Phytopharmacology of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Part 1
Phytopharmacology
of
Brahmi
(Bacopa monnieri) Part 1
Introduction
The search for effective and safe medicines for
neurological disorders is always on. Brahmi is one such medicine used in the
Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Brahmi corresponds to two plants, Bacopa monnieri
and Centella asiatica. Both the plants are used in Ayurvedic system as
medhya (beneficial for intellect, enhancing intellect, nootropic) and rasaayana
(adaptogen). In Indian system both plants were valued for the treatment of
nervine disorders; hence there is confusion regarding morphological
identification of Brahmi. Botanists and many researchers have now accepted Bacopa
monnieri as Brahmi and Centella asiatica as Mandukaparni, the plant
whose leaf resembles the feet of a frog.
In Western medicine, certain neurological disorders
have limited therapeutic options. As Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) has proven
beneficial effects in neurological and psychiatric disorders, it is imported
from Ayurveda and incorporated in modern medical science. Its efficacy and
safety are supported by thousands of years knowledge, experience, traditional
use and modern research. Search is on for its newer and newer benefits.
Because of its pleotropic pharmacological
activities, medical practitioners started using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
for many disorders other than the neurological ones. Drug manufacturers started
promoting Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) as dietary supplements. The Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) stated that many products of Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri) have not been approved for these medical purposes and certainly
not as food supplements. In 2019 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
issued notices to manufacturers of dietary supplement products containing
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) against making tall, illegal and unproven
claims that the herb can treat various diseases.
Its ability to grow in water makes Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri) a popular aquarium plant.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is known by the
common names: water hyssop, herb of grace, thyme-leafed gratiola, Indian
pennywort and many others. Brahmi is a Sanskrit word derived from “Brahman”
referring to “Lord Brahma”, the divinity responsible for the creation of the
world and creative forces in the world. Brahman is the Hindu name given to the
universal consciousness. Brahmi literally means the energy or “Shakti” of
Brahma. Thus Brahmi has a lot to offer to the medical world.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) has been
intentionally introduced by humans to be grown as medicinal herb and also as an
ornamental plant in ponds and aquaria.
[1, 2, 3]
Brahmi and
Mandookaparni
Since 3rd century, ancient Ayurvedic scientists and
authors of texts like Charaka Samhitaa (Charaka), Sushruta Samhitaa (Sushruta)
and Ashtaangahridayam-Samhitaa (Waagbhata-Vaghbata) recognized the effects of
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on memory, creativity, motivation etc. of
healthy individuals. They also found similar properties in Mandookaparni (Centella
asiatica). They clearly mentioned though Mandookaparni (Centella
asiatica) displays properties similar to Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
both are different plants. Confusion was created later in the 16 th century
when Bhavamishra the author of Bhavaprakash Nighantu and Hemadri the author of
Ashtaanga Hridayam equated Brahmi with Mandookaparni. Since then, particularly
in North India and Kerala Brahmi has been known as Mandookaparni. However, a
critical and comparative study of phytochemistry, phytopharmacology and therapeutic
properties proved that the two are distinct plants. Now according to The
Ayurvedic Formulatory of India, Bacopa monnieri is Brahmi and Centella
asiatica is Mandookaparni. [4]
Other Names
Taxonomic Name: Bacopa monniera Hayata, Bramia monnieri (L.),
Gratiola monnieria L, Herpestestes monnieria L, Herpestist fauriei H. Lev.,
Herpestis monniera, Herpestris monnieria
L., Lysimachia monnieri L., Moniera cuneifolia Michx
Sanskrit:
Saraswati (after goddess of learning, goddess of
knowledge and wisdom or essence of the self), Somavati (the herb containing
soma or nectar), Indravalli (herb having energy of Olrd Indra), Brahmi (the
herb having knowledge of Brahma or supreme reality), Adha-birni, Jala-Brahmi or
Shwetakamini’
(Ayurvedic Names: Brahmi, Saraswati, Jahaushadhi, Swayambhuvi,
Madukamala, Matsyaakshi, Medhyaa, Satyavati, Smarani, Aindri, Kapotawamaka)
English:
Herb-of-grace, Bacopa, Thyme leaved Gratiola,
Water-hyssop
Arabic:
Farfakh (the hottest tree)
Assamese:
Manimuni,
Bengali: Thankuni, Tholkuri
Bihar: Chokiora
Cambodia: Sanu
Chinese: Jia ma chi xian, Fo-ti-tieng, Chi-hsueuh-ts’ao
El Salvador: Verdolaga
French: Bacopa de monnier, Bacopa des herbalists, Bacopa medicinale, Bramia de
saint-paul, Petite bacopa
German:
Kleines Fettblatt, Wasserysop
Gujarati:
Jalanevari, Kadavi luni (the better herb), Brahmi,
Motibrahmi
Hawaii: Pohe Kula
Hindi: Brahmi,
Safed kami (white Lord), Safedchamni, Swetchamni, Brahme-Manduki, Mandukparni,
Gotukola, Khulakhudi, Baam, Brahmi, Barami, Jaibuti, Jalneem, Pan brahmi,
Nirbraini
Kannada: Brahmi,
Jalabrahmi, Kiri brahmi, Kiru brahmi, Neer brahmi, Neeru brahmi, Neeruppi gida
Kashmiri: Brahmi
Kerala: Mayalchevi
Malay/Malaysia
: Pegaga, Beremi
Malayalam: Kodagam, Kodangal, Kutkam, Kuttanal, Muthal,
Mutti, Brahmi, Nirbrahmi, Neerbrahmi, Nirubrahmi
Manipur: Phuk
Marathi:
Brahmi, Kainga, Karivana
Meghalaya:
Bat-meina
Mexico:
Baraima
Mizoram: Lambak
Nepalese:
Medha giree (mountain of wisdom), Ghodtapre
Oriya
(Orissa): Brahmi, Thalkudi
Philippines: Ulasimang-aso
Puerto
Rico: Yerba de culebra
Punjabi:
Brahmibuti
Sinhalese:
Hingotukola
Swedish:
Litet tjockblad
Tamil:
Brahmi, Neer brahmi, Neerpirami,
Akantapuntu, Aramiyacceti, Arapiyam, Campirani, Chinkamamuli, Vimala,
Virumamuli and many more
Telugu:
Bokkudu, Saraswataku, Saraswati Plant, Bekaparnamu,
Neeri, Mokka, Sambraani, Sambrani chettu, Sambrani-aku
Thailand: Phak mi, Phrommi
Tripura: Thankuni,
Thunimankuni,
Urdu:
Brahmi buti
USA: Indian
Pennywort, Marsh Pennywort
Vietnam: Rau
sam [5, 6, 7, 8]
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom:
Plantae-Plants, Planta, Vegetal plants
Subkingdom:
Tracheophyta, Tracheobionta-Vascular plants/
Viridiplantae-Green plants
Infrakingdom: Streptophyta-Land plant.
Superdivision: Spermatophyta- Seed plants/Embryophyta
Division:
Magnoliophyta-Flowering plants/Tracheophyta-Vascular
plants. Tracheophytes
Subdivision:
Spermatophytina-Spermatophytes, Seed plants,
phanerogames
Class:
Magnolipsida-Dicotyledons
Subclass:
Asteridae
Superorder:
Asteranae
Order:
Scrophulariales/ Lamiales
Family:
Scrophulariaceae-Figwort family/
Plantaginaceae-plantains
Genus:
Bacopa Aubl.- Waterhyssop/
Species: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell-herb of grace, coastal
waterhyssop
Following
disintegration of family Scrophulariaceae the genus Bacopa has been
assigned to the family Plantaginaceae. It can also be placed under the families
of Scrophulariaceae, Gratiolaceae, or Veronicaceae but scientists have accepted
its inclusion in the family Plantaginaceae.
Plantaginaceae
is a diverse family comprising approximately 90 genera and 1900 species
distributed mostly across temperate regions but also occurring in tropical and
subtropical areas. Species within Plantaginaceae include herbs, shrubs and
aquatic plants that can be distinguished by two features: the frequent absence
of regular vertical partitions in the heads of the glandular hairs and
septicidal capsule dehiscence.
The genus Bacopa
comprises approximately 55 to 70 species of aquatic herbs, most of which
grow as amphibious plants that thrive in areas with fluctuating water levels,
partly as a result of their capacity to make specialized leaves when submerged
or emerged. Such leaves improve gas exchange under water or prevent aerial
desiccation. Bacopa species are distributed across tropical and
subtropical regions of the world. Bacopa is sometimes confused with
other small herbs like Lindernia, Callitriche, Stemodia and Macardonia
that may be found in similar habitats. [9,
10]
Geographical
Distribution
It is most
likely that Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) originates from tropical Asia and
is now widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics. It is listed as
introduced in Japan, Singapore, Spain, Portugal and the Cayman Islands. Brahmi
(Bacopa monnieri) is one of the most widespread species of the genus Bacopa.
It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
Taiwan, Vietnam, tropical and southern Africa or Madagascar, in Australia, in
the Caribbean, Middle and South America, Florida, Texas and Hawaii, China,
Canada etc. In North India it can grow in wide range of temperatures 150 C to
40oC and pH 5 to 7.5 or even more. It becomes dormant during the winter months
except when grown near running water. [11, 12, 13]
Habitat
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
an aquatic herb is ornamental in ponds and aquaria. It is also cultivated as a
medicinal plant. It grows gregariously and
often forms dense mats in marshy places, mangroves, river banks, coastal areas,
along streams and ditches. It grows best near flowing water, Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri) grows as a weed in rice fields and wet pastures. It prefers
acidic soil for its congenial growth. A temperature range of 330 C
to 400 C with relative humidity of 60 to 65 percent has been found
optimum for its vegetative propogation (asexual reproduction). It can also
colonize in irrigated fields beneath date palms. It can be found in the
interface between aquatic and terrestrial environments. It often grows in wet
places, roadsides, gardens, in mud or sand along river banks, ponds and lakes,
wooded slopes, foothills, on the edges of mangroves, estuaries (the tidal mouth
of a large river, where the tide meets the stream), swamps and sandy beaches
along the coasts at elevations below 1400m. It can tolerate brackish water,
(water having more salinity than fresh water but much less than sea water. It
may result from mixing of seawater with fresh water. The word comes from the
Middle Dutch root “brak”). It has adapted to grow under varying soil and
climatic conditions, performing exceptionally well on poorly drained soils and
waterlogged areas. In aquatic habitats it has deleterious effects on native
plants and animals, water quality, water flow and sedimentation. In terrestrial
situations it degrades riverbanks, margins of ponds, lakes and coastal areas. [14,
15]
Plant Morphology
Macroscopic
Plant
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
is prostrate to decumbent, small, smooth, hairless, succulent, fleshy, hardy,
non-aromatic, annual, aquatic, herbaceous, perennial, glabrous, creeping herb.
It is edible and medicinal plant growing up to 6 inches (15cms) in height. It
grows outward in a sprawling (low density) pattern. Left to nature it can
spread rapidly. It prefers part to full sun. It grows in a wide range of soils.
As long as it gets sufficient water, it can thrive in rock, sand and mud and
feed on slow release fertilizer. [16, 17]
Root
Roots creamish yellow in color,
thin tapering, wiry, small, branched arising from nodal region of the stem.
Fragments of dried main roots are cylindrical, about 5mm in diameter,
longitudinally wrinkled and white in color
Branches
Numerous, ascending,
10 to 35 cm long
Stem
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Stem
Stem
green or purplish-green in color, creeping, 50 cm, loosely ascending, slender, prostrate, thick and fleshy, much
branched with prominent nodes and internodes [18]
Leaves
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Leaves
Leaves faint green in color, arranged alternate on stem, sessile, 0.5-2cm by 0.15-0.8 cm, simple, glabrous, opposite, decussate, obovate or oblong or coin like in shape, entire, margins entire or rarely dentate, 1 to 3 nerved, punctate, apex is obtuse, rounded with 1-3 parallel veins from the base of the blade, glabrous [19]
Flower
Although
the flowers are of many colors, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) with white
flowers is preferred for medicinal use. The Flower 8-10 mm, obscurely 2
lipped, white in color with violet and green bands decorated with shining dots
while fresh and color lightens gradually as it grows older, small,
actinomorphic (star shaped or radially symmetrical), solitary, stalked in leaf
axils, with 2 bracteoles below calyx, Flower Stalk about 0.5 to 3.5 cm
long, bracteoles 2, linear, shorter than pedicels; Pedicel slender 0.5cm
to 1cm; Calyx 4.2-7 mm, Sepals 5, one of the 5 sepals is larger
than others, lower and upper ovate-lanceolate, lateral 2 lanceolate to linear,
keeled, ciliate, Corolla bluish white in color, 1cm long and 8-10 mm
across, campanulate, 5 lobed, nearly regular, but lower central lobe longer and
more separated from the other lobes, white, pink, lavender or blue, often with
purple lines, the throat dark purple, the Tube yellow within, Stamens
2 short and 2 long, Stigma capitate, united. [20, 21]
Fruit/Capsule
Fruit is capsule 3.5-5 mm, ovoid, apiculate, enveloped in persistent sepal-cup, tip pointed [22, 23]
Seeds
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Seeds
Seeds
are numerous, 0.5 mm long, minute, yellow-brown in color, ellipsoid, truncate
at one end, longitudinally channeled or reticulate, the reticulum reddish brown
[24, 25]
Microscopic
characteristics
Root
Transverse
section (T.S.) of the root shows single layered epidermis with wide
parenchymatous region; endodermis distinct and single layered; pericycle not
differentiable; central region occupied by stele consisting of 1-5 layers of
peripheral phloem and centrally located xylem vessels.
Stem
Transverse
section (T.S.) of the stem shows epidermis, hypodermis and cortex with
parenchyma with large airspaces, endodermis, pericycle, vascular bundle and
centrally placed pith; outermost single-layered barrel shaped epidermis with
cuticle with few stomata; two to three layers of hypodermis consisting of parenchyma
cells with chlorophyll pigment and cells containing tannin. One third of the
section is occupied by the loosely arranged large intercellular spaces of
parenchyma cells, each cell containing tannin at the place of connection
between adjacent cells, giving a Y-like appearance. Some of the cells are
loaded by starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals. A single-layered
endodermis separates cortex from vascular tissue forming a ring. The pericycle
is made of barrel-shaped, thin walled, compactly arranged cells. The vascular
system consists of radially arranged vascular bundles. The phloem is arranged
above the xylem. Xylems are numerous in number; metaxylem toward the pericycle,
protoxylem toward the pith with xylem parenchyma and fibers; centrally situated
pith containing compactly arranged parenchyma cells with some prismatic
crystals. [26]
Leaf
Surface
preparation of leaf shows the presence of two types stomata (a) anomocytic
(also called ranunculaceous or irregular types of cells) and (b) diacytic (also
called caryophyllaceous or cross-walled type); eight celled sessile glandular
trichomes. The anomocytic types of stomata are more in number in comparison to
diacytic type.
Transverse
section (T.S.) of the leaf shows typical dirsi-ventral structure. Epidermis
shows distinct upper and lower epidermis, cells of upper epidermis are larger
than the cells of the lower epidermis and are covered with striated cuticle;
sub-epidermal region shows idioblasts in the form of cavity. Lamina is
differentiated into spongy and palisade layers. The palisade and spongy
parenchyma cells are filled with chlorophyll. The midrib portion consists of
vascular bundles with loosely arranged xylem which is in three to six groups.
Phloem is with few elements of companion cells. Glandular sessile trichomes
anisocytic and diacytic stomata, prism shaped calcium oxalate crystals found in
the lamina and midrib portion. [27]
[Note:
An idioblast is an isolated plant cell that differs from neighboring tissues.
They perform various functions such as storage of reserves, excretory
materials, pigments and minerals. They could contain oil, latex, gum, resin,
tannin, pigments, acrid tasting and poisonous minerals like silica.] [28]
Powder
characteristics
Whole
plant
Powder
of whole plant showed presence of simple, round to oval shaped starch grains,
oil globules scattered as such throughout or embedded in parenchymatous cells,
anomocytic and diacytic types of stomata, cluster of prismatic calcium oxalate
crystals, fragments of longitudinally cut annular and pitted vessels, xylem
vessels with spiral thickenings and pitted tracheids.
Root
Root
powder is brown in color, simple starch grains, xylem vessels with spiral
thickenings and pitted xylem tracheids
Stem
Stem
powder is light brown in color and bitter in taste. lignified fibers, xylem
vessels with spiral thickenings, pitted xylem tracheids; parenchyma cells
filled with simple and compound, round
and oval starch grains; tannin contents; separate spiral rings are also
observed; parenchyma cells
Leaf
Leaf
powder is green in color and bitter in taste; presence of anomocytic and
diacytic types of stomata, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals in mesophyll
tissue and simple starch grains. [29]
Parts
used
Mainly leaves or
Whole plant
Phytochemistry
The phytochemistry of Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri) has been extensively studied. The phytochemicals present in the
plant are:
Saponins called
“bacosides” Bacosides are a complex mixture of structurally closely related
compounds, glycosides of either jujubogenin or pseudojujubogenin. Bacosides
comprise a family of 12 known analogues. They are grouped as major
bacopasaponins and minor bacopasaponins. Major bacopasaponins are: bacosides
A3, bacopaside II, bacopaside I, bacopaside X,
bacopaside N2, bacopasaponin C. Minor components are: bacopasaponin E,
bacopasaponin F, bacopaside N1, bacopaside III,
bacopaside IV and bacopaside V.
Hersaponin
Five
cucurbitacins: bacitracin A to E.
Three
phenylethanoid glycosides: monnieraside I-III.
They are isolated from aerial parts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).
Plantioside
B
Two
dammarane jujubogenin bisdesmosides bacopasaponins
E and F
Sterol
glycoside bacosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside
A
new Matsutaka alcohol derivative,
(3R)-l-octan-3-γl-(6-O-sulphonyl)-beta-d-glucopyranoside
Two
flavonoids: leuteolin and apigenin,
Alkaloids:
brahmine, nicotinine and herpestine
Brahmi
(Bacopa monnieri) also contains betulinic acid, D-mannitol,
stigmastanol, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol [30, 31]
Identity, Purity and strength as per international
guidelines
Foreign
matter: Not more than 2
percent
Total
Ash: Not more than 18
percent
Acid-insoluble
Ash: Not more than 6
percent
Sulfated
ash: Not more than 20
percent
Alcohol-soluble
extractive: Not more than 6
percent
Water
soluble extractive: Not less
than 15 percent
Loss
on drying: Not more than
14 percent [32]
Heavy
Metal Analysis as per international guidelines
Element Permissible Limits
Arsenic Not more than 5 to 10 mg/kg
Cadmium Not more than 0.03mg/kg
Lead Not more than 5 to 10 mg/kg
Mercury Not more than 0.5 mg/kg
Chromium Not more than 0.3 mg/kg
Permissible
Microbial Load as per international guidelines
Microbial Limits:
Total
bacterial count: Not more
than 105cfu/g
Total yeast
and mould count:
Not more than 104cfu/g
Bile tolerant
gram negative bacteria: Not more
than 104cfu/g
Specific Pathogens: (as per
international guidelines)
Salmonella species:
Absent in 25 g
/none
Escherichia
coli: Absent in 1g / maximum 102
to 104 per gram
Staphylococcus
aureus: Absent
in 1g
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa: Absent in 1g
Shigella species:
Enterobacter species: maximum 104 per
gram
Other enterobacteria: maximum 103 per gram
Aerobic bacteria: maximum 105 to 107
per gram
Mould propagules: maximum 103 to 105 per
gram
Yeasts and Mould: maximum 103 to 104
per gram
Aflatoxins (as per international
guidelines)
Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin
G1, Aflatoxin G2
Preferably Aflatoxins should be below detectable
limits (BLD) [33, 34]
Pesticide
residues (as per international guidelines)
In recent times various pesticides are used to
protect and preserve the food and medicinal values of plants.
To avoid toxicity of herbal medicine, International
Society for Standardization of Drugs and World Health Organization (WHO) have
laid the guidelines for permissible levels of pesticides in herbal medicines.
In general, the pesticide contamination in any
herbal medicine should be less than 1 percent of total intake from all
sources, including food and drinking water.
Aldrin and dieldrin are broad spectrum
pesticides commonly used in agriculture. The recommended maximum limit of these
pesticides is Not more than 0.05
mg/kg. [35, 36]
Radioactive
residues (as per international guidelines)
A certain amount of exposure to ionizing radiation
of plants cannot be avoided since there are many sources, including
radionuclides occurring naturally in the ground and the atmosphere.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in close
collaboration with several international organizations, has developed
guidelines for permissible and acceptable limits for radioactive residues in
herbal medicines.
The amount of radiation in plants depends on intake
of radionuclides. Significant risk is associated only with consumption of
quantities over 20 kg of plant material per year so that the risk to health is
most unlikely to be encountered given the amount of medicinal plant materials
need to be ingested. Additionally, the level of contamination might be reduced
during the manufacturing process. Therefore World Health Organization (WHO) has
not proposed strict limits regarding the acceptability for radioactive
contamination. [37]
Genetic
Identity/ DNA sequencing
For medicinal
purposes, it is wont to select Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on the basis of
morphological characteristics such as: leaf
color (green, dark green and yellow-green), stem (thickness and color), leaf
size (large >70 mm2; medium 60-70 mm2;
and small 50-60 mm2) and plant
type (spreading or semi-erect). However morphological
identity is inadequate because of look-alike herbs. More over morphological
characters may not be obvious at all stages of the development of the plant and
appearance may be affected by the environment. Also there is a high genetic
variability in the population.
To overcome
these hindrances, scientists have devised: SSR
(Simple Sequence Repeat), AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism), RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats), RFLP
(Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), PIC (Polymorphic Information Count), DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with the Arithmetic
Averaging Algorithm) and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) methods for accurate
molecular identity of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). [38]
Chromosomal
Identity
The chromosome
number reported in Brahmi (Bacopa minnieri) is 2n=64 [39]
Ayurvedic properties
Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (bitter), Kashay (astringent)
Weerya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)
Wipaaka (Metabolic property after digestion): Madhura (sweet)
Guna: Laghu (Light), Sara (Laxative)
[40, 41]
Gana:
Charaka:
Prajasthapana gana
Sushruta:
Veeratharvadi gana
Warga:
Bhavaprakash
Nighantu: Guduchyaadi varga
Dhanwantari
Nighantu: Karaveeradi varga
Kaiyadeva
Nighantu: Oshadi varga
Raja
Nighantu: Parpatadi varga
Priya
Nighantu: Shatapushpa varga
Madanapala
Nighantu: Abhayadi varga
Nighantu
aadarsha: Tikta lonika varga
Shodala
Nighantu: Karaveeradi varga
Hridaya
Deepika Nighantu: Deepana varga
Shaligrama
Nighantu: Guduchyaadi varga
Dravyaguna
Vignyan (P.V. Sharma): Medhyaadi
varga [42]
Effects
on Doshas: Waatahara, Pittakara, Kaphakara. Balances all doshas
Effects
on Dhatus: Balances all dhatus
Effects
on Srotasas: Balances all srotasas. It prominently exerts its action on the nervous system.
Being a neurotropic agent, it is beneficial in neurologic and psychiatric
disorders. It has sedative as well as stimulant nervine effects [43]
Ayurvedic
actions (Karma)
Medhya:
Beneficial for intellect, promoting intelligence
Prajnyasthapana: Stabilizes intellectual power
Matiprada: Gives knowledge
Smrutiprada:
Increases memory
Mohahara:
Antagonizes greed, abnormal longings
Aayushya:
Promoting longevity
Jeevaneeya: Improves life energy
Rasaayana:
Rejuveniting
Vayasthapaka:
Stabilizes age
Balya: Improves physical and mental strength
Swarya: Beneficial for voice, Relieves hoarseness of voice,
Improves quality of voice
Majjadhatu
Rasaayana: Rejuvenates bone marrow,
Rejuvenates nervous system
Nidrajanana:
Induces sleep
Unmaadad: Treats neuroses, Mania, Psychosis
Apasmaara:
For the treatment of epilepsy
Kaasaghna:
Antitussive, Useful for the treatment of bronchitis
Hridya: Beneficial to heart
Warnya
(Varnya): improves complexion
Shothhara:
Anti-inflammatory, Relieves edema
Deepana:
Appetizer
Anulomana: Prokinetic, Antiflatulent, Carminative
Kushthaghna:
Antileprotic, Useful for the treatment of skin
diseases
Pandu: Treats anemia
Pleehawridhi: For the treatment of splenomegaly
Meha: Treats diabetes
Vishaghna/Vishahara:
Useful for the treatment of poisoning
Arsha:
Treats Piles, Anal fissures
Jwara:
Treats fevers (PUOs)
Ruk: Analgesic, Relieves pain
Kandughna: Antipruriric
[44, 45]
Modern View
Bacosides
Bacosides are a complex mixture
of structurally closely related compounds, glycosides of either jujubogenin or
pseudojujubogenin. Bacosides comprise a family of 12 known analogues. They are
grouped as major bacopasaponins and minor bacopasaponins. Major bacopasaponins
are: bacosides A3, bacopaside II, bacopaside I, bacopaside X, bacopaside N2, bacopasaponin C. Minor
components are: bacopasaponin E, bacopasaponin F, bacopaside N1, bacopaside
III, bacopaside IV and bacopaside V. [46]
Bacoside A
Molecular
Formula: C41H68O13
(Pubchem)
Structural
Formula:
Bacoside A is a mixture of chemical compounds known
as bacosides. Its major constituents include bacoside A3, bacoside
II (jujubogenin isomer of bacopasaponin C) and bacopasaponin C. The mixture has
been studied for its potential of neuroprotectivity in in vitro
experiments and animal models. [47]
Bacoside B was found to be identical to Bacoside A
in respect to their carbohydrate and aglycone moieties. But bacoside A is levo-rotatory
and bacoside B is dextro-rotatory. Both are nootropic. Pharmacologically,
bacoside A is more active than bacoside B
[48]
Recent clinical trials indicate
that bacosides exert their neuroprotective actions through modulating
antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase etc. they
also regulate the levels of different neurotransmitters in the brain. Hence
they are useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
Interestingly bacosides do not exert any side effects in animal models and
human volunteers.
Usual dose of bacosides is 15 to
30 mg 3 times a day [49]
Administration of alcoholic
extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) prevented the scopolamine (3mg/kg
bodyweight), sodium nitrite (75mg/kg body weight) and BN52021 (15 mg/kg body
weight) experimental amnesia induced in mice. This effect of improving
antegrade amnesia induced by scopolamine and sodium nitrite was possibly by
improving acetylcholine level and hypoxic conditions respectively. The effect
of improving amnesia was attributed to bacosides present in Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri). Besides this bacosides also reversed BN52021 induced retrograde
amnesia, probably due to increase in platelet activating factor (PAF) synthesis
by enhancing cerebral glutamate level. From these studies it can be said that
bacosides and entire Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) plant are not merely
memory enhancers but can be useful for the treatment of amnesias arising from
various causes. [50]
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
and bacosides are extensively used as neuromedicine for the treatment of
various disorders such as anxiety, depression and memory loss. Chemical
characterization studies showed that powerful antioxidant and free radical
scavenging activity of bacoside A is vital for this neuroprotection. Free
radical scavenging, suppression of lipid peroxidation and activation of
antioxidant enzymes by bacosides help to attain a physiological state of
minimized oxidative stress. The neuroprotective activity of bacosides is
attributed to the regulation of mRNA (messenger ribinucleic acid) translation
and surface expression of neuro-receptors such as AMPAR
(α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, also known as
AMPA receptor or quisqualate receptor), NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor,
also known as NMDA receptor) and GABAR (Gamma aminobutyric acid) in various
parts of the brain. The binding of bacosides to these receptors is controlled
by BBB (Blood Brain Barrier).
[Note: AMPAR and NMDAR are
glutamate receptors. Glutamate is involved in learning process.] [51]
Cognitive impairment is a
debilitating symptom of schizophrenia, Alzheizemer’s disease etc. Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri) or bacoside A and B could be novel nueroprotective agents. They
can not only prevent the memory loss but help to restore the memory loss. They
exert their action via Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 2 (VGLUT 2) in cingular
gyrus [52]
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
at a dose of 40 and 80 mg/kg bodyweight is found to be useful in the treatment
of neuropathic pain. This result is comparable to the effect of 75mg/kg
bodyweight of gabapentin. The effect is attributed to bacoside a and b. [53]
References
1. Bacopa monnieri-Wikipedia,
en.wikipedia.org>wiki>Bacopa_monnieri
2.
https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=104655
3. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
4. Brahmi: “Herb of
Grace”, September 10, 2013 by CCA Students,
https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/blog/brahmi/
5. Brahmi: “Herb of Grace” September 10,
2013 by CCA Students,
https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/blog/brahmi/
6.
https://ayushvedah.com/druginfo.php?drugid=115&info=synon
7.
http://envis.frlht.org/plantdetails/c816f1a7638e1501611762be611e744f/90e10267211b94b29014433d93786e80
8.
google images
9, https://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=profile& symbol=BACOP&display=31
10 Flora Mesoamericana, 2017; Flora of China
Editorial Committee, 2017, The Plant List 2013; Flora of Panama
11.
Bacopa monnieri-Wikipedia
12.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
13.
Varshney Anju et al, Anatomical markers and Phytochemical study of different
plant parts of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, Int. J. of Life Sciences, 2017,
Vol. 5(3): 379-386
14.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
15. ttps://agritech.tnau.ac.in/horticulture/horti_medicinal%20crops_brahmi.html
16.
https;//www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
17. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bacopa-plants/brahmi-plant-care-and-uses.htm
18.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
19.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
20.
Varshney Anju et al, Anatomical markers and Phytochemical study of different
plant parts of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, Int. J. of Life Sciences, 2017,
Vol. 5(3): 379-386
21.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
22.
http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Brahmi.html
23.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
24.
http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Brahmi.html
25.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112638
26.
Jyoti S. Gubbannavar, A comparative study of roots of Bacopa monnieri (L.)
Pennel and Bacopa floribunda (R. Br.) Wettst, International Journal of
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research 2012; 4(1):8-11
27.
Jyoti S. Gubbannavar, A comparative study of roots of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennel
and Bacopa floribunda (R. Br.) Wettst, International Journal of Pharmacognosy
and Phytochemical Research 2012; 4(1):8-11
28.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idioblast
29.
Varshney Anju et al, Anatomical markers and Phytochemical study of different
plant parts of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, Int. J. of Life Sciences, 2017,
Vol. 5(3): 379-386
30.
Shalini Lal et al, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Bacopa
monnieri-An Ethnomedicinal Plant, International Journal of Pharmaceutical
Sciences and Research, (2019), 1-230
31.
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/172494/10/10_chapter%204.pdf
32. The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1, Volume-II
33. Quality control methods for
medicinal plant materials. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1998.
34. https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4927e/21.html
35. Guidelines for predicting
dietary intake of pesticide residues, 2 nd review edition, Geneva, World Health
Organization, 1997
36. European pharmacopoeia, 3rd edition Strasbourg, Council of Europe, 1996
37. Quality control methods for
medicinal plant materials, Geneva, World Health Organization, 1998
38.
Niraj Tripathi et al, Assessment of genetic variations among highly endangered
medicinal plant Bacopa monnieri (L.) from Central India using RAPD and
ISSR analysis, 3Biotech Volume 2, pages 327-336, 2012
39.
Samaddar T. Nath et al, Karyotype analysis of three important traditional
Indian medicinal plants, Bacopa monnieri, Tylophora indica and Withania
somnifera, The Nucleus, 55, 17-20
40.
Bhawaprakaash
Nighantu shlokas 280-281
41. https://www.amilpharmaceuticals.com/herbs/brahmi/
42. Ashalatha M and L. N. Shenoy, A
critical Review on Brahmi, http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/141_152.pdf
43.
Brahmi: “Herb of Grace”, Calofornia College of Ayurveda, www.ayurvedacollege.com>Ayurveda life
44. The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1, Volume-II
45.Ashalatha
M and L. N. Shenoy, A critical Review on Brahmi, http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/141_152.pdf
46. Shalini Lal
et al, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Bacopa monnieri-An
Ethnomedicinal Plant, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and
Research, (2019), 1-230
47. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacoside_A
48. M. Deepak and A. Amit, The need for establishing
identities of ‘bacosides A and B’, the putative major bioactive saponins of
Indian medicinal plant Bacopa monnieri, Phytomedicine,11:264-268m 2004
49. Sukanya
Majumdar et al, Bacosides and Neuroprotections, Natural Products,
First online 15
May 2013, pp 3639-3660, https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/
50. Komal
Kishore et al, Effect of bacosides, alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri Linn.
(brahmi), on experimental amnesia in mice, Indian J of Exp Biol. 2005 Jul; 43
(7): 640-5
51. Vini C.
Sekhar et al, Insights into the Molecular Aspects of Neuroprotective Bacoside A
and Bacopaside, Curr Neuropharmacol 2019 May 17(5):438-446
52. T.
Wetchateng et al, EPA-0117-The use of bacosides a and b to prevent a cogniticve
deficit in schizophrenia rat models resulting in increased vesicular glutamate
transporter 2 (VGLUT2) in cingular gyrus, European Psychiatry, Volume 29
Supplement 1 2014 Page 1
53. Muhammad Shahid
et al, A bacosides containing Bacopa monnieri extract alleviates
allodynia and hyperalgesia in the chronic constriction injury model of
neuropathic pain in rats, BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine volume 17,
Article number: 293 (2017)
Comments