Bacopa monnierias an Antioxidant Therapy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in the Aging Brain

Abstract

The detrimental effect of neuronal cell death due to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The Indian herbBacopa monnieriis a dietary antioxidant, with animal andin vitrostudies indicating several modes of action that may protect the brain against oxidative damage. In parallel, several studies using the CDRI08 extract have shown that extracts ofBacopa monnieriimprove cognitive function in humans. The biological mechanisms of this cognitive enhancement are unknown. In this review we discuss the animal studies andin vivoevidence forBacopa monnierias a potential therapeutic antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive function. We suggest that future studies incorporate neuroimaging particularly magnetic resonance spectroscopy into their randomized controlled trials to better understand whether changes in antioxidant statusin vivocause improvements in cognitive function.