Evidence supporting the use of: Brahmi
For the body system: Sympathetic Nervous System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cognitive and adaptogenic herb. Scientific studies have begun to examine its effects on the nervous system, including the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The primary focus of research has been on Brahmi’s neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Some preclinical and limited human studies suggest that Brahmi can modulate the body’s response to stress, which is largely orchestrated by the SNS. For example, Brahmi extracts have been shown in animal models to reduce stress-induced increases in cortisol and improve behavioral responses to stress, potentially by modulating catecholamine levels and influencing SNS activity. Human trials are fewer, but some have reported reductions in anxiety and improvements in attention and memory, which may be partially mediated through effects on the autonomic nervous system, including the SNS. However, direct evidence specifically targeting the SNS (i.e., direct measures of sympathetic nerve activity or neurotransmitter modulation in humans) is limited. Most evidence is indirect, focusing on stress and anxiety outcomes. Therefore, while there is a scientific basis for Brahmi’s use in supporting nervous system health and stress adaptation—functions involving the SNS—high-quality, targeted research on its direct effects on the SNS is still emerging. The evidence is stronger than tradition alone, but not robust, hence the rating of 3 out of 5.
Other ingredients that support Sympathetic Nervous System
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Adrenergic amines
ashwagandha
Bacopa
bacoside
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
brahmi
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
cardamom
catecholamine
cayenne pepper
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cola nut
Convolvulus pluricaulis
cortisol
cowage seed
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
Ephedra
ephedrine
gastrodia
ginkgo biloba
Ginsenosides
glucose
guarana
Guaranine
guayusa
herbal blend (proprietary)
Higenamine
Jatamansi
jiaogulan
jujube
kanna
kola nut
kudzu
L-taurine
L-theanine
l-tyrosine
lavender
lemongrass
licorice root
lion's mane
lotus seed
magnesium
magnolia
Methylxanthine
Muira puama
Mulungu
omega-3 fatty acids
paraxanthine
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
robusta coffee
Rosarin
rosavins
Salidroside
salt
Shankhpushpi
skullcap
Synephrine
Szechuan lovage
Tagara
Teacrine
Theacrine
vitamin B
whole adrenal glandular
Withanolides
Xanthine
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yohimbine
Other body systems supported by brahmi
AcetylcholineBrain
Dopamine
GABA
Hypothalamus
Nerves
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Serotonin
Specific Neurotransmitters
Sympathetic Nervous System
