Brahmi in Alzheimer's Treatment: An Ayurvedic Systematic Review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Effect of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease from Ayurvedic Perspective - A Systematic Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Raut Disha Anil
PG Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhanta, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Amer road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Meena Jaikishan
Assistant Professor, Dept of Ayurved Samhita and Siddhanta, Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Ayurved College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Arti
PG Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhanta, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Amer road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Anshul
PG Scholar Department of Agadatantra, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Amer road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Effect of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease from Ayurvedic Perspective - A Systematic Review
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10iSuppl3.1266
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Alzheimer's disease poses a significant global challenge, primarily affecting memory and cognitive function in individuals aged 65 and above. Ayurveda identifies Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) as a potential memory-enhancing treatment. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of Brahmi in treating Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive impairments by evaluating various studies and existing literature.
Efficacy of Brahmi in Cognitive Enhancement
The review analyzed five relevant studies focusing on the effects of Bacopa Monnieri on Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These investigations observed various cognitive assessment scales, including the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). While some studies reported statistically significant differences in cognitive improvements between Bacopa Monnieri and pharmaceuticals like donepezil, the overall evidence was deemed low in certainty due to methodological variances and small sample sizes. Additionally, none of the studies provided specific data on the efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri across different stages of Alzheimer’s or tested various dosages.
Safety and Quality of Evidence
The review found that no major safety issues were reported among the trials, indicating that Bacopa Monnieri may be well-tolerated. However, the quality of evidence was assessed as very low due to high risks of bias and inconsistent findings across studies. Despite noting some cognitive improvements, particularly in personal memory assessments and executive functions, the heterogeneity in study designs made conclusive interpretations challenging. The authors emphasized the absence of substantial data linking Bacopa Monnieri use directly to improved outcomes in Alzheimer’s symptomatic treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) shows promise as a memory enhancer within the context of Ayurveda and preliminary studies, the systematic review highlights that current research lacks strong evidence to significantly support its efficacy compared to standard treatments like donepezil. The authors advocate for further studies employing consistent methodologies, larger participant pools, and comprehensive outcome measures to ascertain the potential benefits of Bacopa Monnieri in managing Alzheimer’s disease and similar cognitive impairments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of Brahmi in Alzheimer’s treatment?
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is described in Ayurveda as a memory-enhancing herb that may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease, though evidence remains inconclusive and of low certainty based on current studies.
How many studies were included in the systematic review?
The systematic review included five studies that primarily assessed the efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri in treating Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, all showing varied results but with significant limitations.
What were the findings regarding the effectiveness of Bacopa Monnieri?
The review indicated minimal differences between Bacopa Monnieri and placebo or donepezil treatments, suggesting limited confidence in its efficacy for cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s disease.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Brahmi in Alzheimer's Treatment: An Ayurvedic Systematic Review�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Alzheimer's disease is discussed throughout the article, emphasizing its impact on memory and the challenges in treating it effectively using Ayurveda and Bacopa Monnieri.
2) Brahmi:
Brahmi, also known as Bacopa Monnieri, is highlighted as a memory-enhancing drug in Ayurveda, potentially effective in treating Alzheimer's disease according to the systematic review.
3) Miṇi (Mini):
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a cognitive test used in the studies reviewed to assess the impact of Brahmi on cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda provides the traditional framework and medicinal context for using Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) as a memory enhancer in treating Alzheimer's disease.
5) Sadhu:
Sadhu et al. conducted one of the studies reviewed, comparing a polyherbal formulation including Brahmi to donepezil and investigating its efficacy on cognitive functions.
6) Drug:
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is described as a drug in Ayurveda texts, used for enhancing memory and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease in various clinical trials.
7) Depression:
Depression is mentioned as a symptom in the mild or early phase of Alzheimer's disease, and self-rating depression scales were used in some studies involving Brahmi.
8) Disha (Disa):
Raut Disha Anil is one of the authors of the systematic review, contributing to the research on the effects of Brahmi on Alzheimer's disease.
9) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is the state in India where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located, where some of the contributing authors of the systematic review work.
10) Smriti (Smrti):
Smriti, meaning memory in Sanskrit, is discussed in the context of Ayurveda, where Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is traditionally used to enhance memory functions.
11) Jaipur:
Jaipur is the city in Rajasthan where the National Institute of Ayurveda and other institutions involved in the research are located.
12) Animal:
[see source text or glossary: Animal]
13) India:
India is where the National Institute of Ayurveda and other institutions involved in the systematic review of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) are located.
14) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSHDHARA is the publication in which the systematic review was published, focusing on research in AYUSH and allied systems, specifically Ayurveda in this context.
15) Death:
Death is mentioned as a potential outcome in the severe phase of Alzheimer's disease, leading to complications like bedsores, difficulties in swallowing, and urination.
16) Smritinasha (Smrtinasa, Smriti-nasha):
Smritinasha, meaning loss of memory, is mentioned as a symptom in Ayurveda that can be correlated with Alzheimer's disease, for which Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is used.
17) Discussion:
The discussion in the article focuses on evaluating the evidence from studies on Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) in treating Alzheimer's disease and identifying gaps in research.
18) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta refers to the principles of Ayurveda, under which the effects of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) on Alzheimer's disease are being reviewed and analyzed.
19) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is a classical Ayurvedic scholar who considers Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) a prime drug for conditions characterized by memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease.
20) Samhita:
Samhita refers to the Ayurvedic texts that describe the uses and benefits of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) in enhancing memory and treating cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's disease.
21) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the bio-elements in Ayurveda, with Vata, Pitta, and Kapha being predominant at different life stages, affecting health and disease, including cognitive functions.
22) Dhara:
DHARA online is one of the search engines used to mine data on published research works involving the use of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) in Alzheimer's disease.
23) Vata:
Vata represents the biological humor related to nervous system functions, which becomes particularly significant in old age in Ayurveda, where Brahmi is used to manage its vitiation.
24) Dioscorea bulbifera:
Dioscorea bulbifera is one of the components in the polyherbal formulation studied by Sadhu et al. for its impact on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease.
25) Crocus sativus:
Crocus sativus is mentioned as a component in a combination therapy studied by Cicero et al., which included Bacopa Monnieri for cognitive improvement.
26) Smritibhramsha (Smriti-bhramsha, Smrtibhramsa):
Smritibhramsha, meaning disturbed memory, is a symptom described in Ayurveda where memory is affected by Rajas and Tamas, potentially treatable with Brahmi.
27) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the plant-based chemical compounds found in Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), which are studied for their cognitive-enhancing properties in Alzheimer's disease.
28) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
Agadatantra is an Ayurvedic department focusing on toxicology, with one of the authors (Anshul) being a PG Scholar in this department at the National Institute of Ayurveda.
29) Drowsiness:
Drowsiness was reported as an adverse effect in studies involving Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), although specific data on the number of participants were not detailed.
30) Prathama:
[see source text or glossary: Prathama]
31) Apasmara:
Apasmara in Ayurveda is a condition characterized by loss of memory and consciousness, for which Vagbhata considers Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) a prime treatment.
32) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda, like Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), help preserve bodily functions by subduing vitiated Vata and enhancing overall well-being, especially in old age.
33) Language:
[see source text or glossary: Language]
34) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja dosha, one of the biological humors in Ayurveda, predominates in the early part of life, influencing health conditions including neurological functions.
35) Buddhi:
Buddhi, meaning intellect in Ayurveda, is believed to decline with age, and Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is used to support and enhance cognitive functions.
36) Caraka:
Caraka is a classical Ayurvedic text that notes cognitive decline (Smriti) starting around the age of 60, for which Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) may be used.
37) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
38) Nausea:
Nausea was reported as an adverse effect in some of the studies on Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), though detailed data on occurrences were not provided.
39) Khanda (Khamda):
Khanda refers to sections or parts of classical Ayurveda texts such as Sharangadhara Samhita, which discuss cognitive functions and memory enhancement.
40) Rajas:
Rajas, one of the three qualities in Ayurveda, is associated with passion and activity, and when imbalanced, it can affect memory (Smriti) requiring treatment with Brahmi.
41) Pitta:
Pitta dosha in Ayurveda, related to enzymatic and hormonal functions, predominates in middle age, impacting cognitive health and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
42) Tamas:
Tamas, another quality in Ayurveda, is related to darkness and inactivity, and its imbalance can lead to memory loss (Smriti) treatable by Brahmi.
43) Jara (Jara°, Jará):
Jara, meaning aging in Ayurveda, is associated with cognitive decline where Smritinasha (loss of memory) can be treated with Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri).
44) Raja:
[see source text or glossary: Raja]
45) Tama:
[see source text or glossary: Tama]
46) Shri (Sri, Sr):
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Ayurved College and Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, employs one of the article's authors (Meena Jaikishan) as an Assistant Professor.
47) Beta:
Beta amyloid is a cerebrospinal fluid biomarker used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, mentioned in the study by Prabhakar et al. involving Brahmi.
48) Arti:
Arti is one of the authors of the systematic review, contributing research on the effects of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) on Alzheimer’s disease from an Ayurvedic perspective.
49) Mud:
Mood changes, including depression, are symptoms of the early phase of Alzheimer's disease, which is assessed in studies involving Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) for cognitive improvement.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Brahmi in Alzheimer's Treatment: An Ayurvedic Systematic Review�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Cognitive function, Memory improvement, Quality of life, Alzheimer's disease, Randomized controlled trial, Clinical trial, Herbal formulation, Neuroprotective agent, Mild cognitive impairment, Cognitive impairment, Dementia, Systematic Review, PRISMA guidelines, Functional outcome, Bacopa monnieri, Adverse event, Neuroimaging, Memory enhancing drug.