5 replies to this topic

[Reformed-Redan]

Well, I've been having anxiety and decided to go back to bacopa.

I have to say the effects are immediate and well found with me. The lower dopamine is definitely a turn off; but, if that what it takes so be it. I just took 1g of standardzied bacopa extract. I like the effects, almost as good or even better than Xanax. I can definitely feel the lack of "umph" caused by dopamine, or rather the decrease in dopamine and increase in serotonin. It does have a good calming effect afaik. Anyone else have anything more substantial to say about their use of bacopa? I think it's a great nootropic overall and might stack well with selegiline to combat the "assholeness" associated with the increased dopamine buildup. I can somewhat appreciate the lower libido since it feels like my dick is getting in the way lately at school, home, everywhere. Any input appreciated.

[Reformed-Redan]

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/23195757

Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera: an experimental study.

Bhattacharya SK, Ghosal S.

Source

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Abstract

Bacopa monniera Wettst. (syn. Herpestis monniera L.; Hindi - Brahmi) is classified in Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of medicine, as Medhyarasayana, a group of plant derived drugs used as nervine tonics to promote mental health and improve memory and intellect. Earlier experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the memory-promoting action of the plant extracts and that of its active saponins, bacoside A and B. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract (bacoside A content 25.5 ± 0.8%) of B. monniera (BM), since the plant is used in Ayurveda in clinical conditions resembling the modern concept of anxiety disorders. The animal models used have been extensively validated as experimental models of anxiety and included the open-field, elevated plusmaze, social interaction and novelty-suppressed feeding latency tests in rats. BM was used at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o. and the results were compared with those elicited by lorazepam, a well known benzodiazepine anxiolytic, used at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, i.p. BM produced a dose-related anxiolytic activity, qualitatively comparable to that of lorazepam, in all the test parameters. However, statistically significant results were elicited usually by the higher two doses of BM. BM did not produce any significant motor deficit, at the doses used, as was evidenced by using the rota-rod test. The findings correlate with the clinical use of the plant in Ayurveda. The advantage of B. monniera over the widely used benzodiazepine anxiolytics lies in the fact that it promotes cognition unlike the amnesic action of the latter.

[Reformed-Redan]

This:

Researchers at the University of Montana have released results from a recent in vitro study on a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, a plant used widely and historically in the traditional Indian system of Ayurveda to enhance cognitive health, memory and mood. The results were presented at a poster session at the annual meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy held at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, in July. While previous in vitro studies on Bacopa focus on the neurotransmitters GABA and acetylcholine, this study provided direct evidence that Bacopa can also regulate the activity of specific serotonin receptors. The study concluded that the Bacopa extract displaces antagonist [3H] Ketanserin from serotonin receptor 5HT2a isolated from rats, and exhibited even stronger effects in its displacement of agonist 8-OH-DPAT from the 5HT1a receptor. The study also concluded that this Bacopa extract decreases cAMP production in cells with 5HT1a receptors, suggesting it causes an agonistic effect. This effect was similar to results from a previous study where Bacopa displayed antidepressant effects comparable to imipramine. Geni Herbs manufactured the Bacopa extract used in the study.

http://www.nutraceut...onin-receptor-/

Comparable with lorazepam and imipramine? Can't beat that. No need for an RC for anxiety then.

Edited by yadayada, 13 October 2013 - 01:48 AM.

[Reformed-Redan]

Thinking about combining Bacopa with green tea extract and selegiline. If I can increase the dopamine "umph" (will to achieve) and maintain the calming effects (no walking on eggshells), then this will be a complete win-win situation.

[juverulez]

Low dose of ephedrine seems to stack nicely with bacopa. Green tea just makes me jittery, tyrosine can work in a pinch too

[Galaxyshock]

I'm having similar experience, Bacopa works very well for anxiety. I take it with Rhodiola hoping to compensate for the dopamine-decrease a bit and also potentiate the antidepressive effect. I think the decreased cAMP-production is also a minus, I used to take Ginseng to balance it and the combination always felt pretty good. Bacopa can be a bit "demasculinizing" I feel, but it's a small price for its benefits.