Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.) is a well-known therapeutic herb used in a
broad spectrum of conventional medicines to alleviate various ailments, prominently
those involving intellect, anxiety and mental health. In Ayurveda, it is classified as
Medhya rasayanas (meaning intellect rejuvenator) and claimed to be a cognitive
nutrient and memory enhancer. Although the plant possesses a plethora of compounds,
its neurological activity is mainly attributed to its major phytochemical constituents,
i.e., bacoside saponins. Majorly isolated compounds are dammarane triterpenoids
glycone and aglycones. There are several reports published with neurological activities
on Bacopa monnieri to validate traditional claims through scientific findings. Some
therapeutic formulations containing standardized extracts of Bacopa monnieri have
also been developed for the betterment of mental health. Besides, being
neuroprotective, the plant is reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and
antipyretic properties and systemic disorders like cardiovascular, hepatic,
gastrointestinal, myocardial ischemia, respiratory problems, opioid-related
nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The present chapter described the phytochemical
profiling, extraction and isolation, neurological properties, as well as toxicological and
clinical studies of the plant.
Keywords: Bacopa monnieri, Bacoside, Brahmi, Dammarane triterpenes, Neurological disorders, Neurodegenerative disease.
