Latin: Bacopa monnieri Family: Scrophulariaceae Vernacular names: Sanskrit - Brahmi; Hindi - Brambhi; English - Thyme-leaved Grariola; Bengali - Brahmi-sak; Tamil - Nirbrahmi; Japanese - Otomeazene Part Used: whole plant, roots, leaves, stalks
Ayurvedic Energetics:
Doshas: VK- ; P+ Pharmacological Action: nervine tonic, diuretic, sedative Clinical Research:Brahmi is reported to have sedative as well as cardiotonic effects due to the presence of hersaponin, one of four saponins isolated fom the plant. , In 50 mg/kg doses, alcoholic extracts produced mild tranquilizing effects on albino rats and dogs. The alcoholic extract of the entire plant displayed anticancer activity against Walker carcinosarcoma 256 in rats. Oral administration of the alcoholic extract in aqueous suspension for three or more days was found to improve the learning curve in rats in various learning situations. Traditional Uses:Brahmi is used in the treatment of asthma, hoarseness, anxiety, epilepsy, and neurasthenia. It is also useful as a diuretic and aperient. A paste made from the leaves is used in rheumatic joint pain; a poultice of the entire boiled plant is applied to the chest in bronchitis and chronic cough. It is used to prepare a number of important Ayurvedic preparations (Brahmighritam, Brahmirasayanam) which are given to those suffering from anxiety and emotional stress. Indications: emotional stress, mental exhaustion, forgetfulness, anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, cough, hoarseness, water retention, rheumatic joint pain.
Formulations and Dosage:
Kapoor, LD, CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Med Plants, 61, 1990.
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