Bacopin is a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cognitive enhancer and adaptogen. In recent years, research has investigated its potential effects on anxiety disorders. Some clinical studies and preclinical trials indicate that Bacopa monnieri extracts may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, possibly due to modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, as well as antioxidant and neuroprotective actions. For example, small double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown modest reductions in anxiety scores among participants using Bacopa extracts compared to placebo, though these studies often focus on healthy individuals or mixed populations rather than those diagnosed with anxiety disorders specifically.

Animal studies consistently demonstrate anxiolytic effects, but human data are limited. Systematic reviews generally conclude that there is preliminary scientific support for Bacopa’s anxiolytic properties, but larger, high-quality clinical trials in populations with diagnosed anxiety disorders are lacking. The evidence is therefore rated as 2 out of 5: there is some scientific validation, but it is limited by the quality, size, and focus of the existing research, and Bacopa is not a first-line or well-established treatment for anxiety disorders.