The acute effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy normal subjects

• Published in: Human psychopharmacology Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 345 - 351
• Main Authors: Nathan, P. J., Clarke, J., Lloyd, J., Hutchison, C. W., Downey, L., Stough, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.06.2001
• Subjects: acute; Bacopa monniera; brahmi; cognition
• ISSN: 0885-6222; 1099-1077; 1099-1077
• DOI: 10.1002/hup.306

The Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) has been shown to exert cognitive enhancing effects in animals. The current study examined the acute effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in normal healthy human subjects. The study was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled independent group design in which subjects were randomly allocated to one of two treatment conditions, Bacopa monniera (300 mg) (n = 18) or placebo (n = 20). Neuropsychological testing was conducted before and 2 h after drug administration. No significant changes were found on any of the tests. The findings suggest that Bacopa monniera, at least for the dose administered, has no acute effects on cognitive functioning in normal healthy subjects. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.