1. Introduction of Bacopa Monnieri Extract
Bacopa monnieri extract is mainly extracted from the whole plant of Bacopa monnieri. Bacopa monnieri extract contains a variety of active ingredients. The most important of these are saponins, such as bacosides, which are complex compounds composed of sugars linked to steroidal or triterpenoid compounds. In addition, it also contains flavonoids, alkaloids and other ingredients, which synergistically exert their physiological effects.
2. Effects of Bacopa Monnieri Extract
Improve cognitive function
Enhance memory:
Bacopa saponins regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, specifically acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a key role in learning and memory processes, and Bacopa monnieri extract may improve memory by increasing the release of acetylcholine in the brain or reducing its breakdown. For example, in some animal experiments, after feeding Bacopa monnieri extract to elderly animals, their performance in the maze experiment was significantly improved, the time to find the exit was shortened, and the number of errors was reduced, which indicates that their spatial memory ability has been improved. promote.
Improve focus and concentration:
The extract has a positive effect on the neuroplasticity of the brain. It promotes the formation of new connections between neurons and helps the brain process information better, thereby improving focus and concentration. Bacopa monnieri extract may be a potential adjunctive treatment for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), helping them focus better on tasks.
Neuroprotective effect
Antioxidative stress:
The flavonoids and saponins in Bacopa monnieri extract have antioxidant activity. They can remove free radicals produced in the brain due to metabolism and other processes, such as superoxide anion free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals, etc. Free radicals can damage the cell membrane, mitochondria and other structures of nerve cells, leading to nerve cell dysfunction. Bacopa monnieri extract reduces free radical damage to nerve cells and protects the normal function of the brain through its antioxidant effect.
Anti-neuroinflammation:
Neuroinflammation occurs when the brain is stimulated by infection, injury, etc. Bacopa monnieri extract can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, such as inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by microglia. This helps reduce neuroinflammation and prevents further damage to nerve tissue.
Anti-anxiety effect
Bacopa monnieri extract can modulate neurotransmitter systems in the brain, such as reducing the reuptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that makes neurons in the brain less excitable. By increasing the residence time of GABA in the synaptic cleft, Bacopa monnieri extract can produce sedative, anxiolytic effects. In some anxiety model animal experiments, after using Bacopa monnieri extract, the animals' anxious behaviors, such as reduced exploratory behavior in the open field and increased dwell time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze, were improved.
