Compound or practice · Supplement
Bacopa Monnieri
The nootropic that actually improves memory — but slowly, over 8–12 weeks, not on the day you take it.
- Overall grade
- Grade B
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade B · 1 at grade D — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Memory (chronic)Evidence grade B
Delayed recall; 8–12 weeks
Smallmixed
- Acute cognitionEvidence grade D
No same-day effect
Trivialhigh
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Acute cognition (grade D).
- Studies disagree: Memory (chronic) (mixed agreement).
The evidence in words
What it is
Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb standardized to bacosides, used traditionally for memory. Unlike stimulants, it works by accumulation.
How it works
Bacosides appear to support synaptic signaling and dendritic growth and have antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, consistent with a gradual memory effect.
What the evidence shows
Meta-analyses find a genuine improvement in memory acquisition and recall (notably delayed recall) with chronic dosing of ~300 mg/day standardized extract over 8–12 weeks. There is no acute effect, which is why casual users miss it. GI upset is the common downside.
How to use it
300 mg/day of a standardized extract (≥50% bacosides) with food, for at least 8–12 weeks. Consistency beats timing.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe; GI upset (cramping, loose stools) is common, easing when taken with food. Mild sedative and thyroid-hormone-raising signals in animals.
Bottom line
A rare nootropic with real memory data — but you must take it daily for 2–3 months. 300 mg standardized with food; not for same-day effect.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- 300 mg standardized daily, with food, 8–12+ weeks.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Bacopa Monnieri for Acute cognitionEvidence grade D — No same-day effectEvidence grade D
- Bacopa Monnieri for Memory (chronic)Evidence grade B — Delayed recall; 8–12 weeksEvidence grade B
- Bacopa Monnieri: dosage and how to take it300 mg standardized daily, with food, 8–12+ weeks.Evidence grade B
- Bacopa Monnieri: side effects, safety & interactionsGenerally safe; GI upset (cramping, loose stools) is common, easing when taken with food. Mild sedative and thyroid-hormEvidence grade B
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.