Bacopa monnieri has been studied in animals for its purported effects on the functions of the central nervous system in its various forms such as, crude, standardized extract, and compounded formulation known as Brahmi Rasayan.
Constituents of Brahmi Rasayan
| Herb | Plant part used | Ratio (w/w) |
|---|---|---|
| Bacopa monnieri | Leaves | 10 |
| Eugenia caryophyllus (cloves) | Flower | 2 |
| Piper longum (long pepper) | Stalks | 1 |
| Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) | Seed | 1 |
| Sucrose | 40 |
The effect of Bacopa administered orally to rats on acquisition, retention and extinction of the newly learned skills
In follow-up research, scientists explored the impact of Bacopa monnieri’s active components, bacosides A and B, on rats’ learning capabilities. Administering a single dose of these bacosides enhanced the animals’ ability to acquire new skills more quickly than the control group and improved their relearning capacity even after discontinuation of the treatment, suggesting a long-term benefit on learning ability.
In another experiment involving aversion learning with lithium chloride, which induces gastrointestinal discomfort, rats receiving bacoside treatments demonstrated a significant reduction in lithium chloride consumption, indicating an enhanced ability to learn and avoid unpleasant outcomes.
The study concluded that bacosides A and B facilitate learning both through avoidance of negative outcomes and through the encouragement of positive outcomes, highlighting their potential in improving learning under various conditions.
Summary of dosage regimen
| Group treatment | Dose of bacosides (mg/kg oral) |
|---|---|
| Bacoside A | |
| I Saline | 0.5 ml |
| II Bacoside | 2.5 |
| III Bacoside | 5.0 |
| IV Bacoside | 7.5 |
| V Bacoside | 5.0 (no LiCl incubation on day 1) |
| Bacosides A and B | |
| VI Saline | Saline 0.5 ml |
| VII Bacoside | 2.5 |
| VIII Bacoside | 5.0 |
| IX Bacoside | 7.5 |
| X Bacoside | 5.0 (no LiCl incubation on day 1) |
