Bacopa monnieri has a long history in Ayurveda as a medicine for memory and learning. If you’ve already heard about ashwagandha’s stress-relief benefits, the next logical question is, ‘What are bacopa’s benefits, and does it have any side effects?’ For most healthy adults, it’s easy to take, but it can cause side effects. Here’s what scientific references say.
What Bacopa Does Well
In over a dozen small human studies, the active ingredients in bacopa, bacosides, are associated with improved recall and focus. These can take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation to appear. Do not expect to feel anything in your first 48 hours.
Common Bacopa Extract Side Effects
- Nausea, mostly when taken on an empty stomach
- Looser stools or more frequent bowel movements
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness or a sleepy spell in the afternoon
These reactions are usually mild, and many people find they fade within a couple of weeks. Higher doses make them more likely.
Who Should Be Careful
- Pregnant or nursing women, since reliable safety data is missing
- Anyone with a stomach or intestinal ulcer
- People with a slow resting heart rate
- Those with asthma or a urinary blockage
- Patients on thyroid medicine
- Anyone taking sedatives or drugs that act on acetylcholine
Drug Interactions Worth Knowing
Bacopa influences acetylcholine activity and may raise thyroid hormone levels. Raise these with your doctor before combining them:
- Thyroid hormone tablets, where the effect may stack
- Anticholinergic drugs, which bacopa may weaken
- Cholinergic drugs, where effects may add up
- Sedatives and other central nervous system depressants
- Medicines cleared by the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 liver enzymes
Ashwagandha Side Effects Compared with Bacopa
Some consumers compare the two herbs, but they aren’t equal. The ashwagandha negatives include upset stomach, daytime sleepiness, and rarely, liver damage. It is most well known for stress and sleep, but ashwagandha benefits for women are quite routinely found in talks about mood and hormone balance. Bacopa’s main use isn’t for relaxation, but “Focus and memory”. So if you are thinking of getting both, keep in mind that daytime sleepiness can add up, so consult your doctor before doing so.
How to Lower Your Risk
- Take it with a meal
- Start with a low dose and raise it slowly
- Stay within the label dose
- Give it eight to twelve weeks before judging results
- Tell your doctor about every supplement you use
Stop and Call a Doctor If You Notice
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that does not settle
- A very slow pulse, dizziness, or fainting
- Rash, swelling or trouble breathing
- Any symptom that keeps getting worse
Why Extroil Naturals Bacopa Extract?
Many complaints about herbal supplements come down to quality: uneven potency, fillers, and vague labels. Extroil Naturals Bacopa Extract is made for buyers who read labels and want to know what they are taking.
- Standardised for consistent bacoside content
- Clear dosage directions
- Ingredients selected with quality in mind
- Suited to a daily routine for focus and memory
If that sounds like what you are looking for, visit the Bacopa Extract page for full product details.
Bacopa can increase memory and focus but is still delicate, so use with care. Take with food, start low, and talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking. Use a quality product and common sense.
This information should not be used for Diagnosis or Treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take bacopa daily?
Generally tolerated well in most healthy adults at recommended doses (preferably with food). Getting a doctor’s opinion before consuming it regularly will help.
When do bacopa side effects start?
Early on. Stomach upset symptoms usually come after a couple of days. It can be easier to add it to a snack.
Can I take bacopa and ashwagandha together?
Yes, but when combined, they might give you a sore abdomen or sleepiness. Make sure you seek the advice of your health care provider before combining these two.
Who shouldn’t take bacopa?
Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an ulcer, a slow heart rate, a thyroid problem or are using other medicines that can interact with this.