Bacosides are a group of active compounds found in the herb Bacopa monnieri (commonly known as Brahmi), which has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing memory and cognitive function. In recent decades, scientific research has investigated the mechanisms behind these traditional uses, with a focus on neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine.

Several preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have shown that bacosides may influence the cholinergic system by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, enhancing choline acetyltransferase activity, and reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. These actions are associated with improved synaptic transmission and neuroprotection, which are relevant to learning and memory processes. Some small human clinical trials have reported modest improvements in cognitive performance and memory with Bacopa supplementation, though these studies often used standardized extracts containing bacosides and had varying methodologies.

While the collective evidence suggests bacosides can support the acetylcholine system and cognitive function, most of the data comes from animal studies or small human trials with methodological limitations. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale for the use of bacosides to support the acetylcholine system, the evidence is moderate and more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to strengthen these claims.