Evidence supporting the use of: Bacopasides
For the body system: Acetylcholine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Bacopasides are a group of saponin compounds found in the herb Bacopa monnieri, a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for cognitive enhancement. Scientific interest in bacopasides centers around their potential to support the cholinergic system, specifically acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory and learning. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that extracts of Bacopa monnieri, which are rich in bacopasides, can increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, inhibit acetylcholinesterase (the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine), and improve cognitive performance in animal models. For example, research published in peer-reviewed journals has shown that bacopasides can enhance synaptic transmission and neuroprotection, likely by modulating cholinergic function.
In humans, some randomized controlled trials using standardized Bacopa monnieri extracts have reported improvements in memory, attention, and cognitive processing, effects thought to be mediated in part by increased acetylcholine signaling. However, studies directly isolating and testing bacopasides (rather than whole plant extracts) in humans are limited, and more research is needed to confirm the precise mechanisms. Overall, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of Bacopa monnieri and its bacopasides for supporting the acetylcholine system and cognitive function, but the evidence is stronger in animal models than in humans at this time.
Other ingredients that support Acetylcholine
acetyl l-carnitinewaterhyssop
choline
citicoline
ginkgo biloba
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
huperzine A
lecithin
lion's mane
magnesium
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
polygala root
rosemary
sage
vinpocetine
terpene lactones
Alpha glyceryl
Areca
Aniracetam
Bilobalide
Baccosides
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Centrophenoxine
Cytisine
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Deanol
Egg
Other body systems supported by Bacopasides
AcetylcholineBrain
Nerves
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Specific Neurotransmitters