interacts with Bacopa

    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.

Dosing

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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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