Family

• Scrophulariaceae

Constituents

• Alkaloids
• Sterols and saponins, including bacosides A and B

Parts used

• These are the succulent leaves of bacopa which are used dried as powder or fresh as a standardized extract

Properties

• Acts in the digestive sphere
• Adaptogen
• Relaxing and revitalizing
• Calming
• Hypotensive
• Antioxidant
• Invigorating

Indications

• Nervousness
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Stimulates memory and increases concentration
• Intense fatigue (physical and moral)
• Immune defenses
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Side effects

Occasionally: nausea, dry mouth, fatigue

Contraindications

Pregnant or lactating women

Interactions

Theoretically, bacopa could amplify the effects of phenothiazine (a neuroleptic).

Dosage

The doses generally used during clinical trials are 300 mg per day, divided into 1 to 3 doses.