Evidence supporting the use of: Bacosides
For the body system: Serotonin
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bacosides are the primary active compounds found in Bacopa monnieri (commonly known as Brahmi), a traditional Ayurvedic herb. While Bacopa has a long history of use for cognitive support and as a brain tonic, scientific research in recent decades has specifically investigated its effects on neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that bacosides may modulate serotonergic systems by increasing serotonin levels in certain brain regions, potentially via inhibition of serotonin reuptake or enhancement of serotonin synthesis. Some preclinical studies suggest that Bacopa extracts may exert antidepressant-like effects, which are partly attributed to increased serotonergic activity. However, direct clinical evidence in humans linking bacosides to significant serotonin modulation is limited and largely inferential, based on improvements in mood or cognitive function. There are a few small clinical trials indicating possible anxiolytic or mood-stabilizing effects, but these do not consistently measure or confirm alterations in serotonin levels. Thus, while there is some mechanistic and preclinical support for the idea that bacosides may influence the serotonin system, robust clinical validation is lacking. The use of bacosides to support the serotonin system can therefore be considered as having modest scientific support, primarily based on animal and in vitro studies rather than large-scale human trials.
Other ingredients that support Serotonin
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
California poppy
cowage seed
hops
inositol
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
saffron
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
vitamin B6
vitamin D
kanna
silk tree
St. John's Wort
5-Methoxytryptamine
Alpha lactalbumin
Baccosides
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Chocolate
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Dwarf Morning Glory
Other body systems supported by Bacosides
AcetylcholineBrain
Immune System
Nerves
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Serotonin
Specific Neurotransmitters