Composition of Brahmi

For centuries, brahmi, also known as bacopa monnieri, Indian Pennywort or Water Hyssop, has been used in India as a brain booster. This potent ayurvedic plant contains cholinergic chemical like gamma-aminobutyric acid, Bacosides A and B that help with nerve and cell rejuvenation. It is a natural relaxant and stress reliever and has been used in the treatment of stress, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It is also an antioxidant has been known to improve complexion and voice too. There are various compositions of brahmi that are used to treat various maladies.

Chemical Constituents

The chemicals present in brahmi which are responsible for its brain and nerve regenerative effects include hydocotylin, asiaticoside, valentine, pectic acid, sterol, fatty acids, tannin, volatile oils, absorbic acid, thancunisidea, thancunic acid, glycosides, bhrmaoside, bhramic acid, isobramic acid, bhrominoside, betulic acid and stigmasterol.

Brahmi Capsule Supplements

These are available in 250-milligram pills to be taken once or twice a day as a study aid or to sharpen mental focus. Brands in the market include Himalaya, Morpheme and Tattva's Herbs Organic.

Ashtanga Ghrita

This is a ghee-based preparation of brahmi is mixed with ingredients like acorus calamus, centella asiatica, asparagus, guruchi and milk. It is prescribed for longevity, smooth voice, improved memory function and intelligence.

Brahmi Ghritam

Another ghee based brahmi composition, brahmi ghritam includes acorus calamus, samkhapuspi, dry ginger, long pepper and others. It is prescribed for mental disorders, epilepsy, leprosy and helps improve memory.

Brihat Garbhachintamani Rasa

This brahmi composition contains black sulphide of mercury, iron, orpiment, mica, cinnamomum camphora and other herbs and minerals. It is prescribed to strengthen the fetus during pregnancy, as a remedy for morning sickness, menorrhagia and puperal diseases.

Saraswata Churna

Named after the Goddess of memory and intellect, Saraswati, this powder form brahmi also contains swagandha, Roch salt, ajowan, cumin, dry ginger, pepper, samkhapuspi, honey and acorus calamus. It helps with certain types of epilepsy and strengthens memory and intellect.

Saraswatarista

Sarawastarista is an alcoholic preparation of brahmi that includes asparagus, harda, viteveria zizanoids, ginger, honey, aswagandha, bahada, guruchi, elaichi and cinnamom. It is used to treat epilepsy, mental illness and semen disorders.

Unmadagajakeshari Rasa

The mercury-based preparation includes ingredients like sulphur and acorus calamus and is used to treat insanity, malarial fevers and epilepsy.

Brahmi Oil

The oil extracted from the brahmi plant is often used in India as a hair tonic and is purported to reduce hair loss, prevent balding and clear dandruff. Regular use makes hair healthy and strong.