A medicinal plant that can improve memory and prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Bacopa is a plant well known in ancient medicine. Indiathanks to its healing properties cerebral. According to an article published on the official website of the US National Library of Medicine entitled “Bacopa monniera, a renowned nootropic herb: a general description,” it states that This plant has been used for many years as a means to improve Memoryanti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic (against fever), sedative and antiepileptic.

Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as bacopa, is an aquatic plant native to humid tropical conditions in countries such as India and China. Although it has flowers that make it an ideal ornamental plant due to its vibrant colors, some research suggests that it may have medicinal properties.

According to the article, The plant, plant extract and isolated bacosides (main active ingredients) have been extensively studied in various laboratories for their neuropharmacological effects and there are several reports supporting its nootropic effects.

These mentioned nootropics are agents that enhance certain mental functions of a person such as cognition, memory, intelligence, creativity, motivation and others.

Similarly, the scientific journal Frontiers published an article entitled “Pharmacological Properties of Bacopa monnieri Extract: Current Updates and Clinical Implications,” documenting possible health benefits attributed to the plant, especially in the fight against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers have found that bacopa extracts do “play an important role in neuroprotection” and may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

However, although they claim that the extracts “can be used in the treatment Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders,” it is clear that research is still needed to compare this effect of the plant with standard medications and establish specific clinical applications.

Merck manuals state that This plant can improve memory and learning; treat epilepsy, neuroses, hypertension, anxiety, asthmaleprosy, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Experts also suggest that It may slow aging, treat snake bites, prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease, and improve digestion.

The article, written by pharmacist Laura Shane-McWhorter from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in the US, acknowledges that there are studies that have found possible anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of anxiety and stress, and lowering blood pressure. and killing cancer cells, but stressed that it is “very unlikely” that one compound would have that many benefits.

Moreover, it makes it clear that Many studies are small, with fewer than 100 participants, so “the use of bacopa is not recommended as there are no proven benefits that outweigh the possibility of harmful side effects.”

Side effects reported with excessive use may include the following: decreased heart rate, slowed intestinal transit, worsened ulcers, and increased urinary tract obstruction.