Evidence supporting the use of: Brahmi
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cognitive enhancer and memory booster. In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in its potential application for cognitive and behavioral conditions, including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD). Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies have investigated its effects on attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Phytotherapy Research (2014) found that supplementation with Bacopa monnieri extract over 12 weeks improved attention and cognitive processing in children, although this study did not specifically recruit children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Another randomized controlled study (Journal of Attention Disorders, 2013) involving children with ADHD found modest improvements in some symptoms after 16 weeks of Bacopa supplementation, but the sample size was small and methodological limitations exist.
While several studies suggest that Brahmi may have a positive impact on cognitive function and some aspects of attention, the evidence specific to ADD/ADHD is limited, with few rigorous, large-scale clinical trials. Most findings are preliminary and often suffer from methodological weaknesses, such as lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, small sample sizes, and short durations.
In summary, there is some emerging scientific evidence supporting Brahmi's use for improving attention and cognitive function, but robust clinical validation for its effectiveness in treating ADD/ADHD is lacking. Therefore, the evidence supporting its use for this condition is currently rated as low to moderate (2/5).
Other ingredients used for Attention Deficit Disorder
acetyl l-carnitineamino acids
ashwagandha
caffeine
citicoline
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
iron
l-theanine
l-tyrosine
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
phosphatidylserine
rhodiola
vitamin B
vitamin B6
zinc
herbal blend (proprietary)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Adrenergic amines
Brahmi
Bacopa
Catecholamine
Dopamine