Randomized control, double blind cross-over study to clinically assess the Rasayana effect of a standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in adult human volunteers

Abstract

Bacopa monniera, a medhya-rasayna (memory augmenting and rejuvenating) plant of Ayurveda is well known for its neuro-pharmacological effects. The present study was a randomized control double blind, cross over design, in which participants were randomly allocated one of the two treatment conditions: bacosides enriched standardized extract of Bacopa monniera (BESEB-CDRI-08) (n=41) or an identical capsule placebo (n=13). After six month the volunteer were switched to alternate treatment (cross over).The effect on hemoglobin was determined by Sahli ́s method, glucose estimation was done by semi auto analyzer, oxygen caring capacity and pulse by pulse oxy-meter, hand grip by muscle strength tester and anxiety, well being, improvement in sleep abnormality and walking effect were evaluated by visual analog scale. BESEB -CDRI-08 significantly improved the treatment and period effect in hemoglobin, oxygen caring capacity, well being, walking, and hand grip. Treatment effect was significantly improved in anxiety, sleep abnormality and decrees in glucose level and period effect was significant in pulse. The findings suggest that BESEB-CDRI-08 significantly improves the rejuvenating effect by improving the above rejuvenating factor and thus confirms the rasayana effect.