Bacopa monnieri and Neural Health: An Indian Herb

Abstract

The disorders of the central nervous system are increasingly recognized as one of the most prevalent disorders in the present world. It has been envisaged that neurological disorders will be of great concern in the present and future populations worldwide. The different neurological disorders may be associated with signs, such as loss of memory, impaired brain function, cognitive deficits, etc. The occurrence of such degenerative diseases of the nervous system certainly imposes medical and public health burdens on populations worldwide. The multifactorial nature of such neural disorders entails the use of modern medicine in combination with conventional medicines for treatment. There has been undeniably a revolution in the foundation of existing medical facilities, which have been strengthened by the amalgamation of phytomedicine. In recent times, the use of medicinal herbs to improve mental function has come into the limelight in both developed and developing countries. Increased research is being carried out to discover Ayurvedic medications owing to their biosafety profile and utility in cognitive impairment. The current chapter deals with the depiction of one such plant, that is Bacopa monnieri, which possesses neuroprotective properties, and is considered to be Medhya Rasayana (a nootropic drug). This Indian herb, being a dietary anti-oxidant, has several modes of action to protect the brain against oxidative damage and age-related issues. A majority of the plant compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes, present in medicinal plants, have been known to have therapeutic properties against neurodegeneration mainly by virtue of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic effects. <br>