Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an herb widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for its cognitive and neuroprotective effects. Recent scientific studies have investigated Brahmi’s effects on the GABAergic system—the system in the body governed by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Several preclinical studies (mainly in animal models) indicate that Brahmi extracts may modulate GABA receptors and increase GABA levels in the brain. For example, research published in "Phytotherapy Research" (2013) demonstrated that Bacopa monnieri extract exerted anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects comparable to lorazepam, a known GABA-A receptor agonist, and suggested that these effects might be mediated via the GABAergic pathway.

Other in vitro and animal studies support Brahmi’s potential to enhance GABA transmission, possibly by upregulating GABA receptor expression or inhibiting GABA transaminase (an enzyme that breaks down GABA). However, direct evidence in humans is still limited, and most clinical research has focused on Brahmi’s cognitive and memory benefits rather than explicit GABAergic activity. Still, the available preclinical data provide a plausible mechanistic rationale for its use in supporting the GABA system, particularly with regard to anxiety and stress reduction. Thus, while there is scientific investigation supporting its effects on the GABA system, strong clinical validation in humans remains limited at this time.

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