PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILES OF BACOPA MONNIERI: A Review

Sudharani D, Krishna KL, Deval K, Safia AK and Priya

In recent times, the use of herbal products has increased tremendously in the western world as well as in developed countries. One of the important medicinal plants, widely used therapeutically in the orient and becoming increasingly popular in the west is Bacopa monnieri, a well-known nootropic herb. The plant being traditional Ayurvedic medicine used for centuries as a memory enhancing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antiepileptic agent. The present review summarizes current knowledge of pharmacological actions, major bioactive(s), reported mechanisms of actions and the possibility of interactions of the herb with the conventional drugs. Simultaneously, research updates as well as avenues for further research are also mentioned concerning the plant.