Study design
Singh and Singh conducted research on the calming effects of Bacopa monnieri on individuals experiencing anxiety. In their study, 35 participants with anxiety were divided into two groups for observation over two and four weeks, respectively. Following initial assessments, participants were administered Brahmi syrup, with a total daily intake equivalent to 12g of Bacopa monnieri, divided into two doses. The study also ensured participants maintained a consistent diet throughout the research period
Clinical assessment of the Brahmi treatment was based on the following performance parameters evaluated at weekly intervals:
Results
Anxiety Management
The evaluation of anxiety levels in participants, based on the Sinha Anxiety Scale, revealed a significant reduction in anxiety following treatment with Bacopa monnieri extract. For those assessed over two weeks, the mean anxiety level dropped from a baseline of 53.22 to 34.88, and for those evaluated after four weeks, the mean anxiety level decreased from a baseline of 49.05 to 40.70. These findings indicate that the extract was effective in significantly reducing anxiety levels among the participants.
Behavioral improvements
Brahmi extract on levels of maladjustment
The study assessed the impact of treatment on maladjustment issues related to anxiety neurosis, using Asthana’s guidelines for evaluation. Results showed a notable improvement in the ability to cope with daily life challenges and social interactions. After two weeks of treatment, the mean maladjustment level decreased from 166.0 to 138.17, and after four weeks, it further reduced to 132.02 from a pretreatment value of 166.28, indicating significant enhancements in patients’ adaptability and overall well-being.
Improved disability Score
Treatment with Brahmi showed a significant reduction in the levels of disability associated with anxiety neurosis, encompassing personal, social, and occupational challenges. According to Asthana’s evaluation criteria, the mean disability score improved from a pretreatment value of 61.58 to 40.17 after two weeks of therapy, indicating a marked enhancement in patients’ ability to manage various aspects of their daily lives. This positive trend continued over four weeks, further demonstrating the beneficial impact of Brahmi on reducing the disability levels related to anxiety neurosis.
Effects on mental fatigue rate
The mental fatigue rate was determined in terms of total work output for a given time and the number of mistakes that a person made during work. The assessment was based on the results of Joshi’s digit cancellation test. The mean work output in patients followed up for two weeks under treatment was 711.15 compared to the corresponding pretreatment value of 688.15 (p<0.01). Similarly, the mean work output in patients followed for four weeks was 855.80 compared to the corresponding pretreatment value of 801.65 (p<0.01).
extract on work output/mental fatigue
Effects on immediate memory span
extract on immediate memory span
According to Joshi’s digit retention test, Brahmi has been shown to significantly increase immediate memory span. The mean memory span in patients after two weeks was 5.89 compared to the corresponding pretreatment value of 5.43, (p<0.01). The mean immediate memory span in patients after 4 weeks was 6.37 compared to the initial value of 5.94 (p < 0.01)
Other Improvements
The participants experienced alleviation of symptoms including insomnia, headache, fatigue, irritability, difficulties in concentrating, reduced appetite, digestive discomfort, tremors, palpitations, and nervousness.
Physiological changes
There was a significant increase in body weight at the end of 4th week of treatment with Brahmi. The body weight changes at the end of the 2nd week of treatment were not statistically significant. Similarly, a significant lowering in the rate of respiration was noted, and the breath-holding time significantly increased after both two and four weeks of the evaluation. Pulse rate and blood pressure-lowering were not statistically significant during the course of the treatment.
The authors of this study concluded that Brahmi produces significant anti-anxiety effects in humans without subjectively or objectively reported side effects.
Biochemical changes
Treatment with Brahmi moderated the stress-induced increase in adrenal hormone secretion. Urinary metabolite levels of these hormones decreased following treatment, indicating a reduction in psychosomatic stress among the subjects and a consequent reduction in stress hormone secretion