The answer to this question is highly individual and would differ based on your unique lifestyle. Bacopa monnieri offers many cognitive-enhancing benefits, so when would you need to reap these effects?
Do you have an important work presentation coming up?
Do you have a big project to hand in soon?
Are you competing in an upcoming sporting event?
Whatever it may be, you would ideally want to take bacopa monnieri, as part of a nootropic stack, a few hours before the task at hand in order to maximize your cognitive function and boost your mental performance.
However, if you were to take isolated bacopa monnieri, it may be a better idea to take it in the weeks before if you want to feel the cognitive-enhancing benefits.
We will discuss this in more detail in this article, but first, here's a brief overview of bacopa monnieri!
What is Bacopa Monnieri?
Bacopa monnieri, also called water hyssop or “Herb of Grace”, is a nootropic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Bacopa monnieri is also often referred to as “Brahmi”, named after Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.
The Sanskrit word Brahmi actually translates to “expansion of consciousness”, and for a good reason!
Supplementing with bacopa monnieri has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety and improve memory formation, making this brain herb a staple in nootropic formulas, such as Mind Lab Pro.
What Are the Key Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri?
Enhances brain function
Research suggests bacopa monnieri may help enhance cognitive function.1 Some of the benefits that have been noted:
- Appears to reliably and effectively improve memory
- Significantly improve attention
- Improve working memory
- Improve speed of learning and memory capacity
This is what makes the herb known to be one of the best nootropics for learning, as well as supporting mental performance and overall brain function. Ideal, say, for studying for an upcoming exam, preparing to present a project, or for an important job interview!
Adaptogen
Bacopa monnieri is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it contains compounds that help increase our body’s ability to cope better with the physical effects of stress.2
In addition to this, bacopa monnieri helps reduce stress and anxiety by elevating our mood and reducing our cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is released from our adrenal glands in response to stress and can become harmful when levels are elevated.
Bacosides, the main active compound in bacopa monnieri, are thought to promote certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA. These chemicals are linked with improved focus, memory, and healthy mood regulation!
Therefore, bacopa monnieri may be a good pick for those who are going through a particularly stressful period.
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory
Bacosides have been shown to have powerful antioxidant effects!3
Antioxidants help protect our cells from becoming damaged by potentially harmful free radicals. This kind of damage is linked to many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown that bacopa monnieri may have potent anti-inflammatory properties, though more research is needed to confirm this effect in humans.
These potential benefits would be particularly useful for anyone on a quest to improve their general wellbeing!
Bacopa Monnieri: Dosage and Side Effects
Dosage varies depending on the supplement. Mind Lab Pro contains 150mg, supplying the herbs' most active nootropic bacoside compounds, which is a proven effective dose.
Historically, bacopa monnieri was consumed with ghee, since it’s fat soluble and requires a lipoid transporter to assist with absorption. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to consume bacopa monnieri alongside a balanced meal.
When taken on an empty stomach, there have been reports of nausea, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
Summary: Is There an Ideal Time to Take Bacopa Monnieri?
Generally, nootropic formulas, such as Mind Lab Pro, can be taken an hour or 2 before you perform your task to maximize the cognitive-enhancing effects.
However, we would normally recommend taking them in the morning so you can boost your cognitive performance throughout the day!
In regard to bacopa monnieri as an isolated supplement, studies have shown that it may be more effective to take it over a longer period of time, as the cognitive enhancement may take some time to kick in. However, it’s also been shown that the anxiolytic effects may have a much quicker effect.4
In conclusion, when you should take it would really depend on the supplement, your motives, and your personal schedule!
References
- Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, Nathan PJ. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001 Aug;156(4):481-4.
- Rai D, Bhatia G, Palit G, Pal R, Singh S, Singh HK. Adaptogenic effect of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi). Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jul;75(4):823-30. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(03)00156-4.
- Kapoor R, Srivastava S, Kakkar P. Bacopa monnieri modulates antioxidant responses in brain and kidney of diabetic rats. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2009 Jan;27(1):62-9.
- K. Patel. Lion’s Mane. Examine.com. 2021
