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Our Members Asked:
Does Bacopa extract improve memory, mood, or sleep? Is it safe?
Answer:
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is an herb promoted to improve memory and cognition. It is sometimes found in formulas promoted for cognitive function or brain health, such as Alpha Brain, that include other ingredients such as ginkgo or ashwagandha.
However, studies investigating the effects of bacopa supplementation in people have generally been conducted in healthy adults without memory or cognitive deficits. Bacopa has also been studied for improving sleep in people with insomnia, for improving mood, and for symptoms of ADHD in children.
Sign in to find out what the research shows, including details about dosage, safety, drug interactions, and side effects with bacopa extract, how to avoid fake bacopa, and find out our top choice among bacopa supplements.
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14 Comments
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C23547
August 13, 2025I have been taking bacopa every night for about a year. It has reduced the symptoms of my restless leg syndrome. It has also reduced my level of anxiety. I don't notice any benefit for my memory. I have used various brands of bulk powder and have no financial interest in any of them.
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Andrew19345
April 21, 2024Is this the best or most researched supplement for improved short-term memory?
ConsumerLab.com
April 23, 2024Please see our article about supplements for memory and cognition for an overview of the evidence for other supplements proposed to help https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-any-supplements-help-with-brain-function/supplements-for-memory/.
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Bess19283
April 14, 2024I tried the Nutricost Bacopa Monnieri. Oh My!!! I have never experienced such horrific gastrointestinal issues! I tried taking one capsule on an empty stomach. Then I took one the following day after my fattiest meal. I took one with water, another one with milk and experienced the exact same symptoms each day I took one capsule. I had horrible acid reflux, extreme nausea, debilitating lower intestinal stomach cramps and ongoing watery diarrhea. I had no appetite and lost eight pounds in one week! After stopping the supplement, it took approximately 2-3 days to feel like myself again. I don’t know if this is Bacopa as a supplement or this particular brand that caused these effects. I purchased this brand on Amazon and a lot of the reviewers complain of the same symptoms. Just beware if you are starting this for the first time. Try it on the weekend to make sure you are close to a toilet! I do not have a financial interest in any Bacopa product.
ConsumerLab.com
April 17, 2024Thank you for sharing this. As discussed in the article, bacopa can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea.
cynthia21853
February 02, 2025Reading the reviews of this specific product--Nutricost Bacopa--on Amazon, a LOT of reviewers mentioned this problem.
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Zachary19251
April 11, 2024I love bacopa. It definitely helps me focus. No financial interest, but huge interest in natural remedies!
Frances23791
September 18, 2025I concur. I have been taking for a few weeks and find I can organize my "stuff" better. Tidier and handwriting less sloppy.
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LYNN19194
April 03, 2024What about Bulk Supplements? Quality, price?
ConsumerLab.com
July 30, 2024Bacopa Extract Powder by BulkSupplements.com would not be among our top choices for bacopa, as the brand is not standardized to bacoside content on its Supplements Facts panel (although the company does claim that the product is 50% bacosides on its website).
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Kris19144
March 30, 2024I, too have found benefits in taking bacopa. It is in a powder I mix in my morning coffee. I noticed a difference the first time I added it. It gave me more clarity in the morning; less brain fog. I can't say it improved my memory, but definitely cognitive abilities.
I do not have a financial interest in this product.
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Robert18765
February 18, 2024I have used bacopa monnieri for a number of years and do feel it has helped with things such as word-finding, as well as remembering names of individuals I had not thought of in decades.
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Karen15930
June 03, 2023Have been taking this for a while. Definitely have less "senior moments",
I do not have any financial interest.
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Michael15926
July 14, 2021Actually bacopa seemed to help stomach pain for me.
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