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Bacopa is a plant that has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Do not confuse bacopa with gotu kola - both plants are sometimes called Brahmi.
Bacopa is commonly used for Alzheimer disease, memory and thinking skills (cognitive function), anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there is limited scientific research to support these uses.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bacopa has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
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- Alzheimer disease. Login for details
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is unclear if oral bacopa is beneficial in patients with ADHD.
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- Cognitive function. Bacopa seems to improve some measures of cognitive function, but data are conflicting.
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- Depression. Bacopa has only been evaluated in combination with citalopram; its effect when used alone is unclear.
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- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Login for details
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Bacopa might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. Some research suggests that it might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer disease.
When taken by mouth: Bacopa extract is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when used for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects include increased bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bacopa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Bacopa is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth by children 6-12 years old for up to 6 months.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Bacopa might slow down the heart rate. This could be a problem in people who already have a slow heart rate.
Gastrointestinal tract blockage: Bacopa might cause "congestion" in the intestines. This might cause problems in people who have a blockage in their intestines.
Ulcers: Bacopa might increase secretions in the stomach and intestines. There is concern that this could worsen ulcers.
Lung conditions: Bacopa might increase fluid secretions in the lung. There is concern that this could worsen lung conditions such as asthma or a lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD).
Thyroid disorders: Bacopa might increase levels of thyroid hormone. Bacopa should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.
Urinary tract obstruction: Bacopa might increase secretions in the urinary tract. There is concern that this could worsen urinary obstruction.
There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of bacopa depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bacopa. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Andri, Bacopa monniera, Bacopa monnieri, Brahmi, Herb of Grace, Herpestis Herb, Herpestis monniera, Hysope d'Eau, Indian Pennywort, Jalanimba, Jal-Brahmi, Jalnaveri, Nira-Brahmi, Moniera cuneifolia, Sambrani Chettu, Thyme-Leaved Gratiola, Water Hyssop.
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