Scientists have discovered a plant supplement that may improve memory and concentration, showing surprising results in clinical trials.
“Daily Mail” reported that the supplement called bacopa, which sells for around £5 (about €6), has gained popularity after claims that it is a natural remedy for ADHD and anxiety.
A study by Indian scientists showed that this supplement could have the power to enhance the brain when taken daily for just three months. The results showed that those who took bacopa performed better on tests measuring memory, concentration, alertness, reasoning, and mental flexibility.
They also showed lower levels of hormones linked to stress and anxiety compared to the group that took the placebo.
According to the authors, who published the results in the Gavin Publishers journal, the group that took bacopa also had higher levels of a protein linked to the production of new brain cells.
The benefits of bacopa for the brain are related to a substance called bacosides, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This supplement had gained significant attention, with many users promoting it on TikTok, claiming it has memory benefits.
However, experts have warned about the risks that may come with using this supplement. Professor James Goodwin, an aging science expert from Loughborough University, explained that bacopa could make some medications less effective.
“It interferes with an important substance in the brain, acetylcholine, and may counteract medications for conditions like dementia, glaucoma, and urinary retention,” he said.
Additionally, the use of bacopa could reduce the effectiveness of medications for treating chronic lung diseases, which also occur by altering acetylcholine levels. Common side effects of bacopa include digestive issues such as nausea and abdominal pain. Therefore, patients with stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be cautious.
The study involved 80 participants, aged 18 to 55, who were given either a 300 mg dose of bacopa or a placebo. Tests were conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of the three-month period. Some of the memory tasks included repeating a list of numbers, memorizing the position of squares on a screen, and searching for a specific object in a filled space. Concentration tests included word and color puzzles.
Meanwhile, although the results seem promising, experts say there is still insufficient evidence to confirm the health benefits of bacopa. The Indian scientists who led the trial and were funded by a company that manufactures bacopa supplements believe that the results could have implications for those seeking a natural way to improve brain health. They also emphasized that “unlike synthetic drugs for enhancing mental abilities, which can cause addiction, plant-based supplements are less harmful and more sustainable.”