Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn) in the treatment of dementias – a pilot study

Mohan Mishra; Ajay Kumar Mishra; Udbhatt Mishra

doi:10.7861/futurehosp.6-1-s69

Aims

To determine if Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn), a herb used traditionally in India as a memory-enhancer, could be used in various forms of dementia.

Methods

Twelve patients of either sex, aged 18 years or more, entered the study. They all completed the study. Inclusion criteria: all grades of dementia; patients suffering from other coexisting diseases too, but in a stable condition, were included. Exclusion criteria: type 1 diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. The study was conducted between June 2015 and May 2016.

Every patient was administered 250 mg of Brahmi (Himalaya) twice daily for 3 months. The Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) was determined at the beginning of the study and again at the end of 3 months.

Results

All the 12 patients showed a positive response. The GDS was: mean (standard deviation (SD)) 4.42 (1.38) before the start of treatment and mean (SD) 1.92 (1.31) at the end of 3 months. The fall was statistically highly significant: p<0.001. There were no significant adverse effects in any patient.

Conclusion

Brahmi is an effective drug for the treatment of dementias. This pilot study should open up ways for launching more definitive studies and provide a framework for work in the future.