Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Obesity Potential of Extracts Containing Phenols, Chlorophyll and Carotenoids from Mexican Wild Populations of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst

Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Exploring the excellence of commercial Brahmi products from Thai online markets: Unraveling phytochemical contents, antioxidant properties and DNA damage protection

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.) is extensively used as a nutritional supplement in various commercial products as the plant contains abundant phytochemicals and has antioxidant properties. This study assessed the phytochemical contents, antioxidant properties, and DNA damage protection among seven Brahmi products sold through Thai online markets. Results showed that the P6 sample exhibited 3.5-7.5 fold higher bacoside contents than values observed in the other six product samples. The P6 sample also demonstrated the highest TTC, TFC, and TPC compared to the other brands. For antioxidant activity, the samples (P1-P7) displayed high capacity to scavenge DPPH free radicals with slightly significant differences ranging from 78.37 ± 0.25 to 87.21 ± 0.05 at p-value ≤0.01. The P6 sample showed strong protection against H2O2-induced oxidation of DNA strand breakage, indicating highly potent phytochemical compounds with effective free radical scavenging activity, and the ability to prevent DNA damage. The P6 sample showed promise as a valuable ingredient for the development of functional food products. However, further in vivo animal and clinical studies are required to explore the neuroprotective enhancement effects of Brahmi extracts.