Evidence supporting the use of: Bacopa monnieri
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing cognitive function and reducing stress. Scientific interest in Bacopa has grown in recent decades, with several animal studies and a number of small-scale human clinical trials investigating its effects on anxiety and related symptoms.
Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have indicated that Bacopa supplementation may reduce anxiety scores compared to placebo. For instance, a 2013 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Stough et al., 2013) found modest but statistically significant reductions in state anxiety among adults after 12 weeks of Bacopa monnieri extract supplementation. Other studies have shown improvements in cognitive performance and mood, which may be indirectly related to anxiety reduction.
Despite these findings, the body of evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and varying formulations of Bacopa extract. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (e.g., Kongkeaw et al., 2014) suggest a mild anxiolytic effect, but emphasize the need for larger, high-quality studies to confirm efficacy and safety.
In summary, while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of Bacopa monnieri for anxiety, it is not robust, and the quality of available studies is moderate at best. Current evidence justifies a score of 2 out of 5 for its support in treating anxiety disorders.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava root
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Gelsemium
Griffonia simplicifolia
Ginkgoside
Gastrodin
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Bacopa monnieri
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Inflammation
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Parkinson's Disease
Stress
Thinking (cloudy)