Brahmi: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!

Introduction: 

Brahmi, also called Bacopa monnieri, belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is a small, succulent ( stems adapted to store water), glabrous (smooth), creeping or prostrate (branches above the ground) annual herb.¹It is also known as Herpestis monniera, water hyssop (small bushy) and is locally known as Jalanimba or brahmi in India. The term brahmi is derived from the word ‘Brahma’, which refers to the mythical God of creation in Hindu mythology.²

Brahmi is primarily has been used for nearly 3000 years by Ayurvedic medical professionals. As the brain is considered the centre of creative activity, any substance that might boost the brain’s health is known as brahmi. It also means ‘bringing knowledge of the supreme reality”. Brahmi may be recognised as a popular memory booster among locals.²

The common local names of brahmi are Neerbrahmi, Bamanevari in Gujarati; Jalnam, Birami, Brahmi in Marathi; Brahmi in Oriya; Bhahmi in Malayalam; Brahmibuti in Punjabi; Sambarenu, Sambrani in Telugu; Brahmi vazhukkai, Nirabrahmi in Tamil; Ondelaga, Mandukaparni, Nirubrahmi in Kannada, Manduka Parni in Hindi; Brahmi in Assamese; Kapotavanka, Sarasvati in Sanskrit; Thyme Leaved Gratiola in English.¹

Nutritional Benefits of Brahmi: 

The compounds in brahmi that might be responsible for beneficial effects are saponin, alkaloids, and sterols.²

Properties of Brahmi:

The properties of brahmi are described as follows:

• It may have analgesic potential (pain killer)
• It may have anti-inflammatory potential
• It may have anti-microbial property (may kill microbes and bacteria)
• It may have anti-convulsant potential (may be helpful in seizures)
• It may have anti-depressant property (may relive depression)
• It may have anxiolytic property (reduces anxiety)
• It may have anti-neoplastic property (may help in cancer)
• It may have antioxidant property
• It may have beneficial properties for liver health
• It may have an immuno-stimulatory potential (may stimulate  the immune system)³
• It may have sedative potential (may induce sleep and calmness)
• It may have  anti-ulcer potential²

Also Read: Pudina: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Potential Uses of Brahmi:

The potential uses of brahmi might be beneficial for various conditions. However, more research is needed to state the true potential of brahmi for human health.

Potential Uses of Brahmi for Stomach:

The stomach-related effects of brahmi have been studied in the lab, animal, and human studies. A review report by Gohil and Patel et al. 2010 suggests the following benefits of brahmi.

• Stomach ulcer: Various animal and lab studies have suggested that brahmi might have  a  beneficial effect on stomach ulcers. They have reported that brahmi may relive  ulcers.²
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Lab studies conducted by Goel et al. 2004, Rao et al. 2000 and Sairam et al. 2001 have shown that brahmi may have spasmolytic activity and that it might be beneficial for relieving intestinal spasms and IBS.² IBS is a chronic colon disorder and is characterised by diarrhoea or constipation, cramping (sudden contraction of muscles) stomach pain, and passing mucus in the stools.⁴

However, more studies are required to ascertain the potential uses of brahmi for ulcers. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor as stomach ulcers and IBS are serious problems and should only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified doctor.

Potential Uses of Brahmi for Brain:

• For cognition

Some researchers Bhattacharya et al. 1999 have reported that the brahmi extract was found to reverse the cognitive deficits (loss of memory and thinking) in animal models. In a human study conducted by Roodenrys et al. 2002 with people of ages 45 to 65 years, it was seen that the rate of learning was unaffected, implying that brahmi might reduce the rate of forgetting newly acquired information. Cognitive effects of Brahmi might be due to its antioxidant property.² There is a need for further research to say that brahmi might benefit human cognition.

• For Sedation

Some studies by Aithal et al. 1961 and Prakash et al. 1962 have found that brahmi extract and the extract of the whole plant may have sedative and tranquillising (reduces anxiety, tension, fear) effects on animals.² There is a need for more studies on humans to suggest that brahmi may have sedative properties as these studies are very old and also done on animals.

• For anxiety

In Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional use of brahmi as an anti-anxiety medication may be supported by both human and animal studies. In a human study by Singh R et al. 1982, brahmi showed reduced symptoms of anxiety, level of disability and mental fatigue, level of anxiety, and an increase in memory span.² This information is insufficient and requires more studies to back this claim.

• For  seizure

In Ayurvedic medicine, brahmi has been used as a solution for seizures. The extracts of brahmi were tested on animals, which  showed anti-convulsant activity in animals.² Therefore, brahmi might be helpful in convulsions seen in  seizures. However, human studies are required to confirm its anti-convulsant property.

Potential Uses of Brahmi for liver:

In an animal study, brahmi was found to be beneficial against drug-induced kidney and liver toxicity. It may also show  strong activity in maintaining the antioxidant system that might benefit animals from drug induced liver toxicity.⁵ However, this information is not sufficient because these studies are done on animals. We require more human study to support the true scope of brahmi on human health.

Potential Uses of Brahmi for Cancer:

Brahmi extract was tested for its anticancer property in various cancer cell lines and animal models. The cell line study by Elangovan et al. 1995 suggested that brahmi may have anticancer activity and mainly shows anticancer action by inhibiting the DNA replication. This might decrease the chances of the cancer cells from multiplying and producing new cancer cells. Thereby, it might slow  the growth of the tumour.² However, similar studies on humans are required to check the effectiveness of brahmi in humans as an anticancer agent. Since cancer is a severe condition, it requires a proper diagnosis and treatment. So, kindly consult a doctor and do not use brahmi to self-medicate yourself.

Though there are studies that show the benefits of brahmi in various conditions, but these are old and insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of brahmi on human health.

How to Use Brahmi: 

You can use brahmi in:

• Powder form
• Syrup
• Infusion (prepared by soaking the herb in liquid)²

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements made from brahmi. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Side Effects of Brahmi:

Commonly reported side effects of brahmi include:

• Nausea
• Increased stomach motility (food moving from mouth to the throat)
• Stomach upset³

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to brahmi, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.

Precautions to Take with Brahmi:

Brahmi might be considered safe if it is consumed in small amounts. However, general precautions have to be followed to avoid complications.

• For breastfeeding and pregnancy: There is no sufficient data regarding its safe usage during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Avoid taking brahmi or consult your doctor if you want to take brahmi during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Sedative: Because brahmi has sedative properties; it is advised to use it with caution in combination with other known sedative medicines.²
• Children and Elderly: One must also be cautious while giving it to children and older people because their weak immunity might develop reactions in the body.
• People need to be aware that brahmi should not be used to self-medicate before consulting a doctor.

Interactions with Other Drugs:

Lab and animal studies have shown that the extract of brahmi might enhance the effects of some drugs or have effect against some drugs and their harmful side effects.

• Brahmi was noted to decrease the toxicity of morphine (habit forming medicine used to relieve pain) and phenytoin (help in seizures) in animal studies.²
• The extract of brahmi enhanced the sleep caused by a common medicine, phenobarbital (that relieves anxiety and causes sedation). Therefore, it should be used with caution when combined with other known sedatives.²
• Brahmi might also enhance thyroid hormone activity in animal models at a high dosage. Therefore, taking brahmi might interact with the thyroid hormone or drugs related to the thyroid in the body.²
• Brahmi extract was also found to enhance the effects of chlorpromazine (which treats mental/mood disorders). Therefore, use with caution before taking brahmi.²
• Therefore, you must always seek the medical advice of your Ayurvedic physician and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is brahmi good for the brain?

Brahmi may have beneficial effects on the brain. It may also have  antidepressant, antianxiety, sedative and cognitive effects on the brain.² However, this information is insufficient and requires more research to support the benefit of brahmi on human health.

Are there any side effects of brahmi?

Brahmi has a few reported side effects, including nausea, increased stomach upset, and stomach motility.³ Therefore, it is essential to take precautions and immediately contact a doctor if any such side effects are observed. They will be the best person to provide you with proper treatment.

Can brahmi be used during pregnancy?

No, there is no sufficient data to support its usage during pregnancy. Therefore, avoid brahmi or consult your doctor in case of pregnancy.

Does brahmi cause sleep?

Brahmi may have sedative properties that may help induce sleep.² Some studies suggested that the extract of the whole brahmi plant might have sedative and tranquillising (reduces anxiety, tension, fear) effects on animals.² Therefore, brahmi may induce sleep and may also be helpful for insomnia. However, human studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of brahmi on humans.

Is brahmi good for hair?

Brahmi may be used as a hair tonic and encourage  good hair health .⁶ However, this information is insufficient and requires more studies to support this claim.

Can I use brahmi during breastfeeding?

No, there is no sufficient data to support its usage during breastfeeding. Therefore, avoid brahmi or consult your doctor before taking brahmi.

Does brahmi interact with the thyroid?

Brahmi might enhance thyroid hormone activity. Brahmi may have the potential to interact with the thyroid hormone in the body. As a result, before taking brahmi, consult your doctor.²

References: 

1. THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA PART- I VOLUME – II [Internet]. 25–26 p. Available from: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-2.pdf 

2. Gohil KJ, Patel JJ. A review on Bacopa monniera: Current research and future prospects. Int J Green Pharm. 2010;4(1):1–9. Available at: https://www.greenpharmacy.info/index.php/ijgp/article/view/111 

3. Aguiar S, Borowski T. Neuropharmacological review of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri. Rejuvenation Res. 2013;16(4):313–26. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746283/ 

4. Irritable bowel syndrome [Internet]. Merrian-Webster Dictionary. [cited 2022 Apr 11]. Available from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritable bowel syndrome 

5. Sudharani D, Krishna KL, Deval K, Safia AK P. Pharmacological profiles of Bacopa monnieri: A Review. Int J Pharm. 2011;1(1):15–23. Available at: https://www.pharmascholars.com/abstract/pharmacological-profiles-of-bacopa-monnieri-a-review-50874.html 

6. Dr. Mahtab Alam Khan. Concept of Cosmetics in Unani Sytem of Medicine [Internet]. National Health Portal. 2016. Available from: https://www.nhp.gov.in/concept-of-cosmetics-in-unani-system-of-medicine_mtl 

7. Khan DMA. Greying of Hairs / Canities ( Sheeb ) [Internet]. National Health Portal. 2020. Available from: https://www.nhp.gov.in/greying-of-hairs-canities-sheeb_mtl 

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.