Research Gist
This 90-day randomized, double-blind study investigated whether a standardized Bacopa monniera extract could improve cognition in healthy adults aged 18–60 years. Participants received either 300 mg of the extract daily or placebo and completed computerized cognitive tests before and after treatment.
Among the 62 participants who completed the study with adequate compliance, Bacopa improved the overall working-memory measure and reduced false responses during a rapid information-processing task. However, it did not significantly improve every cognitive domain, suggesting a selective rather than universal cognitive effect.
Key Learnings
- 107 healthy adults were recruited, while 62 completed the trial with at least 80% treatment compliance: 33 received Bacopa and 29 received placebo.
- Participants took 300 mg/day for 90 days, provided as two 150 mg capsules of a standardized extract containing at least 55% combined bacosides A and B.
- The Bacopa group showed a significant improvement in the composite working-memory factor.
- Spatial working-memory accuracy improved numerically, although the individual comparison was borderline at p = 0.051.
- Participants receiving Bacopa produced significantly fewer false alarms during the Rapid Visual Information Processing task.
- Significant benefits were not demonstrated across all assessed domains, including secondary memory, attention accuracy and processing-speed factors.
- The extract was generally reasonably tolerated, although diarrhoea was reported more frequently with Bacopa. Three Bacopa participants and two placebo participants withdrew because of treatment-related adverse effects. The modest final sample, substantial attrition and use of one extract and dose limit generalization.
