This Indian herb has been shown to improve memory and brain health

Move over, trendy superfoods — there’s an ancient herb making waves in the wellness world. Say hello to bacopa, the powerhouse plant that’s been a staple in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries thanks to its memory-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s the latest must-have supplement for health-conscious consumers looking to sharpen their minds and boost their cognitive performance.Bacopa supplements are seeing a staggering 2,000 monthly Google searches on average — a 115% year-over-year increase, according to an analysis by beauty trend tracker Spate that was shared with Happi. Here’s a look at why it’s become so popular.Early research on bacopa benefits is promising, especially when it comes to brain health.In a study published last year, 80 adults took 300 milligrams of bacopa or a placebo every morning for 12 weeks.Those consuming bacopa showed significant improvements in memory, focus, concentration, alertness and mental flexibility.The benefits started kicking in after just two weeks, with memory improvements hitting clinical significance by week four.How exactly does bacopa work its magic on the brain? While scientists are still piecing it all together, the plant’s ingredients are believed to protect nerve cells, reduce inflammation, modulate stress hormones and positively affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Bacopa also has antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress — a process linked to major neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

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Never miss a story.But before you start reaching for bacopa as a cure-all, some studies offered mixed results.Research on bacopa effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s remains...