Bacopa monnieri (Water Hyssop)

Bacopa monnieri (Water Hyssop)

Product Name: Бакопа Монье, Bacopa monnieri, Kleines Fettblatt, Brahmi, Bacopa, بقوبا مونيريي, บัวบกอินเดีย

Synonyms: Брахми, малая бакопа, индийская водяная гиацинта, Indian Pennywort, Water Hyssop, Herb of Grace, Kleine Fettblatt, Brahmikraut, Planta de la Gracia, Hierba de la memoria, Bacopa de agua, Herbe de la grâce, Plante de la mémoire, بقوبا، براهمي، عشب الحكمة، عشبة الذاكرة، บราห์มี, พืชสมุนไพรความจำ, สมุนไพรบำรุงสมอง

Main Indications for Use of Bacopa monnieri: Anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer's type dementia, vascular dementia, neurasthenia, asthenoneurotic syndrome, adjustment disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity, chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.

Use of Bacopa monnieri in Mixtures and Complexes: Epilepsy, parkinsonism, encephalopathy of various origins, cerebrovascular insufficiency, post-stroke conditions, multiple sclerosis, consequences of traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, migraine, dyscirculatory encephalopathy.

Pharmacological Properties of Bacopa monnieri: Nootropic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antioxidant, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, anticonvulsant, sedative, vasodilating, membrane-stabilizing.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Bacopa monnieri

Powder — Bacopa monnieri

Indications (Powder): Cognitive dysfunction, anxiety disorder, chronic stress, insomnia, attention deficit and hyperactivity, asthenoneurotic syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 250–500 mg of powder, 2 times a day, after meals. Take without fat support. Course — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 750 mg of powder 2 times a day, after meals. Without fat support. Course — up to 21 days for pronounced cognitive disorders.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 2 grams per day, divided into 2–3 doses, after meals. Permissible for no more than 10 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 5–10 mg/kg of body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Permitted from 6 years of age. 100–250 mg of powder 1–2 times a day, after meals, no more than 14 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): Adults and elderly patients at risk of dementia — 250 mg per day, after meals, in 20-day courses with breaks.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: Oral LD₅₀ in rats — more than 2000 mg/kg. Reference: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...]

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation, childhood under 6 years, severe metabolic disorders, reduced functional reserve of detoxification systems.

Side Effects (Powder): Digestive system reactions, changes in general well-being, individual sensitivity. In most cases, reactions are mild and reversible upon discontinuation.

Preparation Method (Powder): Dried aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri are ground to a fine powder state, sifted through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 millimeters, and packaged in airtight glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in an airtight glass container shielded with food foil. Temperature — +5...+25 °C, humidity not higher than 60%. Shelf life — up to 12 months.

Dry Extract — Bacopa monnieri

Indications (Dry Extract): Cognitive dysfunction, dementia, chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, cerebrovascular insufficiency.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300 mg of standardized extract (with bacoside content of not less than 20%), once a day, after meals. Without fat support. Course — 4 weeks.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–450 mg, 2 times a day, after meals. Course — 3 weeks.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Up to 900 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses. Course — no more than 10 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 6–8 mg/kg of body weight.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Permitted from 7 years of age. 100–150 mg once a day, course — up to 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 200–250 mg per day, once a day, for 14–20 days, repeat 3–4 times a year.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: More than 5000 mg/kg in rodents (according to toxicological analysis). Reference: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...]

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation, childhood under 7 years, severe liver and kidney disorders.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Dry mouth, mild nausea, digestive discomfort, fatigue, drowsiness. In some cases — allergic reactions. Symptoms are reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): Standardized extraction with ethanol or water, followed by concentration and spray drying to obtain a dry powder with a bacoside content of at least 20%.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): In an airtight glass container shielded with foil. Storage temperature: +5...+25 °C. Shelf life — up to 24 months under proper conditions.

Tincture — Bacopa monnieri

Indications (Tincture): Anxiety disorder, insomnia, chronic stress, neurasthenia, mild cognitive impairment.

Restrictions on Use (Tincture): Contraindicated in alcoholism, liver failure, epilepsy, children, and pregnant women.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20–25 drops (approximately 1 ml) 2 times a day after meals. Course — 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 1.5 ml 2 times a day. Course — 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 3 ml per day. Course no more than 7 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 0.05 ml/kg of body weight.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Contraindicated.

Preventive Dosage ( Tincture): Not recommended.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: No reliable data available.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, liver failure, epilepsy, pregnancy, lactation, childhood under 18 years, individual intolerance.

Side Effects (Tincture): Dizziness, mild nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, digestive discomfort. In case of overdose — increased heart rate and coordination disorders.

Preparation Method (Tincture): Ground dry raw material is infused in 40% ethanol (1:5) in a dark place, without access to EMI, for 45 days.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Dark glass, shielding, without filtration. Shelf life — up to 3 years.

Aqueous Infusion — Bacopa monnieri

Indications for Preferential Use (Aqueous Infusion): Acute anxiety, insomnia, childhood, gastrointestinal sensitivity.

Standard Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 100 ml of infusion (1 g per 200 ml of boiling water) 2 times a day, after meals. Temperature at intake — +35...+40 °C. Course — 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 150 ml 2 times a day. Course — up to 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 300 ml per day. No more than 10 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 1.5 ml/kg of body weight.

Pediatric Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Permitted from 3 years of age. 50 ml of infusion 1–2 times a day.

Preventive Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 100 ml once a day before bedtime. Course — 7–10 days during the season of increased psycho-emotional stress.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀ (Aqueous Infusion): Not established.

Contraindications (Aqueous Infusion): Individual intolerance, severe renal failure, acute gastrointestinal diseases.

Side Effects (Aqueous Infusion): Rarely — mild nausea, digestive discomfort, drowsiness. With prolonged use — possible decrease in appetite.

Preparation Method (Aqueous Infusion): 1 g of dry herb per 200 ml of boiling water, infuse for 40 minutes under a lid, avoiding contact with metal.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Aqueous Infusion): Up to 24 hours in the refrigerator (+4 °C), in glass. Recommended for immediate use after preparation.

Ointment — Bacopa monnieri

Indications (Ointment): Psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, itching, skin irritation, allergic rashes.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Apply a thin layer to clean skin 2 times a day, without rubbing. Course — 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Up to 3 times a day, a dense layer under a bandage for 20–30 minutes is allowed. Course — up to 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Up to 4 applications per day, area — no more than 25% of the body surface. Course — no more than 7 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For patients <40 kg: reduce the area and frequency of application.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): Permitted from 3 years of age. 1–2 times a day in a thin layer on a limited area.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): For those prone to allergies and skin inflammations — once a day for 5–7 days monthly.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual hypersensitivity, acute inflammatory reactions, violation of skin integrity, open wounds, fungal infections.

Side Effects (Ointment): Burning sensation, redness, itching, dry skin, peeling. In some cases — contact dermatitis. All reactions are reversible after discontinuation.

Preparation Method (Ointment): Based on lanolin and coconut oil, Bacopa monnieri powder is added (1:10). Mix in a water bath, cool, package in glass.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): In a dark glass jar, at +5...+8 °C. Up to 60 days.

Rectal Suppositories — Bacopa monnieri

Indications (Rectal Suppositories): Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, inflammation of the rectum against the background of neurosis or stress.

Standard Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository at night after bowel evacuation. Course — 7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 2 suppositories per day — morning and evening. Course — up to 5 days.

Maximum Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 2 suppositories per day, no more than 7 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight <40 kg — use half the dose.

Pediatric Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): Not recommended under 12 years of age.

Preventive Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): Patients with chronic stress and a tendency to hemorrhoids — 1 suppository every other day, course of 10 applications.

Contraindications (Rectal Suppositories): Individual intolerance, acute paraproctitis, rectal bleeding of unclear etiology, anal fissures in the acute phase.

Side Effects (Rectal Suppositories): Local irritation, burning sensation, itching, mucosal hyperemia, increased discharge. Symptoms are reversible upon discontinuation.

Preparation Method (Rectal Suppositories): Cocoa butter + Bacopa monnieri powder (1:8). Molding in suppository forms, cooling.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rectal Suppositories): In the refrigerator at +4 °C, up to 30 days.

Oral Rinse — Bacopa monnieri

Indications (Oral Rinse): Gingivitis, stomatitis, bad breath, inflammation of the oral mucosa.

Standard Dosage (Oral Rinse): 20–30 ml of infusion, 3 times a day, after meals. Do not swallow. Course — 5–7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oral Rinse): 4–5 times a day, for pronounced inflammation. Course — up to 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Oral Rinse): No more than 6 rinses per day. Course — no more than 10 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For children and adolescents — 10–15 ml.

Pediatric Dosage (Oral Rinse): From 6 years of age, under adult supervision. 10 ml 2 times a day.

Preventive Dosage (Oral Rinse): Once a day after brushing teeth, course of 7 days per month.

Contraindications (Oral Rinse): Individual hypersensitivity, severe mucosal damage, acute infectious processes in the oral cavity.

Side Effects (Oral Rinse): Local irritation, tingling, burning sensation, increased salivation. In rare cases — mucosal edema. Symptoms are reversible upon discontinuation.

Preparation Method (Oral Rinse): From aqueous infusion or decoction, temperature up to +40 °C. No additives.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oral Rinse): 24 hours in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Contraindications — Bacopa monnieri

Oral Administration: Internal use may be limited in case of individual intolerance to components, in childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in conditions requiring monitoring of metabolic load. Intake without medical supervision is not recommended for patients with pronounced metabolic disorders or reduced functional reserve of detoxification systems.

Application to the Skin: External use may be contraindicated in case of increased skin sensitivity, in the presence of acute inflammatory reactions or violation of the integrity of the skin. In childhood and in persons with high skin reactivity, it is recommended to limit the area of application, duration of use and monitor skin reaction.

Contact with Mucous Membranes: Forms involving contact with the rectal or oral mucosa require a preliminary assessment of tolerability. Contraindications may be associated with irritation of the mucous membranes, violation of their integrity, as well as individual hypersensitivity. During pregnancy, lactation and in childhood, the use of these forms requires increased attention and, if necessary, adaptation of the application regimen.

Note: In the presence of chronic conditions, reduced general tolerance, as well as when using the drug for the first time, a preliminary assessment of the individual reaction is necessary. In case of doubt, a specialist consultation is required. All indicated contraindications are template and do not replace a clinical decision.

Side Effects — Bacopa monnieri

Oral Administration: With internal use, reactions from the digestive system, changes in general well-being, and individual sensitivity are possible. Side effects may include subjective discomfort, digestive reactions, or short-term changes in mood and sleep. In most cases, reactions are mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. If persistent or increasing symptoms appear, intake should be stopped.

Application to the Skin: External use may be accompanied by local reactions, such as burning sensation, redness, itching, dry skin or peeling. In some cases, increased skin sensitivity to external irritants may be observed. With increased dosage, prolonged use or application under a bandage, skin maceration is possible. All reactions are completely reversible after discontinuation of use.

Contact with Mucous Membranes: Upon contact of the drug with the rectal or oral mucosa, irritation, tingling, burning sensation, increased salivation, short-term increase in secretion or discharge are possible. Less commonly — edema, sensation of a foreign body. Side effects are usually reversible and disappear after rinsing the mucosa with clean water or discontinuing use.

Note: Side effects are usually associated with the individual reaction of the body, exceeding the recommended dosage, prolonged continuous use or non-compliance with the method of administration. Before use, it is recommended to conduct a trial application or skin test. All symptoms are reversible with the correct tactics. In case of persistent or systemic reactions, it is necessary to stop using the drug and, if necessary, consult a specialist.

Pharmacodynamics — Bacopa monnieri

Extracts and powders of Bacopa monnieri exhibit systemic pharmacological action, primarily at the level of the central nervous system. A modulating effect on neurotransmitter cascades, including serotonergic, cholinergic and GABAergic transmission, has been proven. Antioxidant, adaptogenic, neuroprotective and sedative effects have been noted. Targets are cells of neuronal and glial origin, as well as enzyme systems associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Active components, mainly bacosides, contribute to membrane stabilization and improvement of synaptic plasticity.

Pharmacokinetics — Bacopa monnieri

The main routes of administration are oral and transdermal. When taken orally, the active components belonging to the class of triterpene saponins and flavonoids are partially absorbed in the small intestine, with the participation of the microbiota. Metabolism is assumed with the participation of hepatic enzyme systems of the second phase, including glucuronidation. Excretion occurs primarily through bile and urine. With external use, local accumulation in the epidermis and dermis with slow release is possible. Forms for rinsing and suppositories act locally, with possible limited systemic absorption.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Bacopa monnieri

Biologically active substances of Bacopa monnieri, including bacosides A and B, demonstrate a modulating effect on serotonergic and cholinergic receptors, as well as on the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cascades, including NF-κB and COX-2, is noted, which reduces the level of inflammatory mediators. The drug regulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and also suppresses lipid peroxidation. The action is aimed at maintaining cellular resistance, reducing neuroinflammation and modulating the activity of neuroglia.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...; https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy — Bacopa monnieri

In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate the synergistic effect of Bacopa monnieri in combination with plants having a similar direction, including Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica. Potentiation of antioxidant and neuroprotective activity is noted due to the additive effect on detoxification enzyme systems and modulation of neurotransmitters. Combined use may have a complex effect on the central nervous and endocrine regulation. Synergy is realized at the systemic and cellular levels, including the regulation of inflammatory mediators and the stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...; https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, widely known in Ayurvedic medicine as Brahmi, is traditionally used in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Its use is deeply rooted in Vedic culture, where the plant is revered as a remedy that promotes "purification of the mind" and development of memory. The first mentions are found in the ancient Indian medical treatises "Charaka Samhita" and "Sushruta Samhita", dating back to the period before the 2nd century BC. In the Ayurvedic tradition, bacopa is used mainly in the form of aqueous infusions, decoctions, powders and pastes, used externally and internally. In southern India and in the Siddha tradition, the plant is used as a component of complex formulations associated with the harmonization of internal state.

In Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, Bacopa monnieri was used as part of traditional infusions and pastes during long meditative practices. In Thai folk medicine, the plant was part of mixtures used for fatigue, as well as for restoring strength. The peoples of northern Thailand and eastern Burma added fresh leaves to food, attributing to them the properties of maintaining "clarity" and "coolness" of consciousness. In the Indonesian tradition, bacopa is found in local herbal mixtures intended for strengthening the spirit.

In addition to medical use, Bacopa monnieri is mentioned in ritual practices as a plant that purifies consciousness before reading mantras or sacred texts. In some regions, leaves were laid at the head of newborns or students as a symbol of intellectual awakening. In the folklore of some communities, it was considered a plant of strength, helping to drive away delusion and strengthen intuitive knowledge.