Abstract
Bacosides, a memory enhancer isolated from Brahmi. The herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Penn., is a reputed traditional remedy, finds its first mention in Atharvaveda. Subsequently it has been referred too in Charaka and Susruta Samhita and other Ayurvedic Materia Medica. In traditional system of medicines, Brahmi is considered to be a valuable nervine tonic used in insanity, epilepsy and hoarseness. It is also reported to be a powerful diuretic, laxative, useful in inflammation, leprosy, scabies, leucoderma and syphilis. Because of its multifarious uses against several ailments, it has been thoroughly investigated in recent years. The recent studies have indicated that it enhances the memory of rats in several learning tests. Bacosides, the saponin mixture, isolated from the plant, have been found to be responsible for promoting memory and learning in the experimental animals. Therefore, standardised Brahmi extract, a herbal remedy for memory improvement, was developed by C.D.R.I., which has been commercialised by Velvette International Pharma Industries Ltd., Madras, under the trade name Memory Plus and Memory Plus Candy.
The present paper deals with the correct botanical name, synonyms, vernacular name, brief description, phenology, ecology, traditional medicinal uses and distribution of Bacopa monnieri in India.
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