Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) is a perennial, creeping, aquatic herb. Originally from the wetlands of India, and other southeastern Asian countries.
Bacopa, also known as water hyssop, is often referred to as “Brahmi”. Named after the supreme god Brahma.
The nootropic benefits of Bacopa Monnieri were first revealed in ancient Ayurvedic texts. In was recommended to devotees to help memorize long passages of text. And enhance cognition.
And Bacopa Monnieri is an adaptogen. It helps prevent the chemical and physical effects of stress. Instead of just suppressing them like many modern antidepressants.
Bacopa Monnieri helps:
- Neurotransmitters. Bacopa affects brain levels of acetylcholine which is important for memory and cognition.
- Cognition. Bacopa has antioxidant effects which enhances cognitive function. Bacopa extract helps prevent arterial plaque that can lead to heart attack, stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Anxiety and stress. Bacopa has a significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. It appears to modulate brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This has an effect on mood regulation.
Table of Contents
Overview
Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) is an aquatic herb originally found in the wetlands and marshy areas of Southeast Asia and India.
Bacopa, also known as water hyssop, is often referred to as “Brahmi”. Named after the supreme god Brahma.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts talked about Bacopa. It was recommended to devotees to help memorize long passages of text.
In the West, Bacopa Monnieri is often used to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. But it’s gaining popularity in the nootropic community as a powerful memory and cognition booster.
The active compound Bacoside A in Bacopa easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
How does Bacopa Monnieri Work in the Brain?
Bacopa Monnieri boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Bacopa Monnieri boosts memory. Bacopa’s two active components are bacosides A and B. They improve the signaling of electrical impulses between neurons in your brain. Bacosides also help rebuild damaged neurons.
Bacopa Monnieri helps you learn and remember things more easily. In one study, researchers gave 54 volunteers in Portland, Oregon 300 mg of B. Monnieri per day for 12 weeks.
After the 12-week study, the people taking Bacopa had:
- Better word recall
- Better attention
- Better memory scores
- A greater ability to focus while learning
- Less anxiety and lower heart rates[i]
- Bacopa Monnieri reduces stress. Bacopa has traditionally been used in Ayurveda as a tonic for the nervous system. It helps to reduce anxiety.
Research at Banaras Hindu University in India showed Bacopa as effective for anxiety as the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam. One of the side effects of lorazepam is memory loss. Bacopa Monnieri on the other hand, reduced anxiety while boosting cognition.[ii]
How things go bad
Chronic stress and cortisol can damage your brain. Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, found that chronic stress triggers long-term change in brain structure and function.[iii]
Chronic stress damages neural networks. Certain proteins are over-expressed damaging neurons as a result.
Toxins invade cells, hijacking their normal, healthy function. And oxidative damage by free radicals harm brain cells if they’re not removed.
↓ Chronic stress reduces memory capacity
↓ Toxins kill brain cells from the inside
↓ Free radicals destroy neurons and synapses
Under conditions of chronic stress your brain loses the capacity to transmit signals between neurons efficiently. Memory, cognition, and decision-making all suffer as a result.
Bacopa Monnieri benefits
Bacopa Monnieri undoes damage to the brain caused by chronic stress. And helps keep it healthy. This is a little complicated, so stay with me here.
Your brain is protected by heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), cytochrome enzymes EROD and PROD, and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Hsp70 helps proteins in cells retain normal structure so they remain functional. EROD (7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) and PROD (7-pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase) are detox enzymes. They protect your brain by converting bad toxins into less harmful compounds. And SOD battles destructive free radicals called superoxides. And converts them into harmless organic compounds.
Bacopa Monnieri Keeps Your Brain Healthy Under Stress
When you are under stress, levels of Hsp70 increase in all regions of your brain. But research shows that animals pretreated with Bacopa for 7 days prevented most of this increase in Hsp70. Particularly in areas of the brain responsible for memory.
This means that producing less Hsp70 under stress, Bacopa makes your brain less susceptible to stress. Bacopa kept those regions of the brain in a non-stressed state. Even in the presence of stress.
Bacopa also has a preemptive action on EROD and PROD. Rats treated with Bacopa, but not under stress, saw an increase in these two enzymes. Suggesting that Bacopa helps stockpile these protective enzymes to help you better deal with stress.
And when it comes to SOD, researchers said, “Bacopa helps in coping with the combined hypoxic, hypothermic, and immobilization stress, which could lead to an onslaught of free radicals.” So Bacopa helps SOD activity and prepares cells to weather attacks by free radicals.[iv]
Translated, this all means Bacopa Monnieri helps your brain deal with stress. And helps boost memory.
How does Bacopa Monnieri feel?
The effects of Bacopa are not felt immediately. But seem to build over time. Some users report a pronounced anti-anxiety effect within 2 – 4 days of supplementing with Bacopa.
In one study done in Australia, results were measured at 5 and 12 weeks of taking Bacopa. The results showed improved speed of information processing, and an increase in learning and memory. Maximum reduction in anxiety was realized after 12 weeks of use.[v]
Some neurohackers say they feel the effects of Bacopa Monnieri sooner than 4 weeks. And the effects seem to keep working even after stopping supplementation. The effects are long-term.
Long term users say they consistently feel calmer, can think quicker and have better memory.
Bacopa Monnieri Clinical Research
Bacopa Monnieri as a Nootropic
This double-blind placebo-controlled investigation was done at Swinburne University in Australia. 107 healthy participants were given 300 mg of Bacopa Monnieri extract for 90 days.
After 90 days, the people who took B. Monnieri extract showed significant improvement in spatial memory, memory accuracy and their ability to process visual information.[vi]
Bacopa Monnieri for Stress Reduction
Bacopa is likely best known for reducing stress. Recent research at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia confirmed this in the lab.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study 17 healthy volunteers were given 320 mg or 640 mg of Bacopa extract. The study reported significant mood improvement, and decreased levels of cortisol.
This study demonstrated Bacopa’s adaptogenic qualities. Bacopa Monnieri counteracted the effects of stress by regulating hormones involved in the stress response.[vii]
Bacopa Monnieri for Longevity
Long-term exposure to aluminum can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease by 60 percent.[viii] (So check your underarm deodorant label before you read the rest of this article).
Research shows that Bacopa Monnieri can protect you from toxins that are harmful to your brain. Including aluminum.
It prevents the buildup of toxins between and inside neurons. And prevents damage to the hippocampus. The area of your brain critical for learning, memory and cognitive power.
Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India laced rats’ drinking water with aluminum chloride. The same aluminum that’s toxic to your brain. Some of the rats in this study had the protective power of Bacopa Monnieri going for them.
Bacopa Monnieri protected the rat’s brains from oxidative damage from the aluminum. And it worked as well as the Alzheimer’s drug selegiline. Bacopa restored the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to levels near normal. Indicating Bacopa Monnieri’s anti-aging potential.[ix]
Bacopa Monnieri Recommended Dosage
There is no ‘right’ dosage of Bacopa. Each person’s body is unique. In general, use the lowest dosage that works for you. And Bacopa works better if taken a few days in a row rather than just once.
Recommended dosage of Bacopa Monnieri containing 45% bacosides is 200 – 450 mg per day.
Recommended dosage of Bacopa Monnieri containing 20% bacosides is 750 mg per day.
Higher dosing should be divided equally with your first dose in the morning, and next dose early afternoon.
Bacopa is fat-soluble so should be taken with a healthy fat source like organic, cold-pressed virgin olive or coconut oil. Fat helps your body absorb the compounds in Bacopa that bring you benefit. And helps deliver it into your brain cells.
Bacopa Monnieri Side Effects
Side effects for Bacopa Monnieri are rare when taken as directed. But can include fatigue and upset stomach.
Types of Bacopa Monnieri to buy
The bioactive component of Bacopa Monnieri is Bacoside A. Which is a mixture of saponins with bacoside A3, bacopaside II, and jujubogenin isomer of bacopasaponin C.
Bacopa Monnieri extract can be found in some of higher quality pre-formulated nootropic stacks. For example, Mind Lab Pro® contains 11 brain enhancing nootropic compounds including Bacopa Monnieri extract with 24% bacosides and all the bioactive saponins and isomers listed above.
I recommend Mind Lab Pro because it addresses all aspects of anxiety resistance, memory and cognitive enhancement, stabilizes mood, brain repair, and maintenance.
This premium nootropic stack is designed to affect neurotransmitters, cognitive energy, brain waves, neuroprotection, and regeneration. See my Mind Lab Pro review for a detailed report.
Bacopa supplements are also available as a powder, capsules and tablets. Check the label for the concentration of Bacosides. A Bacopa extract with a higher Bacoside concentration requires a lower dose.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Bacopa Monnieri up to 450 mg per day
I recommend using Bacopa Monnieri as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Bacopa Monnieri on its own. So you must take it as a supplement.
B. Monnieri is especially helpful for those suffering from anxiety and stress. Studies show it helps stop and reverse the devastating effects of stress on your brain, and body. This nootropic helps repair damage to neurons and synapses caused by chronic stress.
Bacopa is a powerful adaptogen. Which means it helps increase the effect of certain hormones when activity is low. And will block excess stimulation when activity is high.
Bacopa Monnieri is also helpful for those suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. A study published in Phytomedicine showed the calming effect of this herb was equal to the drug Ativan (lorazepam). Without the side effects.
The ancient Ayurvedic texts knew what we’re only now discovering. That Bacopa is a powerful memory enhancer. Recent studies in Australia and the USA show B. Monnieri helps improve word recall, memory scores, attention and learning.
You can buy individual Bacopa Monnieri supplements. Or you could try my favorite pre-formulated nootropic stack Mind Lab Pro® which includes the full spectrum saponins, bacosides, and isomers in its Bacopa Monnieri extract.
Mind Lab Pro contains a synergistic blend of 11 brain enhancing nootropics covering all aspects of cognition and brain health. See my full Mind Lab Pro review for more.
You can safely take up to 450 mg of Bacopa Monnieri extract (45% Bacosides) daily if needed. Half the dose first thing in the morning. And the other half early afternoon. And it’s fat-soluble. So to ensure absorption take it with a tablespoon of virgin coconut or MCT oil.
[i] Calabrese N.D., Gregory W.L., Leo M., Kraemer D., Bone K., Oken B. “Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine 2008 Jul; 14(6): 707–713. (source)
[ii] Bhattacharya S.K., Ghosal S. “Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera: an experimental study.” Phytomedicine. 1998 Apr;5(2):77-82 (source)
[iii] “New evidence that chronic stress predisposes brain to mental illness” University of California, Berkeley Feb. 11, 2014, Retrieved Mar. 24, 2016 (source)
[iv] Chowdhuri D.K., Parmar D., Kakkar P., Shukla R., Seth P.K., Srimal R.C. “Antistress effects of bacosides of Bacopa monnieri: modulation of Hsp70 expression, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 activity in rat brain.” Phytotherapy Research 2002 Nov;16(7):639-45. (source)
[v] Stough C., Lloyd J., Clarke J., Downey L.A., Hutchison C.W., Rodgers T., Nathan P.J. “The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects.”Psychopharmacology 2001 Aug;156(4):481-4. (source)
[vi] Stough C., Downey L.A., Lloyd J., Silber B., Redman S., Hutchison C., Wesnes K., Nathan P.J. “Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.” Phytotherapy Research 2008 Dec;22(12):1629-34 (source)
[vii] Benson S., Downey L.A., Stough C., Wetherell M., Zangara A., Scholey A. “An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on multitasking stress reactivity and mood.” Phytotherapy Research 2014 Apr;28(4):551-9. (source)
[viii] Jansson E.T. “Aluminum exposure and Alzheimer’s disease.”Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2001 Dec;3(6):541-549. (source)
[ix] Jyoti A., Sharma D. “Neuroprotective role of Bacopa monniera extract against aluminium-induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus of rat brain.” Neurotoxicity 2006 Jul;27(4):451-7. (source)
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Last night I tried .5ml bacopa herbal tincture 1:2 to help with anxiety and sleep issues. Not having tried it before I decided to start slowly and I am glad I did as it acted as a diuretic, causing me to have to get up frequently during the night, even though I was very relaxed and would probably have slept through if it wasn’t for that issue. It is now mid afternoon and the urinary frequency is still there.
I can’t see any reference in your article to this side effect so would appreciate your comments. In particular, is there something else I could take with the bacopa to avoid this side effect as it sounds like it could really help with my sleep and anxiety?
Thank you very much.
Chris, frequent urination is not a known side effect for Bacopa Monnieri. I suggest getting another Bacopa extract in capsule form that is standardized to 24 – 40% bacosides.
Bacopa Monnieri is not usually used for insomnia even through it is a potent anti-anxiety supplement. Because the effects of Bacopa are not felt immediately. But seem to build over time. Often taking from 2 – 4 weeks of consistent daily use before you feel its full effects.
Thanks so much for your prompt response. I saw several references oine to it being a diuretic but of course one can’t believe everything posted on the internet.
For insomnia related to anxiety would you recommend gotu kola instead?
Chris, insomnia related to anxiety is not a special kind of insomnia. It’s still a problem with falling asleep and/or staying asleep. This article are my general recommendations for insomnia: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-sleep-supplements-to-buy/.
Just because a supplement is used as an anxiolytic does not mean it will help with sleep. These are two very different issues. And insomnia or lack of quality sleep is one of the primary causes of anxiety. Take care of sleep first and see if that takes care of the anxiety.
I stumbled across your website whilst cross-checking properties of various nootropics and was blown away by the wealth of information on here. And down that rabbit hole I’ve been for several weeks now.
Recently, I came to the conclusion that I needed to replace the youthful abuse I’ve put my body through over the years and very slowly (so as not to frighten myself into apathy) phase in better “habits” to improve my overall quality of life. Amongst other areas; e.g. exercise, diet, sleep, etc.; I’ve started to look into better quality and more potent supplements, so have started cycling out my “beginner” supplements with the good stuff. Nootropics are not something I’ve ever delved into, so I’ve enjoyed the steep learning curve.
For various reasons I opted against using Performance Lab and Mind Lab Pro, at least for the time being, with the over-arching concern being shipping and delivery due to living in the UK. It did amuse me that their products are designed and formulated in the UK but manufactured in the US. So close yet so far! People here love screaming, “Brexit!” as the reason for current shipping/delivery woes but it’s a little more complex than that, though that’s an entirely different conversation for another time maybe. But this all meant I had to settle for alternative brands.
One of the brands that attracted my attention was Feel (or wearefeel) due to the quality of their multivitamin. They also have a product called “Feel Focus”, which brings my ramble to the fore. It’s a nootropic stack that includes Bacopa Monnieri. However, instead of noting bacosides content it says, “standardised to contain 20% Saponins”. From your article and a cursory Google search I understand that bacosides are saponins but I’m thinking that saponins aren’t necessarily bacosides.
Admittedly, I may be falling prey to minutiae here and was hoping you could clarify if listing “saponins” means “at least as good as bacosides” or if this is a red flag. Many thanks for any help and a huge thank you for the website as a whole.
Lance, first of all Mind Lab Pro and Performance Lab products are shipped from the UK to UK customers. It is not shipped from the USA to the UK.
And the bioactive component of Bacopa Monnieri is Bacoside A. Which is a mixture of saponins with bacoside A3, bacopaside II, and jujubogenin isomer of bacopasaponin C.
I have tried synapsa (320mg) for a few days and right away it gives me a fairly bad headache and reduced energy as a result. I even cut the dose way down by 1/2 and then 1/4 and I still don’t feel right on it. Could this be a sign of some deficiency? One thing I think it may have done is made my dreams more vivid and easier to remember when I was taking closer to the full dose. I just realized searching for this that I may have a condition called “visual snow” where I see a light tv-like snow when I close my eyes at night while going to sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night and this “visual snow” was also more vivid looking, almost psychedelic looking. So I am bummed about the headaches but also intrigued by these affects, so do you have any recommendations of how the headaches could be countered or maybe some other similar nootropic or other type of bacopa monnieri to try? I am just starting to try them so I wasn’t stacking it with anything other than vitamin D with calcium. I have tried aniracetam, rhodiola, alpha gpc, and noopept and responded fine to them. Ashwagandha kind of makes me sleepy and sort of dry/heavy eye feeling, but a lot of things seem to do that.
Tommy, I doubt the headaches are a sign of some deficiency and another brain of Bacopa extract will not likely do any better. It could be this adaptogen is simply the wrong supplement for you.
Do a search of Nootropics Expert using the search function top right of the top menu and search for “vivid dreams” and see what else turns up.
Hey David,
i probably have a problem to add a tablespoon of oil in the morning.
I take bacopa together with Omega 3 (500 dha + 250 epa), does omega 3 maybe can help already with better absorption ?
I often drink coconut milk to my muesli, maybe that helps already with absorption ?
Or do i still have to add a source of oil (olive, mct) ?
Thanks.
Paolo, Omega-3s are not considered a form of healthy fat in this case. But coconut milk may work depending on the fat content. You need that extra fat to activate the enzymes needed for digesting the fat-soluble supplements in your stack.
Thanks for your answer David, your the best.
Is there any guide value of how much fat i need ?
And if im not able to get enough fat how much worse is the absorption in comparison ?
Another question:
I see you reply very often to people that “only precursors physically increase an amount of neurotransmitter”, but how is Bacopa able to regulate neurotransmitter long term ?
And if you take a supplement which agonize a receptor, reuptake inhibitor or a pam, shouldnt the body physically increase the amount of neurotransmitter in time ?
For example if you increase activity to a receptor shouldnt the body try to produce more neurotransmitter from precursor ?
Paolo, all you need is enough of a healthy fat or oil to activate the digestive enzymes produced by your pancreas that metabolize the fat-soluble ingredients in the supplements you are using. If those enzymes are not activated you’ll get zero benefit from anything that is fat-soluble in your stack. If you don’t activate those enzymes then none of the fat-soluble ingredients will get absorbed.
But all you need is a few grams of healthy fat to do the job. I find a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil works for me each time I take my supplements.
And for your last question, it depends because there are so many variables involved it’s enough to melt your brain. For example, Bacopa has been shown to affect acetylcholine, GABA, dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, and serotonin (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4564644/). But if you are able to make it through that clinical study I linked to you’ll realize how complex it is. Because it involves different enzymes, receptors, neurons, and brain regions.
If a supplement acts as a reuptake inhibitor it usually means it is preventing that neurotransmitter from attaching to a receptor and forcing it back in to play. Either in the intra-cellular space or sending the molecule to a synapse. Not necessarily forcing that neuron to produce more of that neurotransmitter.
Mr David,
First of all thank you for your precious information.
I want to know is modulating brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin – which is mentined in this topic – , contradicting with the nootropics which increase the transmitters or serotonin?
Thank you again
Gehad, Bacopa Monnieri is considered an “adaptogen” which means if you have excess serotonin in your system it will bring it down to where it should be. Or if you do not have enough serotonin it will boost it to where it should be.
Hi David, I have been trying to asking you but your website does not allow me, I have tried 3 times unsuccessfully, so I try with this message asking for your help, is there any rule that I must follow so that this does not happen? I can attach Links or is there a limit of questions per user?
Florencia, not sure what you are referring to. But if you are talking about including links to external websites here in the comments sections the system does not allow it. Is that was you’re talking about?
hi David exactly, it does not allow me for some reason, here I try again, and
I have some questions for you, when you have time, I would appreciate it
– Since Rhodiola Rosea acts as an MAOI and Berberine seems to be a monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), isn’t it too much to consume them together?
In your experience, is it not negative to combine these two?
– I have seen that the Dr Best brand uses a form of vitamin K2 called “MenaQ7”, but it is at least twice as expensive as what I take. I would like to know your opinion please, if the two forms of vitamin K2 that I take are good enough?
– My stack It is identical to the one you describe in the section of your page “What I Take” except for the Berberine, do you think I should consume Mlk Thistle every day to protect my liver even if I have no problems? (Due to the amount of nootropics I take)
– Do you recommend taking Kratom every day despite withdrawal symptoms when quitting or only when I need it?
Florencia, it depends on how your system responds to using Rhodiola Rosea and Berberine and whether it is “too much”. Not necessarily a negative as long as it works for you. Keep in mind that even though these supplements act like MAOIs they are not as potent as prescription MAOIs.
I prefer patented versions of many nootropic ingredients because when used in a supplement made by a trustworthy company I can be assured that potency of the supplement will likely be better. But if you trust the company you got your K2 from and you know they have a robust testing program in place then you should be fine.
The warning about possible liver damage from using Berberine long-term has only been shown in animals. Not in humans. And since you are not a mouse (as far as I know!) it is unlikely you’ll have a problem. As long as you get your labs done a couple of times per day which include liver health markers.
I recommend using Kratom on when needed. But if you need it daily or multiple times per day I think the withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting abruptly are worth it based on the benefits Kratom provides. But I suppose that depends on your tolerance for pain.
Thanks for answering David, but two of the questions were not understood, I will ask you the questions in another way
– Since I consume almost the same amount of Nootropics as you (I do not consume berberine) Would you recommend me to consume Milk Thistle every day just to protect the liver or is it not necessary? (Due to the amount of nootropics I take)
– Do you think that “Healthy Origins” is a good brand of vitamin K2? or do you recommend that I should consume the brand that uses a form of vitamin K2 called “MenaQ7” (even if it is twice as expensive)
thanks for your time
Florencia, you do not need to use Milk Thistle unless you have liver problems or need liver support for some other reason. Otherwise, it is no necessary to use Milk Thistle.
Healthy Origins appears to be a legit company and they state on their website that they use a third party to test their supplements as well as manufacture them in a cGMP facility. They say their testing on individual supplements is available if you ask for it. Which is good sign.
It is not a must to get supplements containing patented ingredients. As long as a the quality is good and verifiable you should be OK.
Hi David,
Thank you for your informative videos and website. I have tried Bacopa for couple of weeks. I had an amazing benefit from it.
My memory recall was fantastic, I was able to learn things easily and recall them quickly. After two weeks I became tired and fatigued. I was not able to work and study. My motivation to do anything was low.
Then I start taking it before I sleep. I had a good sleep but I wake up tired and lethargic then I stopped after a month of using it. I have tried Gotu Kola but it has similar side effect and tingling sensation.
I have read that many people had the same side effects. Could you explain why Bacopa has these awful side effects even though it has a profound positive effect on memory? What supplements you suggest for memory retention and recall? DMAE?
Thanks in advanced and sorry for the lengthy comment.
Khalid, the only similarity between Bacopa Monnieri and Gotu Kola is both affect acetylcholine. It could be that you do not react well the supplements that boost acetylcholine in your brain. So the last thing you’d want to try is DMAE.
See this article for how learning and memory work and the different supplements that you can use to support each type of memory: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
Hi David, I have some questions please when you can I would appreciate your help.
– If I consume Bacopa Monnieri for my anxiety or depression, is it not necessary to consume Ashwagandha? (or could it be useful to me in some way for me)
– Could you provide a link to the best Probiotic you recommend I buy? (for when I am consuming antibiotics)
– According to your experience, how many grams of Kratom to sleep on and how many grams to achieve an energetic effect would necessary for these two cases?
Could Curcumin replace Rhodiola Rosea as an antidepressant? (because they both acts like an MAOI)
Pamela, all great questions but only you will be able to answer some of them. I’m not sure about combining Ashwagandha with Bacopa Monnieri because they are both acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which means they both boost acetylcholine. That could backfire on you.
The jury is still out on should we or should we not use probiotics during and/or after using antibiotics. Looks like I need to write an article on this one. Some studies show using both at the same time does not make sense because the antibiotics kill the probiotics. Another study in Israel showed that one group of antibiotic users who did NOT use a probiotic had their microbiome recover naturally within 3 weeks. And one the group who used probiotics after antibiotics still had not recovered their microbiome after 6 weeks.
I just start on antibiotics today so am particularly interested in this. I’m choosing NOT to use probiotics while on the antibiotic. And instead of probiotics after I’m done with the antibiotics I’ll continue using the Performance Lab Prebiotic I’ve been using. Which has been keeping my microbiome healthy for the last 3 years I’ve been using it. It here if you’d like to try it: https://bit.ly/2KzeQi2
As for Kratom, you need a different strain for sleep and a different strain for energy. I’ve been using 6 grams of Bentuangie before sleep. And 9 – 12 grams of Green Bali for pain but which can be used for energy. If you are new to Kratom you can use half the dose.
Curcumin is not a replacement for Rhodiola Rosea because they each provide unique benefits other than acting as an MAOI. You’ll need to experiment your self but I think Rhodiola Rosea would likely be better for mood than Curcumin.
Thanks for answering David, in my family we are very grateful for all your help, if it is not too much trouble I will ask you the last thing that worry me
-I search Nootropics Expert for “anti-cancer” and see what turns up but I’m confused,
When you mention that Nootropics like curcumin and Ashwagandha are anti-cancer, do you mean that consuming one of them is enough to avoid forms of cancer? Or would I still need to consume nootropics like Sulforaphane
– Are the effects of Glycine and Rhodiola Rosea similar in terms of anti-fatigue?
(because Rhodiola Rosea helps alleviate physical fatigue and provides better quality of sleep and In subjects given glycine, the data showed a significant reduction in fatigue)
-When you mention that curcumin is anti-hepatotoxic, do you mean that it is a good option to lower the elevated enzymes in the liver or what kind of benefits does it bring to the liver?
Pamela, honestly, if I was dealing with cancer I would be using every supplement I could find that was clinical proven to prevent cancer and/or tumor growth.
My suggestion is wherever I make a reference to a supplement being anti-cancer that if there is a link to a clinical study associated with that statement that you read the study as thoroughly as you can to understand how that supplement provides that benefit.
I point this out because some supplements I’ve researched are very specific on what type of cancer or tumor they go after. It’s not like each supplement on its own provides blanket protection from all cancers.
The effects of Glycine and Rhodiola Rosea are not the same when combatting fatigue. In fact, Glycine is often promoted as a sleep supplement. And those that use it consistently feel more refreshed and lively the next day. There was a “significant reduction in fatigue” because of “better quality sleep”.
Rhodiola Rosea is used “to make workers more productive”. It’s used during the day.
Curcumin provides strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus it possesses hepatoprotective properties according to this study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30529260/.
I have used hair products that are sold as Brahmi. Do you think there is any absorption through the skin using it as a hair mask/conditioner?
Sher, Brahmi contains Asiatic acid which boosts collagen synthesis. And it increases blood flow bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your scalp. But you likely need to leave it on for 3 – 5 minutes so it can penetrate your scalp.
Hi David,
I was able to cancel my order of NALT. I have decided to try Bacopa Monnieri for my Anxiety, Depression and to help me sleep. I have purchased a product with 50% Bacosides that has 500mg in each capsule. You suggest up to 450 mg a day, so should 1 capsule a day be enough or do I need more to treat my Anxiety and Depression and to help me sleep. When is the best time to take it?
Jennifer, you can try Bacopa Monnieri before bed. But remember that it is fat-soluble and requires a healthy fat to be absorbed. I use unrefined coconut oil but you can also use extra virgin olive oil. And it may take several days of use before you begin to feel the full benefit of Bacopa as well. So it is does not work the first day don’t give up on it. Keep on using it daily for a week or two to give it a chance.
Thanks for your great advice. I need to take Bacopa Monnieri with an oil of some kind. Will it work okay if I take it with my 3 capsules of fish oil that are 1000mg each
Jennifer, you need something like a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. Not fish oil. You shouldn’t be using fish oil in the first place. Because your brain is crying out for 1,000 mg per day of DHA. And I doubt your fish oil supplement provides 1,000 mg DHA.
Hi David,
In regards to stacking with Mind Lab Pro, I am concerned about the anhedonia often caused by Bacopa Monnieri. I am a composer, and after trying Bacopa Monnieri for 3-4 weeks once before, my emotional sensitivity became so vapid, that I actually ended up losing work due to the inability to gauge whether or not what I was writing had any emotional meaning. I find this effect to occur to a lesser degree with Racetams as well (which is extremely frustrating, because I respond extremely well to Piracetam).
Do you know of any nootropics that can enhance a composer’s emotional sensitivity? Also, do you know of any nootropics that can stop or counterbalance the anhedonia caused by Bacopa?
Ed, I’ve seen a couple of mentions of anhedonia and Bacopa Monnieri on reddit but nowhere else. Odd because a couple of clinical studies showed Bacopa Monnieri as an effective method for alleviating anhedonia (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32236999/).
Anhedonia has been successfully treated with Ketamine which is NMDA receptor antagonist. The only thing I can suggest is possibly experimenting with other natural NMDA receptor antagonists like L-Theanine, Noopept, Lithium Orotate or Cat’s Claw. No guarantees any of those will work for you however.
Only other thing to consider is hormones and trying something like Progesterone and see if that works for you. As long as it doesn’t mess with your other sex hormones like testosterone.
Hi David, in my country I can’t get Mind Lab Pro, I would like to know please if this supplement is a good alternative? Lion’s Mane Mind Formula by DailyNutra
Raquel, there is no direct comparison with Mind Lab Pro and this supplement by DailyNutra. I suggest you compare each of the ingredients in these two formulas and with a careful investigation you’ll realize this other supplement only offers a most half the benefit of using Mind Lab Pro.
The other problem I have with this supplement by DailyNutra and every other manufacturer who unwisely include Huperzine-A in their formula. Huperzine-A has 24 hour half-life which means you cannot use it every day. So their supplement cannot be used daily safely.
You are going to find it very difficult to find something that works like and as well as Mind Lab Pro. This stack is unique and they have set the bar for the entire industry. The only way to try and mimic their formula is with individual supplements that match the ingredients in MLP.
do you recommend a particular brand
Sunny, you get 150 mg Bacopa Monnieri extract in Mind Lab Pro (https://www.mindlabpro.com/). Or as a standalone supplement this one by Double Wood is good: https://bit.ly/3t7f159
Life Extension has 250 mg bacopa. i get almost all my supplements there
Kathy, if you are happy with the Life Extension supplement and have no problems with any of the additives they often include in their supplements then use it.
Hi David,
Was wondering if you could clear up the confusion with Vitamin Shoppes’ brand. The dose seems weak, am I wrong? They suggest 1 a day, is that enough to get any benefit?
Vitamin Shoppe – Bacopa
Thanks
Matt, the Vitamin Shoppe Bacopa contains 100 mg Bacopin which is a 20% bacoside extract made by Sabinsa. So the quality appears to be there. Dosage may be low however. Only thing to do is test it. You may need to triple or quadruple the dose for it to be effective if you find their dosage isn’t enough.
Hi David,
I have androgenetic alopecia but been fighting to minimize the rate of loss. I was taking bacopa+sideritis scardica+B complex+Zn for 2 months in December and January due to my intense studies. I noticed that my hair loss rate has increased. When I ran out of pills, I felt like hair loss decreased again. Might also be due to the end of exams and related anxiety. Now I take a stack of stuff like omega 3-6-9, l-carnitin, lecithin+B complex, gotu kola, and finally bacopa. I feel like my hair loss is back again. Do you have any idea about this phenomenon? In general, how do these neural enhancers affect the quality and quantity of our hair and have there been any studies on that? I am planning to get a new stack and trying to find out if I should avoid some of components. My bucket includes bacopa+lions mane+alcar+q10+omega3+alpha gpc+B complex+Zn+Mg.
Thanks in advance
Best Regards
Eamon, my area of expertise is below the scalp (i.e. the brain) and not with things like hair loss.
But as a man and as far as I know a build up of DHT in your scalp is what causes most hair loss in men. Other than genetics. Some of the vitamins and minerals are also involved in hair and skin health. But I don’t recall which ones.
I also understand that increased stress can result in hair loss. So look at this from a different angle and get your stress levels under control. That may help more that directly trying to keep your hair.
Dear David,
It is with Immense Gratitude and Appreciation for your teachings and for creating such a Healthy environment for learning and sharing our experiences. In search to learn more about Huperzine-A and Choline that I recently started to use to prolong Lucid Dreams, I found a Treasure of information that I am more than Happy to explore as I also need some Memory/Cognition boost as well. For the past few days I have chosen some nootropics that seems to fit my needs and as I explore them, one step at a time, I will be more that Happy to share my experience.
Been using:
Huperzine-A & Choline Synergistically (once a week for Lucid Dreams)
Vitamins B6 – B9 – B12 (Daily)
New
Bacopa 750Mg with 24% Bacopa saponins/ 2 Tbs Olive Oil
Today 11am first dose – now 9pm
One hour after ingestion, subtle neurologic responses that started in my head and slowly proceeded down my body until it reached my feet.
I felt really relaxed throughout the day in a very unique and pleasant manner.
It felt as if I meditated all day. Amazing feeling almost like Huperzine-A in a more Peaceful/Mellow way.
As a note, I’ve practiced Meditation for many years and it has made me very aware of my body, hence the ability to almost immediately feel any change in my physiology. These first impressions may not be noticeable immediately but it is part of the process. It’s a cascade of Wellness.
With Much Gratitude & Appreciation for Sharing your Wisdom.
Jay
Ps. I first found you (or you found me) on YouTube (Subscriber)
Thanks Jay.