Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri : A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis

• Published in: Antioxidants 2024-03, Vol.13 (4), p.393
• Main Authors: Valotto Neto, Luiz José, Reverete de Araujo, Matheus, Moretti Junior, Renato Cesar, Mendes Machado, Nathalia, Joshi, Rakesh Kumar, Dos Santos Buglio, Daiene, Barbalho Lamas, Caroline, Direito, Rosa, Fornari Laurindo, Lucas, Tanaka, Masaru, Barbalho, Sandra Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Alzheimer’s disease; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Bacopa monnieri; Betulinic acid; Biomarkers; Clinical trials; cognition; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Dementia; Disease; Hedonic response; Impulsive behavior; Inflammation; Kinases; Memory; Mental disorders; Metabolism; Natural products; Neurodegenerative diseases; Neurogenesis; Neurological disorders; Neuroprotection; Neurotransmission; Oxidative stress; Phosphorylation; Quercetin; Recovery of function; Synaptic transmission; Systematic review; Therapeutic applications
• ISSN: 2076-3921; 2076-3921
• DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040393

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.