Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a wetland plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for memory.
300 mg of extract a day.
What it is
Its active compounds, bacosides, act on communication between nerve cells. Its effects are slow: they appear after 8 to 12 weeks of continuous use.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Trials in people that point the same way, but still few, small or funded by the manufacturer.
Meta-analyses of 12-week trials show small improvements in memory and speed of learning, from studies of uneven quality. The effects do not appear before 8–12 weeks.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Attention | Meta-analysis of 9 trials lasting at least 12 weeks with 518 people: it improved attention speed and reaction time compared with placebo. The authors call for larger trials. | Kongkeaw et al.Journal of Ethnopharmacology |
| 2001 | Learning and memory | 12-week trial in healthy adults: 300 mg a day improved visual processing speed, learning and memory consolidation, and reduced anxiety compared with placebo. | Stough et al.Psychopharmacology |
What to look for on the label
- A standardised extract (45–55% bacosides) at the dose used in trials.
Precautions
- It can cause digestive discomfort.
- If you take thyroid medication, sedatives or drugs that slow the heart rate, ask first.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€€High endCalifornia Gold Nutrition
Bacopa extract (Synapsa®)
320 mg of Synapsa® (CDRI 08), 55% bacosides, per capsule
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€Mid rangeVitacost Root2
Bacopa with BaCognize®
300 mg of BaCognize®, 45% bacosides, per capsule
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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HSNShips from Spain€BudgetEssential Series
Bacopa extract 25:1
500 mg of extract (150 mg of bacosides) per capsule
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at HSN (opens in a new tab)With caveats. Provides 150 mg of bacosides, as in the trials, with a 30% extract.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.