Move over, trendy superfoods—there’s an ancient herb making waves in the wellness world.
Say hello to bacopa, the powerhouse that has been a staple in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, thanks to its known memory-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has become the latest must-have for supplement fans looking to sharpen their minds and boost their cognitive performance.
Bacopa supplements are seeing an average of 2,000 monthly Google searches — a 115% year-over-year increase, according to an analysis by beauty trend tracker Spate that was shared with Happi. Here’s a look at why it’s become so popular.
Increase brain power
Early research on the benefits of bacopa is promising, especially when it comes to brain health.
In a study published last year, 80 participants took 300 milligrams of bacopa or a placebo every morning for 12 weeks. Those consuming bacopa showed significant improvements in memory, focus, concentration, alertness and mental flexibility.
Benefits began to show after just two weeks, with memory improvements hitting clinical significance by week four.
How exactly can bacopa have this effect on the brain? While scientists are still piecing it all together, it is believed that the plant’s components may protect nerve cells, reduce inflammation, modulate stress hormones, and positively affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Bacopa also has antioxidant properties that may help fight oxidative stress – a process linked to major neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
But before you start looking to bacopa as a cure, some studies offer mixed results.
Research on the effectiveness of bacopa in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s remains unclear, with some studies finding no significant benefit in patients taking the drug compared to a placebo.
While bacopa may help protect brain cells, there is no strong evidence to suggest that it can reverse cognitive decline or restore lost memory.
The ADHD question
When it comes to ADHD, the jury is still out on bacopa.
The condition, which affects millions of children and adults in the US, has some believers hoping that bacopa could be the natural remedy for anxiety and focus problems.
A study involving children between 6 and 12 years old found that a daily dose of 225 milligrams of bacopa helped with agitation, impulsivity and attention problems after six months.
Another trial showed no improvement in ADHD symptoms in teenagers who took 160 to 320 milligrams daily for 14 weeks. But there was a silver lining: Those in the second study reported improvements in mood, sleep and cognitive function.
Despite conflicting findings, buzz about bacopa as a potential ADHD treatment is growing on TikTok. The hashtag #ADHD is the top bacopa-related tag on the site, garnering an average of 4,700 weekly views, according to Spate.
More than just a memory aid
Bacopa isn’t just for brain health. Researchers are exploring its potential to help with a range of other concerns, from anxiety and depression to insomnia, inflammation and even cigarette use.
In a 2021 study, 100 adults with poor sleep received either a placebo or a 150-milligram dose of bacopa twice daily for 28 days. While bacopa did not significantly improve sleep quality, participants reported less pain and better health and emotional well-being.
Bacopa supplements are available in capsule, pill, powder, and liquid forms. The herb is generally considered safe to eat, although some people may experience upset stomach, dry mouth, and fatigue.
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