Bacopa Extract::What Are The Health Benefits? |
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Bacopa Extract - What are the health benefits? Learn about how the bacopa herb is identified and what phytochemicals (plant compounds) are found in it. We are learning more and more that the compounds in plants are highly beneficial for human health. What is it? Bacopa is a genus of 70-100 water-dwelling plants. They may be mistaken for water lilies and are commonly referred as water hyssops, although they are not related to the hyssop plants. They are annuals or perennials that have erect stems. The leaves are whorled in appearance. The blades are regular in shape, ranging from round to linear. The stems may be hairy or smooth, depending on the species. The flowers may be white, blue or purple in color. The crushed leaves have a distinct lemon fragrance. Benefits Some of the bacopa extract benefits to health were known in India several thousand years ago. There, it is known as "brahmi", a brain tonic. It is used to improve memory and learning problems, as well as concentration. This has led to its modern use as a natural treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. The phytochemicals found in the leaves include alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, beta-sitosterol and betulic acid. Because, they are unique to bacopa, some of the saponins are known as bacopa-saponins. There are at least 13 different ones present in the leaves. Researchers have shown that some of these have specific effects in the human body and are responsible for the bacopa extract benefits to human health. One of the bacopasaponins has been shown to enhance the body's antioxidant defenses. It increases the production of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase within the cells, as well as the activity of these antioxidants. It helps to maintain the structural and functional integrity of the membranes surrounding the mitochondria, a portion of the cell's DNA that can degenerate with age. It also protects gastrointestinal health by raising mucosal defensive factors. Another of the bacopasaponins inhibits the growth of certain parasites. Another has been shown to reverse amnesia in rats. A small study, consisting of 80 middle aged adults, showed that supplementation enhanced the volunteers' ability to retain new information, although it seemed to have no effect on helping them to retrieve previous or forgotten memories. The bacopa extract benefits the brain, primarily, but it also helps people that suffer from irritable bowel and ulcers. It may help reduce allergy symptoms and improve heart function. It is of obvious benefit to the immune system and may have some anti-aging activity, because of its ability to enhance the activity of naturally occurring antioxidants. Like other plant extracts, it has natural anti-inflammatory activity. Chronic inflammation plays a role in many diseases, including cancer and heart disease. It is not, however, a stand alone nutritional supplement. To see the most benefit it should be combined with other antioxidants, extracts and nutrients. The dosage should be relatively low, around 50mg per day. At high doses, it can cause excessive sleepiness. Now that you know more about the bacopa extract benefits, you can learn more about the other extracts that are known to be beneficial to human health by visiting my website. See below. -Margaret Bell |
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