Bacopa Monnieri Research Articles

Evaluation of subacute toxicity of a polyherbal nootropic formulation in Wistar albino rats

In ayurvedic system of traditional medicine, 'medhyarasayanas' — decoction of selected plants are used to improve intellect or cognition abilities. Here, we investigated one such polyherbal formulation (PHF) with ingredients Bacopa monniera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Valeriana wallechii and Withania somnifera used as a facilitator of learning, retention and recall. We evaluated the safety of this PHF in animal models. We performed acute oral toxicity test using 2000 mg/kg of the formulation as per OECD guideline 423 and observed for toxicity over 14 days. Thereafter, we divided them into four groups of six animals each and administered Normal saline 5 mL/kg, The PHF (Wilmer®) @500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg in the respective groups over 28 days. We observed no mortality or physical and behavioural abnormalities in both acute and subacute toxicity study. On the 28th day, animals were sacrificed, blood collected for estimation of haematological and biochemical parameters and histopathological examination of organs was performed. There was significant difference (P <0.05) in Mean ± SEM values of haemoglobin, total cholesterol, total protein, ALT, AST, ALP and serum creatinine in the test groups compared to control as analysed by One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. We observed steatosis and ballooning of hepatocytes, lymphocytic periglomerular infiltrate, eosinophilic hyaline casts and renal tubular coagulation necrosis in histopathology of test groups. Haematologic abnormalities (decrease in haemoglobin concentration), hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and dyslipidemic effects of the tested PHF were seen in the rats in subacute toxicity study over 28 days, which could be due to the individual plant products, microbial contamination or heavy metals in the formulation in excess of regulatory limits. Hence, it needs further safety evaluation in animals and humans.

Phytoremediation potential of a few hydrophytic medicinal plants: A review

Environmental pollution is one of the explicit challenges faced globally. Pollution by heavy metal contamination is a threat to the environment and is of critical concern. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have escalated the contamination rates by heavy metals. This rapid increase resulted in different health problems inducing toxicity and damaging the proper functioning of the brain, lungs, kidney, liver, blood composition, and other vital organs. Plants have evolved particular and very efficient mechanisms to obtain essential micronutrient metals from the environment and accumulate them up to a threshold of 10-15ppm. However, certain plants categorized as "Hyper accumulators," can take up toxic metal ions at levels beyond this limit. As a result, animals and people may suffer negative impacts from bio accumulating harmful heavy metals in the biota of riverine habitats. The "life-blood of the biosphere" is water and hence these heavy metals impact the ecological well-being of aquatic systems and animal species. Water dissolves various organic and inorganic substances and environmental toxins since it is a universal solvent. Thus, it highlights the significance of ecological restoration and phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is a technology that uses plants to degrade, assimilate, metabolize, or detoxify metal and organic chemical contamination. About five phytoremediation technologies have often been employed for soil decontamination by plants: phytostabilisation, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, and phytovolatilization. Articles from databases like PubMed and Scopus were reviewed to explore the potential plants for phytoremediation. Hydrophytes can be selected over other terrestrial plants because of their enhanced capability to accumulate almost 1450-fold the concentration of heavy metals in water. Another advantage of aquatic plants' rapid growth rate is increased biomass production, high pollutant uptake ability, and more pronounced purification because of their direct contact with water. They are also helpful in regulating oxygen levels and the food cycle by acting as a food source for small fish. In addition, some widely used aquatic medicinal plants such as Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamogeton pectinatus, Pistia stratiotes, Nelumbo nucifera, Pontederia crassipes & Bacopa monnieri were discussed. This review explores the phytoremediation potential of hydrophytic medicinal plants and through an insight to recreate and restore our ecosystem.

Bacopa monnieri reduces Tau aggregation and Tau-mediated toxicity in cells

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and behavioral impairments. In the present study, the ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri was studied for its potency to inhibit Tau aggregation and rescuing of the viability of Tau-stressed cells. Bacopa monnieri was observed to inhibit the Tau aggregation in vitro. The cells exposed to Bacopa monnieri were also observed to have a low level of ROS and caspase-3 activity. The immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis showed that Bacopa monnieri acts as an antioxidant and restored the Nrf2 levels in Neuro2a cells. Bacopa monnieri treatment to Neuro2a cells was observed to reduce the phospho-Tau load in formaldehyde-stressed cells. Furthermore, the treatment of Bacopa monnieri reduced the phosphorylation of GSK-3β in formaldehyde-stressed cells. Ran and NUP358 are the key proteins involved in nuclear transport. It was observed that formaldehyde treatment impaired the nuclear transport by missorting the NUP358 arrangement in Neuro2a cells. On the contrary, Bacopa monnieri treatment restored the NUP358 arrangement in cells. The overall results of the present study suggested that Bacopa monnieri could be considered a potent herb against Tau phosphorylation and Tau aggregation, which projects it as a promising formulation for Alzheimer's disease.

DPPH and FRAP assays for different extracts of in vitro and in vivo grown plantlets of Bacopa monnieri L.

DPPH and FRAP assays for different extracts of in vitro and in vivo grown plantlets of Bacopa monnieri L.

Potential of Epipremnum aureum and Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst for Saline Phytoremediation in Artificial Wetlands

The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytoremediative potential of Epipremnum aureum and Bacopa monnieri to improve the chemical properties of irrigation water exposed to the following two saline concentrations: highly saline (EC 2000 μS cm−1) and severely saline (EC 4000 μS cm−1). The artificial wetlands used in this experiment were of the free water surface type, considering a hydraulic retention time of 42 days. The evaluated treatments were configured as follows: T1 (B. monnieri [control, 300 μS cm−1]), T2 (B. monnieri [2000 μS cm−1]), T3 (B. monnieri [4000 μS cm−1]), T4 (E. aureum [control, 300 μS cm−1]), T5 (E. aureum [2000 μS cm−1]), T6 (E. aureum [4000 μS cm−1]), T7 (B. monnieri + E. aureum [control, 300 μS cm−1]), T8 (B. monnieri + E. aureum [2000 μS cm−1]), and T9 (B. monnieri + E. aureum [4000 μS cm−1]). The results showed that the species B. monnieri and E. aureum (both separately and together) showed a good ability to reduce the salinity of the irrigation water. However, B. monnieri showed a greater ability of phytoremediation, to the point of improving its chemical properties and reducing potential damage to the soil to use this water. In the highly saline group, B. monnieri accumulated 7.992 g per experimental unit and achieved to reduce of the pH from 7.96 to 7.75, EC from 2000 μS cm−1 to 670 μS cm−1, SAR from 13.54 to 3.91 and ESP from 20.17 to 5.83, which allowed it to go from (C3-S3) to (C3-S1). In the severely saline group, B. monnieri accumulated 13.494 g per experimental unit and achieved to reduce the pH from 8.14 to 7.91, EC from 4000 μS cm−1 to 1730 μS cm−1, SAR from 27.35 to 8.73, ESP from 40.35 to 13.01, which allowed it to go from (C4-S4) to (C3-S2).

Copper and iron metal resistant rhizospheric bacteria boost the plant growth and bacoside A content in Bacopa monnieri under stress conditions.

Bacteria that enhance plant growth and development and are found in the vicinity of roots are referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Some beneficial bacteria help plant tolerance to many hazardous chemical elements. In this context, Cupriavidus basilensis, Novosphingobium humi, Bacillus zanthoxyli, Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus alvei, Ancylobacter aquaticus and Ralstonia syzygii metal-tolerant rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil associated with Bacopa monnieri. The beneficial effects of rhizospheric bacteria on B. monnieri plant physiology and biochemical responses were investigated under pot conditions at two levels (100μM and 500μM) of CuSO4 or FeCl3. N. humi, A. aquaticus and R. syzygii bacterial strains were associated with significantly increased height and biomass under normal and stress conditions. An assay for indole acetic acid in isolated rhizospheric bacteria found differential secretion except Bacillus zanthoxyli. Bacoside A is a major phytocompound in B. monnieri with medicinal value; maximum induction was observed in the R. syzygii treatment. High concentration of copper and iron salts negatively influenced height, biomass and photosynthetic pigments; however N. humi, A. aquaticus, Bacilllus sp. and R. syzygii beneficial bacterial helped plants under stress conditions. Moreover, a significant enhancement in chlorophyll a and b was noticed in C. basilensis, B. zanthoxyli, Bacilllus sp., P. alvei and R. syzygii treatments, without much influence on carotenoid levels. Therefore, the present study emphasises the importance of isolating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for use in bacopa plants exposed to metals such as copper and iron in soil.

Nicotine Free Herbal Composition for Smoking De-Addiction - A Placebo Controlled, Double Blind, Randomized, Multicentric Clinical Study.

Smoking is a major predisposing factor for many health problems including cancers, vascular disorders, etc., To quit smoking is the only solution to prevent them. Various medicinal and non-medicinal methods are used worldwide for the same. The present study evaluates the effect of a nicotine free herbal formulation containing ingredients like Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, etc., for cessation of smoking and its effects on other health parameters related to smoking. The present study was a placebo controlled, double blind, randomized, and multi-centric clinical study conducted at three clinical sites in India. After ethical approval and informed consent, all participants were given Smotect Tablets or Placebo tablets in a dose of 2 tablets twice daily for 90 days. A total of 103 participants (52 in trial group and 51 in placebo group) completed the study. Evaluation of cessation of smoking was done along with other parameters like measurement of lung capacity, clinical assessment, and laboratory investigations before and after the study. A significant reduction in smoking as well as in the alveolar Carbon monoxide (p < 0.05) and Carboxyhemoglobin levels (p < 0.05) were observed with the use of Smotect tablets as compared to placebo over a period of 90 days. Significant improvement was also observed in quality of life, energy and stamina levels, and reduction of stress level. Smotect tablets were found to be safe without causing any adverse effects. Smotect Tablets is an effective and safe remedy for cessation of smoking and reducing other effects related to smoking.

Carbon stocks, nutrient uptake pattern and soil health indicators in response to light level and nutrient source in Bacopa monnieri L.

Carbon stocks, nutrient uptake pattern and soil health indicators in response to light level and nutrient source in Bacopa monnieri L.

Improving bacoside yield of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. in temporary immersion system by increasing immersion time and lowering the intervals

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. or Brahmi has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and currently use as an alternative medicinal herb for several therapeutic healing. Therefore, in vitro mass propagation of B. monnieri for high quality plant production using temporary immersion system (TIS) was necessarily examined. Explants of B. monnieri as regenerated shoots from leaf segments were used to determine the effects of culture system, immersion time and inoculum explant density on growth and bacoside production of B. monnieri. Statistically significant differences in growth and biomass accumulation were observed in the TIS compared with continuous immersion and semi-solid systems. Production of bacoside A, bacopaside II, bacopasaponin C, and total bacoside in B. monnieri obtained from microcontainer cultivation was significantly higher than TIS, whereas total yield of bacosides obtained from different culture systems showed no significant differences. Three immersions per day for 10 min duration promoted growth and biomass accumulation of B. monnieri, while cultivation with 20 explants per container offered optimal inoculum density for large-scale production. Various concentrations and yields of bacoside were obtained from different immersion interval conditions. Reducing immersion duration improved bacoside production. Five explants per container provided the highest bacoside content but yield per container was the lowest.

Safety evaluation of the genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity of standardized Bacopa extract (Bacognize®) from Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is an important medicinal plant widely used in various food systems and gaining interest these days for its health benefits such as boosting brain function and improving quality of life. The objective of the present study was to examine the safety of Bacognize®, a standardized botanical extract obtained from the whole herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., in subchronic toxicity and genotoxicity studies conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and test guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In the subchronic toxicity study, treatment with Bacognize® did not result in any toxicologically significant treatment-related changes in clinical observations, and in the clinical pathology as studied by hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and terminal necropsy. Treatment-related adverse effects were not observed in ophthalmic examinations, body weights, body weight gains, feed consumption, and organ weights. The results of genotoxicity studies as assessed by gene mutations in Salmonella typhimurium, in vitro chromosome aberrations and in vivo micronucleus test did not reveal any genotoxicity of Bacognize ®. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for Bacognize® was established based on the subchronic study and was determined as at least 1000 mg/kg bw/day. These results indicate that Bacognize® does not cause significant adverse effects and suggest its tolerability up to 1000 mg/kg (highest dose tested) for the daily administration of 90 days in rats.

Therapeutic effect of Bacopa monnieri on Aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative damage in rats

Aflatoxin B1 is the one of most toxic and well-known mycotoxins, which contaminates staple food. Bacopa monnieri popularly known as Brahmi, is a well-documented nootropic drug in Ayurveda. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the protective efficacy of brahmi against liver damage induced within 4 weeks by oral doses 200 ìg/kg Aflatoxin B1, to male rats. Resulting in increased lipid peroxidation, decline in reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue, increased serum liver pathology markers in serum. Oral pretreatment with 20 – 40 mg/kg Brahmi for a week showed remarkable protection against the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1.

Therapeutic Implications of Some Natural Products for Neuroimmune Diseases: A Narrative of Clinical Studies Review.

Neuroimmune diseases are a group of disorders that occur due to the dysregulation of both the nervous and immune systems, and these illnesses impact tens of millions of people worldwide. However, patients who suffer from these debilitating conditions have very few FDA-approved treatment options. Neuroimmune crosstalk is important for controlling the immune system both centrally and peripherally to maintain tissue homeostasis. This review aims to provide readers with information on how natural products modulate neuroimmune crosstalk and the therapeutic implications of natural products, including curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), ginkgo special extract, ashwagandha, Centella asiatica, Bacopa monnieri, ginseng, and cannabis to mitigate the progression of neuroimmune diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, depression, and anxiety disorders. The majority of the natural products based clinical studies mentioned in this study have yielded positive results. To achieve the expected results from natural products based clinical studies, researchers should focus on enhancing bioavailability and determining the synergistic mechanisms of herbal compounds and extracts, which will lead to the discovery of more effective phytomedicines while averting the probable negative effects of natural product extracts. Therefore, future studies developing nutraceuticals to mitigate neuroimmune diseases that incorporate phytochemicals to produce synergistic effects must analyse efficacy, bioavailability, gut-brain axis function safety, chemical modifications, and encapsulation with nanoparticles.

Management of nerve injuries by utilization of nutraceuticals

Nerve injuries leads to loss of function from different organs of patient. It is caused due to dysfunction of neural cell. This dysfunction can occur by different ways like of genetics, protein accumulation in neural cell or any of the sudden accident. The nerve consist of various parts and one axon. The same nerve divides as CNS part and PNS part. The regeneration of nerve axon in PNS can be possible to function but the CNS part of axon cannot be regenerated. This regeneration takes place takes place with injured cell. This injury leads to pain referred as neuropathic pain. The nerve cell injury can be putted into three categories as of Neuropraxia, Axonotmesis and Neurotmesis. The injured neural cell leads to neurodegeneration. There are several treatments available on the basis of nutrients and constituents taken from herbal medicinal plants. Nutraceuticals is a branch known by its food supplements and nutrients of any herbal plant which have positive effect towards patient health and management of related disease. Nutraceuticals have less side and adverse effect towards patient. There are some medications which is derived from herbal medicinal plant such as Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica. Some compounds belong to as class of flavonoids, celastrol, trehalose, lycopene, sesamol, resveratrol and curcumin are showing high positive impression. The present scenario demands for the herbal medicinal treatment and for the fulfilment of this need the approach towards nutraceutical are raising high. Neuroprotection mechanism also shown by these nutrients. Apart from neuro regeneration, neuroprotective effect the nutraceutical also show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect. Polyphenol compound help to increase neural function.

Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels but beneficially modulates NF-kB and CREB levels in healthy elderly subjects

Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels but beneficially modulates NF-kB and CREB levels in healthy elderly subjects

Hypolipidemic effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna): An in vitro study

Background: High cholesterol is the sixth-highest risk factor for death in the globe. Herbal medications regularly complement modern medical care, especially by providing safe and well-tolerated therapies for chronic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare cholesterol lowering effects of Terminalia arjuna bark and Bacopa monnieri leaves (Brahmi) extract in human blood samples diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Herbal extract of arjuna (T. arjuna) and Brahmi (B. monnieri) leaves in distilled water (d/w) and cow’s urine (c/u) [A1, A2, B1, B2] was taken and added to the pooled serum samples collected aseptically and a kinetic study was performed with it. Cholesterol standard was obtained from Erba chem Transasia kit (Trinder’s method, endpoint) with standard cutoff value 200 mg/dL. Results: Baseline reading of total cholesterol in all samples was 189 mg/dL. After 2 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 159 mg/dL, 157, 155 and 154 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. After 4 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 149 mg/dL, 148, 146, and 144 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. After 6 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 109 mg/dL, 104, 112, and 110 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it was found that aqueous extract of Brahmi (B. monnieri) and T. arjuna (Arjuna) were effective in reducing total cholesterol levels. It can be considered as a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with hyperlipidemia, but warrants further clinical studies.

Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels but beneficially modulates NF-kB and CREB levels in healthy elderly subjects

Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels but beneficially modulates NF-kB and CREB levels in healthy elderly subjects

Hypolipidemic effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): An in vitro study

Background: High cholesterol is the sixth-highest risk factor for death in the globe. Herbal medications regularly complement modern medical care, especially by providing safe, well-tolerated therapies for chronic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the cholesterol-lowering effects of Terminalia arjuna bark and Bacopa monnieri leaves (Brahmi) extract in human blood samples diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Herbal extract of arjuna (T. arjuna) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [WS]) in distilled water (d/w) and cow’s urine (c/u) [A1, A2, D1, and D2] was taken and added to the pooled serum samples collected aseptically and a kinetic study was performed with it. Cholesterol standard was obtained from Erba Chem Transasia kit (Trinder’s method, endpoint) with a standard cutoff value of 200 mg/dL. Results: Baseline reading of total cholesterol in all samples was 189 mg/dL. After 2 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 159 mg/dL, 157, 162, and 160 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. After 4 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 149 mg/dL, 148, 151, and 149 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. After 6 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 109 mg/dL, 104, 112, and 110 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it was found that aqueous extract of Ashwagandha (WS) and Arjuna (T. arjuna) was effective in reducing total cholesterol levels. It can be considered a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with hyperlipidemia but warrants further clinical studies.

A Comparative Study of Brahmi Leaves (Bacopa Monnieri) Powder and Arjuna Bark (Terminalia Arjuna) Powder of Medicinal Importance in Ayurveda on Serum Cholesterol In-Vitro

Abstract: Ayurveda is an age-old system of medicine widely practiced in India. It has remedies mentioned in the ancient scriptures for many diseases. Hypercholesterolemia is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases and other comorbidities. In the present study, we have evaluated the cholesterol-reducing activity of Brahmi powder and Arjuna powder in discarded serum samples. Results demonstrated a significant reduction of cholesterol levels in pooled serum samples at 2 hr, 4hr, and 6 hr .We concluded that the Brahmi herb and Arjuna herb, widely used as a mental tonic and cardiotonic, respectively can be utilized for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia &amp; Dyslipidaemia

Bacopa monnieri protects neuronal cell line and Caenorhabditis elegans models of Alzheimer’s disease through sigma-1 receptor antagonist sensitive and antioxidant pathways

BACKGROUND: Due to better health care and improved nutritional status of the world’s population, many people live into old age. This has resulted in more diseases related to aging, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Bacopa monnieri (BM) is a medicinal herb found in Southeast Asia and is a popular memory-enhancing supplement. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate how BM may provide protection in neurodegenerative disease, and whether the sigma-1 receptor is involved. METHODS: PC-12 cells were differentiated with the addition of nerve growth factor. The potentiation by BM of PC-12 neurite growth was measured by counting the number of differentiated cells and by measuring their length. Differentiated PC-12 cells were also subjected to amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity in the presence and absence of BM. The cell survival (MTT and cell counting) and neurite lengths were then measured as indicators of cellular health. Total protein was extracted from control and treated cells and expression of various signalling pathway molecules was assessed via western blotting. We also assessed the effects of BM on the lifespans of various mutant strains plus wild-type C. elegans. RESULTS: We show that BM can protect against Aβ toxicity in PC-12 cells. Furthermore, BM can potentiate neurite outgrowth in PC-12, in a sigma-1 receptor antagonist sensitive fashion, and Neuro2A cell lines. BM induced a reduction in pAKT expression and upregulated BDNF expression in PC-12 cells. BM was also able to increase the lifespan and health-span of Aβ expressing C. elegans mutants via the DAF-16 mediated pathway. BM reduced oxidative stress in wild-type C. elegans exposed to UV-A with pre-exposure and post-exposure treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This all further identifies BM as a potential agent to treat neurodegenerative diseases, by modulating different pathways.

Plant Community Structure and Biodiversity Patterns In Chattogram Metropolitan City of Bangladesh

The present study aims at investigating the vegetation in different sites of Chattogram metropolitan area following appropriate techniques. In order to enumerate the distribution of species, several diversity indices including Shannon-Winer Index, Pielou’s Evenness and Simpson’s Index were employed. A total of 645 species belonging to 414 genera under 120 families were documented from the studied area for the first time. Of these, 37 species (5.73%) are pteridophytes, 607 species (94.11%) are angiosperms and single representation of gymnosperm (0.16%). Among the recorded species, 384 are medicinal species belonging to 277 genera under 93 families. Bacopa monnieri is a dominant species in the forest area with some co-dominant species like Eichhornia crassipes, Centella asiatica, etc. Moreover, this study provides potential sources to the environmental planners, herbalists, ecologists, taxonomists, ethnobotanists, pharmacists, phytochemists and local administration that would help to plan for future green infrastructure and maintain ecosystem function providing long-term benefits for the city dwellers. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 29(2): 313-344, 2022 (December)