Abstract

A BIRD EYE REVIEW ON BRAHMI (BACOPA MONNIERI (LINN.)) A MEDICINAL HERB IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Deeksha*, Kiran Vashisht, Suresh Chaubey and D. C. Singh

Abstract

The plant Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) named as Brahmi, is a small and perennial creeping annual plant belonging to Scrophulariaceae family. Bramhi has been applied in Ayurveda since many generations as a nerve tonic and treatment of neurological disease. In the 16th century Bacopa is recommended in Ayurvedic text (Charaka Samhita) for the treatment of wide range of mental illness. It has such an incredible effect on neurological disorders that its work satisfies as its name after Lord Brahma, the legendary creator of Hindu Pantheon. Each chemical component in Brahmi has its own significant role in neuroprotection. The estimated annual market demand of B. monnieri was estimated at 1000 tons for the year 2000 and reported by Board of National Medicinal Plants. B. monnieri helps in preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine to help in memory enhancement by acting on its cognitive and related brain function. The current literature review emphasizes the effect on Psychiatric and neurological disorders of Brahmi.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Brahmi, Neurological diseases, Medhya.