nootropic × Cognitive
Bacopa Monnieri for Memory
Ayurvedic herb whose bacosides are thought to enhance dendritic branching and cholinergic signalling; trials of standardised extract taken for 8-12 weeks show modest improvements in memory recall.
3published research: study records
9published research: findings
Not formally gradedcertainty of the research
Published research
What studies found
Bacopa Monnieri for Memory
6 of 9 results reported a benefit, from 3 published studies.
3 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 6 reported a benefit
- 3 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Attention and short-term memoryNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedBrahmi did not improve attention or verbal and visual short-term memory compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2002 study ↗
- Everyday memory and anxietyNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedBrahmi did not improve questionnaire measures of everyday memory or anxiety compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2002 study ↗
- Delayed word recallReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedBacopa monnieri improved delayed word recall memory (AVLT) compared with placebo in older adults over 12 weeks (n=48).1 randomised trial2008 study ↗
- Retention of new informationReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedBrahmi improved retention of new information compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2002 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (5)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Task-switching time17.9 mslower on the Trail Making B scale1 review of trials2014 study ↗
- Reaction timeReported a benefit1 review of trials2014 study ↗
- Attention task performanceReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedStroop task performance improved with Bacopa monnieri while the placebo group showed no change over 12 weeks (n=48).1 randomised trial2008 study ↗
- Depression and anxiety symptomsReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedDepression and anxiety scores improved with Bacopa monnieri but worsened with placebo over 12 weeks in older adults (n=48).1 randomised trial2008 study ↗
- Mixed thinking and mood measuresNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedBacopa monnieri showed no effect on divided attention, working memory, mood, or blood pressure compared with placebo (n=48).1 randomised trial2008 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultWhy Bacopa Monnieri for Memory?
The connection
Short-term memory, recall, and age-related memory decline.
Also known as: Brahmi, Water Hyssop
Published research
Bacopa Monnieri × Memory: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Bacopa Monnieri / Memory: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 6 |
| No benefit | 3 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Meta-analysis | 2 |
| Randomised trial | 7 |
- Studies
- 3
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. (PMID 24252493) | Choice reaction time | 10.6 ms | 95% CI -12.1 to -9.2; p<0.001 | 12 weeks |
| Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. (PMID 24252493) | Trail B test time | -17.9 ms | 95% CI -24.6 to -11.2; p<0.001 | 12 weeks |
| Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 18611150) | delayed word recall memory (AVLT) | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 18611150) | depression (CESD-10) and anxiety (STAI) scores | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 18611150) | Divided Attention Task, WAIS digit task, mood, blood pressure | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 18611150) | Stroop Task performance | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. (PMID 12093601) | Attention and short-term memory | Not reported | Not reported | three months |
| Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. (PMID 12093601) | Everyday memory and anxiety | Not reported | Not reported | three months |
| Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. (PMID 12093601) | Retention of newly learned information | Not reported | Not reported | three months |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 24252493 2014 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 437Duration: 12 weeks | Choice reaction time | 10.6 ms (95% CI -12.1 to -9.2; p<0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 24252493 2014 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 437Duration: 12 weeks | Trail B test time | -17.9 ms (95% CI -24.6 to -11.2; p<0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 18611150 2008 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 48Duration: 12 weeks | delayed word recall memory (AVLT) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 18611150 2008 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 48Duration: 12 weeks | depression (CESD-10) and anxiety (STAI) scores | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 18611150 2008 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 48Duration: 12 weeks | Divided Attention Task, WAIS digit task, mood, blood pressure | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 18611150 2008 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 48Duration: 12 weeks | Stroop Task performance | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 12093601 2002 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Seventy-sixDuration: three months | Attention and short-term memory | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 12093601 2002 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Seventy-sixDuration: three months | Everyday memory and anxiety | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 12093601 2002 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Seventy-sixDuration: three months | Retention of newly learned information | Not reported | Benefit |
Published research
Bacopa Monnieri × Memory: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
6studies referenced
6journals
2016–2026publication range
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Comparative effects of Bacopa monnieri and Ginkgo biloba on cognitive functions: A systematic review and network meta-analysisTiemtad P, et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2026PMID 41678913 ↗02Efficiency of Different Supplements in Alleviating Symptoms of ADHD with or Without the Use of Stimulants: A Systematic ReviewAl Shahab S, et al. · Nutrients · 2025PMID 40362791 ↗03Therapeutic Evaluation of Unani Medicine, Including Single Drugs and Polyherbal Formulations with Special Reference to Neurodegenerative DisordersImran S, et al. · Alternative therapies in health and medicine · 2024PMID 39212516 ↗04Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic reviewLorca C, et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition · 2023PMID 34978226 ↗05Dietary Flavonoids and Human Cognition: A Meta-AnalysisCheng N, et al. · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2022PMID 35333451 ↗06A systematic review of the Ayurvedic medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populationsKean JD, et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2016PMID 27912958 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.
Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.