Effects of 12-WeekBacopa monnieriConsumption on Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, and Functions of Both Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems in Healthy Elderly Volunteers

Abstract

At present, the scientific evidence concerning the effect of Bacopa monnieri on brain activity together with working memory is less available. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of B. monnieri on attention, cognitive processing, working memory, and cholinergic and monoaminergic functions in healthy elderly. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design was utilized. Sixty healthy elderly subjects (mean age 62.62 years; SD 6.46), consisting of 23 males and 37 females, received either a standardized extract of B. monnieri (300 and 600 mg) or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. The cholinergic and monoaminergic systems functions were determined using AChE and MAO activities. Working memory was assessed using percent accuracy and reaction time of various memory tests as indices, whereas attention and cognitive processing were assessed using latencies and amplitude of N100 and P300 components of event-related potential. All assessments were performed before treatment, every four weeks throughout study period, and at four weeks after the cessation of intervention. B. monnieri-treated group showed improved working memory together with a decrease in both N100 and P300 latencies. The suppression of plasma AChE activity was also observed. These results suggest that B. monnieri can improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory partly via the suppression of AChE activity.

A Review on the Antioxidant and Therapeutic Potential of Bacopa monnieri

“…A dose-dependent free radical scavenging capacity and a protective effect against DNA damage by methanolic extract of B. monnieri was also reported by Russo et al [26] and Anand et al [20]. Lipid peroxidation brought about by FeSO 4 and cumene hydroperoxide was significantly reduced by bacopa treatment in animal models by chelating Fe 2+ [27]. Radical quenching activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of B. monnieri was also widely reported [28].…”

Phytochemicals for Improving Aspects of Cognitive Function and Psychological State Potentially Relevant to Sports Performance

“…One of the included studies also demonstrated a decreased latency of evoked potentials to stimuli (i.e. faster cerebro-electrical processing) using EEG [ 219 ].…”

Brahmi (<italic>Bacopa monnieri</italic>): Up-to-date of memory boosting medicinal plant: A review

“…The bacosides also aid in repair of damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal synthesis, restoration of synaptic activity, and nerve impulse transmission (Singh and Dhawan, 1997). Peth-Nui et al (2012) demonstrated that B. monnieri suppresses acetylcholinesterase activity resulting in enhanced Peng et al, 2010;Ghosh et al, 2011a;Patil et al, 2014Antidepressant activity Shen et al, 2009Hazra et al, 2012;Sindhu et al, 2014;Ramana Murty Kadali et al, 2014;Mannan et al, 2015Antidiabetic activity Ghosh et al, 2008Ghosh et al, 2011b;Prasenjit et al, Uabundit et al, 2010;Aguiar and Borowski, 2013 cholinergic function, which in turn enhances attention and memory processing and increases working memory in elderly people.…”