Bacopa monnieri, a Neuroprotective Lead in Alzheimer Disease: A Review on Its Properties, Mechanisms of Action, and Preclinical and Clinical Studies

July 2019
Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap, Shantini Vijayabalan, Priya Madhavan, Yoke Yin Chia, Aditya Arya, Eng Hwa Wong, Farzana Rizwan, Umesh Bindal, and Shajan Koshy

Abstract

Alzheimer disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is signified by cognitive decline, memory loss, and erratic behavior. Till date, no cure for Alzheimer exists and the current Alzheimer medications have limited effectiveness. However, herbal medicines may slow down the diseases progression, which may hopefully reduce the number of cases in the years to come.

Numerous studies have been done on characterizing the neuroprotective properties from plants belonging to Scrophulariaceae family, particularly Bacopa monnieri and its polyphenolic compounds known as bacosides.

This review presents the findings on bacosides in therapeutic plants and their impact on Alzheimer disease pathology. These reports present data on the clinical, cellular activities, phytochemistry, and biological applications that may be used in new drug treatment for Alzheimer disease.