Bacopa: Behind the hype surrounding new “wonder drug” claimed to boost cognitive health

Hundreds of thousands of people have been turning to a new natural "wonder drug" said to boost brain health, reverse signs of ageing, and enhance memory. International media outlets have recently spotlighted an Indian herb known as bacopa — or by its full botanical name, Bacopa monnieri — an aquatic flower long used in ancient Eastern medicine. New scientific studies have reportedly found that bacopa can enhance brain function, fueling this sudden global fascination. A British professor of physiology of ageing has now urged caution, noting the claims may not be as clear-cut as headlines suggest.

Following the publicity surge, interest in the new supplement exploded, with Google searches for bacopa having hit 2,000 a month, and TikTok videos mentioning it now average 13,000 views a week. Bacopa’s recent rise in popularity stems largely from a new study showing that consuming the plant brought significant improvements in memory and cognitive skills, including concentration, alertness, reasoning, and mental flexibility. Researchers reported enhancements across all types of memory—short-term, working, and episodic memory (the recollection of everyday events).

Speaking to The Conversation publication, Prof. James Goodwin from the Loughborough University said: “The researchers also reported other brain health benefits. Anxiety and cortisol levels in the blood dropped significantly, while sleep quality and serum BDNF levels increased. BDNF, a protein naturally produced in the brain, stimulates the generation of new brain cells throughout our lives. If I had wanted a miracle, perhaps I had found it."

But he added a note of skepticism: "Millions of people over centuries have trusted this supplement for mental and physical health. Yet, while history teaches us much, not everything it teaches is true. So, what does the scientific evidence really show?"

According to Goodwin, one of the earliest studies on bacopa’s effects was published in 2008. Since then, although several studies — many using the gold standard of randomized controlled trials — have shown positive effects on memory and anxiety, the overall picture remains mixed. Bacopa contains powerful compounds called bacosides, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiety-reducing properties. However, not every study has demonstrated clear benefits. A 2021 review found only six rigorous studies supporting bacopa’s memory-enhancing and neuroprotective claims, highlighting that evidence is still limited.

Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken note. A Houston-based company marketing bacopa with unproven medical claims received a warning letter, giving them 15 days to correct their advertising or face sanctions, including fines.

The FDA reminds consumers that “dietary supplements are regulated as food, not drugs," meaning they aren't required to meet the same standards for efficacy or safety. They also caution that some supplements, including bacopa, can interact with medications or underlying health conditions.

Prof. Goodwin elaborated: "Bacopa is known to inhibit acetylcholine, an important brain chemical. This could interfere with cholinergic drugs used for conditions like dementia, glaucoma, or urinary retention. While generally safe for most people, bacopa is not advisable for those with thyroid disorders, asthma, COPD, genital issues, stomach ulcers, or for pregnant individuals."

He concluded by pointing out that "the wisdom of tradition is not infallible. Media frenzy does not make a supplement effective or safe. The real takeaway? Before spending your hard-earned money on the next big thing, pause, research, think critically, and make informed decisions. After all, science, since the days of Newton, has served humanity quite well."

By Nazrin Sadigova