Move over, trendy superfoods — there’s an ancient herb making waves in the wellness world.
Say hello to bacopa, the powerhouse plant that’s been a staple in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries thanks to its reputed memory-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s become the latest must-have for supplement fans looking to sharpen their minds and boost their cognitive performance.
Bacopa supplements are seeing a staggering 2,000 monthly Google searches on average — a 115% year-over-year increase, according to an analysis by beauty trend tracker Spate that was shared with Happi. Here’s a look at why it’s become so popular.
Boosting brain power
Early research on bacopa benefits is promising, especially when it comes to brain health.
In a study published last year, 80 participants took 300 milligrams of bacopa or a placebo every morning for 12 weeks. Those consuming bacopa showed significant improvements in memory, focus, concentration, alertness and mental flexibility.
The benefits started kicking in after just two weeks, with memory improvements hitting clinical significance by week four.
How exactly might bacopa have this effect on the brain? While scientists are still piecing it all together, it’s hypothesized that the plant’s ingredients can protect nerve cells, reduce inflammation, modulate stress hormones and positively affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
Bacopa also has antioxidant properties that may help combat oxidative stress — a process linked to major neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
But before you start reaching for bacopa as a cure-all, some studies offered mixed results.
Research on bacopa effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s remains inconclusive, with several studies finding no significant benefits in patients taking the herb compared to a placebo.
While bacopa may help protect brain cells, there’s no solid evidence to suggest it can reverse cognitive decline or restore lost memory.
The ADHD question
When it comes to ADHD, the jury’s still out on bacopa.
The condition, which affects millions of children and adults in the US, has some believers hoping bacopa could be the natural remedy for restlessness and focus issues.
One study involving children between 6 and 12 years old found that a daily dose of 225 milligrams of bacopa helped with agitation, impulsivity and attention problems after six months.
Another trial showed no improvement in ADHD symptoms among adolescents who took 160 to 320 milligrams every day for 14 weeks. But there was a silver lining: Those in the second study reported improvements in mood, sleep and cognitive function.
Despite the conflicting conclusions, bacopa’s buzz as a possible ADHD treatment is skyrocketing on TikTok. The hashtag #ADHD is the top bacopa-related tag on the site, racking up 4,700 weekly views on average, according to Spate.
More than just a memory aid
Bacopa’s possible benefits aren’t limited to brain health. Researchers are exploring its potential to help with a range of other concerns, from anxiety and depression to insomnia, inflammation and even cigarette use.
In a study from 2021, 100 adults with poor sleep took either a placebo or a 150-milligram dose of bacopa twice daily for 28 days. While bacopa didn’t significantly improve sleep quality, participants did report less pain and better health and emotional wellbeing.
Bacopa supplements are available in capsule, pill, powder and liquid forms. The herb is generally considered to be safe to eat, although some people may experience an upset stomach, dry mouth and fatigue.
