• Exhibits adaptogenic properties
• Works as a nootropic
• Improves cognitive functions
• Improves concentration
• Enhances processes of remembering
• Stimulates development of neurons
• Calms down and reduces anxiety
• Supports regeneration and restoration of tissues
• Has antioxidant effect

Hepatica Bacopa Monnieri is a preparation containing the extract of Bacopa leaves (Bacopa monnieri) standardised to 20% of bacosides. The supplement exhibits a very wide range of properties. It has an adaptogenic effect, and its large content of antioxidants helps to maintain good health and supports the processes of the regeneration and restoration of tissues. It is used in sports supplements in order to improve concentration during workout, eliminate the negative consequences of using stimulants, and enhance resistance to stressors.

Bacopa Monnieri is one of the major herbs used in the system of Ayurveda – traditional Indian medicine. In India, the plant is used for treating epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiety. It is also recommended as a calming, concentration- and memory-enhancing agent. People who use B. monnieri extracts report an improvement in the functioning of the brain, in the ability to focus and in memory processes.

Clinical test results also point out the fact that the plant has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of mental functions in children with ADHD and the enhancement of cognitive functions in people after a stroke. Moreover, the herb is also applicable in aiding the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).

The standardisation of herbal preparations is necessary for assessing the quality of drugs on the basis of the concentration of active substances. Thanks to that process, the main active compounds that can be found in the extract are steroid saponins, namely, bacosides A and B. Other significant substances present in Bacopa monnieri are: alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, betulinic acid, and phytosterols.

The anti-stress effect of B. monnieri stems from its ability to change the level of activity of superoxide dismutase, kinases, cytochrome P450, gene Hsp70 expression, as well as to increase neuron synthesis along with restoring their synaptic activity and the capability to transmit nerve signals. Laboratory tests on animals have demonstrated that extracts standardised to 25% of bacosides have a similar effect in this respect to the popular drug – lorazepam.

The antidepressant properties of B. monnieri extracts have also been confirmed by tests. They are believed to result mainly from the ability of bacosides found in the plant to increase serotonin and dopamine levels. What is more, it restores the normal affinity of serotonin receptors and increases the expression of their genes.

The improvement of memory resulting from using B. monnieri extracts is caused by its effect on the hippocampus and the limbic system, as well as by its ability to increase the conductivity of nerve tissue. According to studies, a tangible improvement of cognitive functions, concentration and memory processes occurs only after about 12-week supplementation. Moreover, the increased blood flow observed in cerebral vessels does not cause changes in blood pressure, which makes Bacopa monnieri safe to be used as a supplement with nootropic properties.

It is commonly known that free radicals are normal by-products of metabolism that can damage tissues if their excess is not scavenged by antioxidants. The presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds and triterpenes provides the antioxidant effect of Bacopa extracts. The extract also stimulates the activity of enzymes which neutralise free radicals (catalases, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase).

B. monnieri extracts have an anti-inflammatory effect. The overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory mediators is connected with oxidative stress and the formation of various pathological conditions, such as chronic arthritis, or sepsis. It has been demonstrated that Bacopa monnieri can significantly inhibit the production of NO, proinflammatory mediators, and the occurrence of inflammations caused by prostaglandin E2.

Some single studies have also demonstrated other benefits that can be obtained from using B. monnieri or its extracts, namely: anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, anticancer and hepatoprotective effects.

The whole range of the above-mentioned properties suggests that Bacopa monnieri is an adaptogen. Its adaptogenic effect consists in alleviating and fighting the consequences of physical and mental stress caused by harmful factors occurring in the surrounding environment. Adaptogens participate in regulating the condition of the central nervous system, they can increase the organism’s ability to adapt to heavy physical effort and intellectual work. These days, because of fast-paced lifestyle, overload of duties, limited regeneration and improper diet, people often feel tired, weak, irritable. It is in such moments that we seek help and find it in adaptogens.

To sum up, Hepatica Bacopa Monnieri is a dietary supplement recommended particularly for people who are burdened with a lot of intellectual effort or exposed to long-lasting effects of stress factors, and those who struggle with memory problems. As a nootropic, the product has a beneficial effect on cognitive functions as well, it improves working memory, reflex, fact association and the mood.