Powerful antioxidant bacopa doubles as nootropic

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The beauty of nootropic supplements is that they contain substances that do double duty as antioxidants, fighting disease while helping you think better and be more alert and creative.

One of the ingredients of VALI Neuro Force, a nootropic with 10 helpful substances found in nature, is Bacopa monnieri. VALI uses Synapsa™ Bacopa Whole Plant Extract (Bacopa monnieri).

Bacopa is an adaptogen antioxidant used in traditional Ayyurvedic medicine for longevity, neuron communication, and cognitive enhancement. There is solid evidence that Bacopa is a valid nootropic, reducing anxiety and stress, and improving cognition and memory.

We're using terms that may not be familiar to you. Nootropics are called smart drugs and cognitive enhancers. There is some evidence that they can help people with memory loss and dementia.

For a longer definition of nootropic, see the VALI blog What's the Definition of a Nootropic?[1]

Another word we used was adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help a body recover from mental and physical stress, both short term and long term.Stress has so many ill effects on people.

Research studies have shown that adaptogens enhance mental performance, combat fatigue, depression and anxiety, and help a person thrive instead of just barely getting by.

For a longer exploration of adaptogens, see the VALI blog What Are Adaptogens, and How Do They Help You?[2]

What the research says about Bacopa

A study in the scholarly journal Phytomedicine looked at several other studies that confirmed the nootropic and adaptogenic properties of Bacopa [3] The study concluded:

Bacopa monniera (BM), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, used for centuries as a memory enhancing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antiepileptic agent.

The plant, plant extract and isolated bacosides (the major active principles) have been extensively investigated in several laboratories for their neuropharmacological effects and a number of reports are available confirming their nootropic action.

In addition, researchers have evaluated the anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic and other pharmacological effects of BM preparations/extracts.

In other words, it reduces inflammation, pain, fever, and can help fight epilespy, be used as a sedative, and has a favorable effect (a tonic) on the heart.

The benefits of Bacopa monnieri

Healthline has an article that details the benefits of Bacopa monnieri, which is also known as brahmi, herb of grace, water hyssop, and thyme-leaved gratiola [4].

A doctor discusses the benefits ofBacopa monnieri.

While the science has found its nootropic benefits, in Ayurveda, medical practitioners have used it for centuries to treat epilepsy, reduce anxiety, and improve memory. Healthline states:

In fact, research shows that it may boost brain function and alleviate anxiety and stress, among other benefits.

A class of powerful compounds called bacosides in Bacopa monnieri is believed to be responsible for these benefits.

Bacopa contains powerful antioxidants, which fight the free radicals that can cause some cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

If you know someone with dementia or Parkinson's, Healthline has some important news:

For example, bacosides, the main active compounds in Bacopa monnieri, have been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals.

When fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is linked to several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Bacopa monnieri may help prevent damage caused by this process.

For example, a study showed that treating rats with dementia with Bacopa monnieri reduced free radical damage and reversed signs of memory impairment.

Studies in humans and animals show Bacopa may improve the functioning of the brain.

Two studies of adults taking either 300 or 600 mg of Bacopa a day showed it "significantly improved the speed of processing visual information, learning rate, and memory, compared with the placebo treatment" and " improved memory, attention, and the ability to process information, compared with the placebo treatment."

Studies in children shows that BM may reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Healthline says more studies are needed before BM can be prescribed for ADHD.

Who should not take Bacopa monnieri

BM is a safe substance, but it may result in unwanted side effects in some, including nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Pregnant women should not take it because it hasn't been studied for safety for women who are with child.

BM may interact with amitriptyline, a pain medication.

If you are on any medication, be sure to talk to a doctor before taking any supplements with BM, including VALI Neuro Force [5].

Other substances in VALI Neuro Force

VALI Neuro Force has nine substances besides BM, all found in nature, that help support the functioning of the brain and mind. They are:

DMAE to help with learning and memory.
GABA to boost mood and relieve anxiety.
Alpha lipoic acid to protect the brain and help with memory and nerve damage.
L-theanine to promote relaxation, reduce stress. It is used to treat anxiety and memory loss
Caffeine to improve strength, endurance, coordination reaction time, and to reduce fatigue.
N-acetyl l-tyrosine, another amino acid to improve cognition, memory, and wellbeing, and alleviate stress.
L-carnitine is another amino acid. It helps produce energy. It can protect and repair neurons, increase capacity of mitochondria, and increase alertness. Shown to alleviate neurological decline and fatigue. See this blog [6] for more on L-caritine and Neuro Force.
L-Taurine, an amino acid used to improve mental performance and protect the body from oxidation and stress. Shown to aid in nerve health.
AstraGin™ (Astragalus membranaceus Root & Panax notoginseng Root), shown to improve the body’s absorption of essential nutrients that promote well-being.