Evidence supporting the use of: Bacopa
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb historically used for a range of cognitive and mental health conditions, including anxiety. While its use for anxiety is rooted in traditional medicine, there is also emerging scientific interest. Several preclinical studies (in animals) suggest that Bacopa may exert anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, possibly through modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, as well as antioxidant mechanisms.
Human clinical trials are limited but promising. Some small randomized controlled trials have shown that standardized Bacopa extracts may reduce anxiety and improve mood in healthy adults and in people with mild anxiety symptoms. For example, a 2013 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Bacopa supplementation over 12 weeks led to significant reductions in anxiety scores compared to placebo. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological differences, making broad conclusions difficult.
Overall, while there is some scientific validation for Bacopa’s use in supporting anxiety reduction, the evidence remains preliminary and not robust enough for strong recommendations. More large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for anxiety disorders specifically.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava root
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Bacopa
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder
Dementia
Depression
Memory and Brain Function
Stress