The powerful medicinal plant that improves mood and protects memory

Natural remedies have more and more allies. Behind them there are real ancient and scientific studies that seek the best way to feed and heal the body without resorting to the pharmacological industry. Furthermore, the industry itself often uses active ingredients from plants.

THE Ayurvedic medicineWe rely, for example, on careful nutrition, medicinal plants, massages, yoga and meditation to achieve the physical and psychological balance we so need. counteract stress and its consequences.

Ayurveda is the ancient medicine of India, more than 5,000 years old, which “is experiencing a second youth”, states the Body Mind portal. This knowledge has already transcended its original boundaries and is also being developed and applied in Europe and America because it has been proven contributes to longevity.

The immense catalog of plants to which this tradition has contributed is today in full expansion across the Web, where it is possible to find them attributes of each specimen. For example, the Salud Natural Herbolarios website provides information about this herb that benefits our nervous system.

What is the plant that improves mood and protects memory?

Regard the bacopa (Bacopa monnieri or Brahmi), which according to researchers would have potential effects to combat mental disorders and would be effective against the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s a aquatic plant which grows in subtropical marshy areas (India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Taiwan and southern China). In Spanish it is known as “water hyssop” and is used to decorate gardens and aquariums.

But, unlike other herbs that form the basis for preparing infusions, bacopa is used in the form of capsules, powder or fluid extract, as a dietary supplement.

Benefits of bacopa

The digital magazine Mejor con Salud states that its main active compound is saponins, which in turn include bacosides, bacopasides, bacosaponins, betulinic acid and monnierin, all biocomponents associated with health benefits. neural and brain healthas well as being a possible antiepileptic.

These potential benefits have been published in the Interactive Journal of Medical Research, as well as other medical publications such as Frontiers in Nutrition.

The bacosides contained in this herb, according to Salud Natural Herbolarios, are neuroprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory active ingredients. These substances contained in bacopa improve memory and cognitive functions, as well as reducing anxiety, depression, stress and the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

And, because it contains powerful antioxidants, also acts on cells and tissues (including the brain) protecting them from free radicals. It is also said to be anti-inflammatorywhich lowers blood pressure (not recommended for people with bradycardia) and may prevent tumor formation.

Treatment and contraindications

Even if bacopa would have no contraindications in a healthy adult, it should be clarified that, since its compounds act on the central nervous system, it is advisable to consume it in correct dosage and under medical supervision.

Furthermore, this must be taken into account they may interact with some medications (such as those indicated to regulate thyroid hormone or those prescribed for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s). In sensitive people it can cause gastrointestinal disorders and renal obstruction, affect the heart rate and cause other changes with varying degrees of complexity.