Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as Bacopa, has a longstanding traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine as a "medhya rasayana," or a herb for enhancing cognitive function and relieving stress. More recently, modern scientific studies have begun to investigate its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Several animal studies have demonstrated that Bacopa extracts can reduce anxiety-like behaviors in rodents, often comparable to standard anxiolytic drugs. The proposed mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, antioxidant properties, and reduction of cortisol levels. In humans, clinical evidence is more limited but promising. A few randomized, placebo-controlled trials have reported that Bacopa supplementation (typically standardized extracts) may reduce self-reported anxiety and stress in healthy adults and individuals with mild anxiety symptoms. However, these studies often have small sample sizes, varying dosages, and sometimes combine Bacopa with other herbs, making it difficult to isolate its specific effects. While there is scientific interest and some supportive data, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are not robust, and large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are still lacking. Therefore, Bacopa's use for anxiety disorders is supported by preliminary scientific evidence, but it cannot yet be considered a fully validated treatment.