Evidence supporting the use of: Brahmi
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a "medhya rasayana"—a herb that supports cognitive function and calms the nervous system. In Ayurveda, Brahmi is often recommended for conditions characterized by anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. The rationale is based on its reputed adaptogenic and nervine properties, which are believed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Modern scientific research on Brahmi has focused mainly on its cognitive and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. A limited number of clinical studies have explored its impact on sleep. Some animal studies suggest that Brahmi extracts may exhibit sedative and anxiolytic actions, possibly through modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA. However, direct evidence from well-designed human trials assessing Brahmi's effectiveness specifically for insomnia remains sparse.
To date, there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to confirm Brahmi's efficacy in treating insomnia in humans. Most support for its use comes from traditional texts and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific validation. Therefore, while its use for insomnia is well-rooted in traditional practice, the scientific evidence base is limited, justifying a modest evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut