Bacopa monnieri

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Water Hyssop

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Genus:	Bacopa
Species:	B. monnieri

Binomial name

Bacopa monnieri
L. Pennell^[1]

Bacopa monnieri is a perennial, creeping herb whose habitat includes wetlands and muddy shores. Common names include Water Hyssop and brahmi (note: brahmi is also the Ayurvedic name given to Centella asiatica and other herbs).

The leaves of this plant are succulent and relatively thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant. It can even grow in slightly brackish conditions. Propagation is often achieved through cuttings.

It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and is also found in Florida and other southern states of the USA where it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.

This plant has a number of uses in Ayurveda. It is a traditional treatment for epilepsy and asthma.^[2] Laboratory studies on rats indicate that extracts of the plant improve memory capacity and motor learning ability.^[2] Studies in humans show that an extract of the plant has antianxiety effects.^[2] It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. In India, this plant has also been used traditionally to consecrate newborn babies in the belief that it will open the gateway of intelligence. Recent studies suggest bacopa may improve intellectual activity.^[3]^[4] It has antioxidant properties, reducing oxidation of fats in the bloodstream.^[2]

This plant is also known as thyme-leafed gratiola and moneywort. Synonyms include Herpestris monnieria, Moniera euneifolia, Lysimachia monnieri, and Bacopa Monniera.

It is used in Vietnamese cuisine, where it is called rau đắng. It is used in cháo cá, a variety of rice congee made with fish and nấm tràm mushrooms.

[edit] See also

Ashwagandha

[edit] References

^ Bacopa monnieri information from NPGS/GRIN. www.ars-grin.gov. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Rajani, M., et al. "Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell) - A Medhya Rasaayana Drug of Ayurveda" in Ramawat, K. G., Ed. (2004). Biotechnology of Medicinal Plants: Vitalizer and Therapeutic Enfield, New Hampshire: Science Publishers, Inc.
^ C. Stough, J. Lloyd, J. Clarke, L. Downey, C. Hutchison, T. Rodgers, P. Nathan (2001). "The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects". Psychopharmacology (Berl).
^ S. Roodenrys, D. Booth, S. Bulzomi, A. Phipps, C. Micallef, J. Smoker (2002). "Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory". Neuropsychopharmacology (Wollongong) 27: 279. doi:10.1016/S0893-133X(01)00419-5.