Bacopa monnieri extract is bitter, and studies report stomach upsets at common doses. It is also sold under a name, brahmi, that two different plants share. A good formula deals with all three: identity, taste and tolerability.
Confirm the Plant
“Brahmi” refers to Bacopa monnieri in most of India, but the name is also used for gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Put the Latin name and plant part on the specification and the label. See the two brahmis.
Grade and Method
Bacoside grades are usually quoted by UV: 20%, 40% and 50%. HPLC measures named bacosides, such as bacoside A, and gives a lower number for the same lot. Write the method next to the percentage. Our stock grade is 20% bacosides by UV, with an HPLC bacoside A report available per batch. See bacosides: HPLC vs UV.
Dose and Capsule Fill
Many studies used 300 mg of standardised extract a day. Morgan and Stevens (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010) gave 300 mg a day for 12 weeks. Stough and colleagues (Psychopharmacology, 2001) used the same daily amount.
300 mg of extract fits a size 1 or 0 capsule on its own, or a two-capsule serving in a blend. Check that your extract grade and method match the ones in any study you refer to. Claims depend on your market’s rules.
Tolerability
In the Morgan and Stevens trial, participants taking bacopa reported more stomach and bowel side effects than those on placebo: increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps and nausea. Many brands advise taking bacopa with food. Whether you put that on the label is a decision for your regulatory team.
Taste
Bacopa is bitter. Capsules and coated tablets avoid the problem. In powders and drinks, budget for strong flavours and sweetener, and test the taste with the full dose, not a reduced one.
Choosing the Grade
| Grade | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Bacosides 20% (UV) | General formulas |
| Bacosides 40% or 50% (UV) | Higher-potency products |
| Bacoside A by HPLC (any grade) | Defined-profile labels and QA specs |
| Organic or water-soluble (on request) | Organic lines and drinks |
Grades are on the brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) extract page. For buying checks see the brahmi buyer’s guide.
Bacopa monnieri with the method stated
Tell us the grade, the method and the format. We send the specification and a reference certificate.