Bacopa and ADHD | Bacopa benefits for ADD and ADHD

Bacopa herb also known water hyssop and Brahmi in Sanskrit is well known for its beneficial effects on the brain. Bacopa contains saponins that increase brain transmissions and help in manufacturing proteins that are responsible for creating memory. Bacopa not only stimulates brain functions, improving cognition skills, retentive skills and memory but it also pacifies the brain and has a soothing, tranquilizing effect. As a result Bacopa has been the subject of studies that show its beneficial effects on children with ADD and ADHD.

In a double blind study at BRD Medical College, at Gorakhpur, India, bacopa was administered to children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Positive results were shown after 12 weeks. There was great improvement in sentence repetition, logical memory and paired associated learning tasks. The children were given the test four weeks after the bacopa had been stopped which confirms that bacopa has positive and lasting effects.

Bacopa is regularly given to school children in India owing to its long known benefits in brain function improvement. In a study, 40 schoolchildren aged 6-8 were administered bacopa in a single-blind trial. The children had improved reaction and performance times and also improved in maze learning, immediate memory and perception. There were no side-effects.