Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels but beneficially modulates nuclear factor kappa B and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein levels in healthy elderly subjects

• Published in: Journal of clinical and translational research Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 50 - 58
• Main Authors: Keegan, Andrew P, Stough, Con, Paris, Daniel, Luis, Cheryl A, Abdullah, Laila, Ait-Ghezala, Ghania, Crawford, Fiona, Mullan, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Whioce Publishing Pte. Ltd 25.02.2023
• Subjects: Original; Biomarkers; Bacopa; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• ISSN: 2424-810X; 2382-6533; 2424-810X

is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for multiple conditions, most notably to augment cognition, particularly memory and attention. Multiple mechanisms, including raising brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have been proposed and investigated in animal models that require translational studies in humans. Bacopa was administered in an open-labeled study to cognitively healthy controls over a 3-month period. Cognition and mood were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and geriatric depression scale (GDS) at the baseline and 3-month visit. Laboratories were assessed for safety and serum levels of mature (mBDNF) and proBDNF were quantified. In a subset of subjects, intracellular signaling processes were assessed using western blot analysis. Bacopa was provided to 35 subjects and was well-tolerated except for 4 (11%) subjects who early terminated due to known, reversible, and gastrointestinal side effects (i.e., nausea, diarrhea). Over the 3 months, the GDS and the total MoCA did not significantly change; however, the delayed-recall subscale significantly improved (baseline: 3.8 ± 1.2, 3-months: 4.3 ± 0.9; = 0.032). Serum mBDNF and proBDNF levels did not significantly change. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation significantly increased ( = 0.028) and p65 nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation significantly decreased ( = 0.030). These results suggest that Bacopa may exert an anti-inflammatory effect through NF-κB and improve intracellular signaling processes associated with synaptogenesis (CREB). The future placebo-controlled studies are recommended. will require larger, blinded trials to better understand potential mechanisms, interactions, and utilization.