Abstract
Background and Objectives
Bacopa monnieri is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine with traditional uses for memory and cognitive function. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of supplementation with a Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacumen®) on cognitive function, stress, and fatigue in adults with self-reported memory and attention problems.
Study Design
Two-arm, 12-week, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Methods
Overall, 101 volunteers aged 40–70 years with self-reported memory and attention problems were supplemented with 300 mg daily of a Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacumen®) (n = 50) or a placebo (n = 51). Outcome measures included several computer and researcher-administered cognitive tasks assessing verbal learning, attention and working memory (primary outcome measures) and self-report measures assessing memory, mood, and fatigue (secondary outcome measures). Changes in blood concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, and acetylcholine esterase activity were also examined. Cognitive assessments, blood collections and self-reported questionnaires were completed in person on day 0 and week 12. Moreover, self-report questionnaires were completed online at weeks 4 and 8. Participants, researchers and the statistician were blinded until all data was collected and a blind review was completed.
Results
Of the 101 participants randomized, 87 participants completed the study, 47 in the placebo group and 40 in the Bacopa monnieri group. On the basis of complete data collected from 87 participants, there were no between-group differences in changes in the primary outcome measures comprising verbal learning (p = 0.391), attention (p = 0.713), and working memory (p = 0.610). However, in the Bacopa-supplemented participants, there were greater reductions in overall self-reported stress reactivity (p = 0.03); and fatigue and stress levels after exposure to a cognitive-demanding computer task (secondary outcome measures). There were no group differences in changes in blood concentrations of measured markers. Bacopa monnieri supplementation was generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse reactions, although there was a greater frequency of self-reported adverse reactions in the Bacopa monnieri group (p = 0.024), primarily comprising digestive complaints and headaches.
Conclusions
The results from this study indicate that compared with the placebo, Bacopa monnieri supplementation for 12 weeks did not result in greater improvements in cognitive performance. However, stress reduction and anti-fatigue effects were identified, which requires investigation in future trials.
Clinical Trials Registration Number
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR)—ACTRN12623000475640.
