Memory-Boosting Effect of Bacopa Monnieri

At present, many classical and patent formulations, which contain herbal and mineral drugs, are available as memory boosters. However, Aindri (Bacopa monnieri) has been in use since the prehistoric times as a nerve tonic for rejuvenating mental health and enhancing memory. This wonder drug has been mentioned by ancient sages, medical men in almost all social, medical and religious treatises of the world. Ayurveda has more than one reference of this plant for the enhancement of memory and mental agility of mankind. The famous Ayurvedic text Charak Samhita refers to this plant as Medhya Rasayan and for curing mental retardation leading to psychosis. Similarly, Sushruta has also described this drug as Medhya Rasayan. In the texts of later period like Astanga Sangraha and Hridaya,Bhavprakash and Yogratnakara, this drug has been mentioned in a similar way. Therefore, it is clear that Aindri is a well-established memory booster. Keeping in view the above property of this wonder plant, this book has been written on the basis of a clinical study planned to advocate and standardize an effective Ayurvedic formulation as a memory booster.