Brahmi is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as brain tonic. Brahmi has naturally occurring nitric oxide that according to studies have positive effects in brain activity. Brahmi has Bacosides that release nitric oxide that relaxes the aorta and veins allowing smooth blood flow that nourishes the nerve cells, improving cognitive capability, promote mental clarity and focus.
Brahmi is used as memory enhancer. In a study conducted to test the chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) on human memory done in University of Wollongong, Australia, suggests that Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) shows a significant action of enhancing the capacity of the subjects to retain new information while maintaining the capability of learning.
Brahmi is used as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. In a study conducted on rats (J. Ethnopharmacol, 2009), a model was conducted where Alzheimer’s disease is induced to rats. The rats were afterwards given Brahmi extract to determine its effects against Alzheimer’s disease. The test showed that rats given a dose of up to 80mg/kg of Brahmi extract had improved cognitive capability and mitigated the further reduction of brain neurons.
Brahmi as anti-oxidant. A study entitled “Free radical scavenging capacity and protective effect of Bacopa monniera on DNA damage, 2003”, suggests that Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) has an antioxidant capacity, scavenging free radicals in the body while protecting the DNA cleavage. This study in Brahmi action against free radicals has value in treating pathologies where free radical production is evident.
Brahmi has neuroprotective effect. Studies conducted in Naresuan University in Thailand (2008), suggest that in an induced neuron cell death (neurotoxicity) in the primary cortical culture, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) extract has a positive effect in neurons preventing the progressive reduction in mass thus mitigating neurodegeneration.
Brahmi as an asthma treatment. A study conducted to determine the broncho-vasodilatory effect of Brahmi extract suggests that constituents found in Brahmi inhibits the formation of calcium ions thereby affecting a broncho-vasodilatory activity.
Brahmi as a depression treatment. In a depression induced model study done in rats. Brahmi extract when compared to an antidepressant drug ‘imipramine’, showed the same effects, suggesting that Brahmi has antidepressant activity comparable to imipramine.
Brahmi as an epilepsy treatment. In a model study done on rats. Pilocarpine is used to induce epileptic episodes in rats. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) extract showed a positive effect to the epileptic hippocampus. The depressive behavior of epileptic rats was reversed when Brahmi extract were given if compared to those who receive no treatment.
Brahmi as stress reduction herb. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) has been studied to provide antistress activity in rat test models. The effect of Brahmi extract to the hippocampus is that it modulates activities of Hsp70 expression and superoxide simutase thereby preparing the brain to act in adverse conditions such as stress.
Brahmi as an anti-ulcer herbal medicine. Studies suggest that in an acid induced ulcer in rats, Brahmi extract has shown an anti-ulcer and ulcer healing activity. It is believed that Brahmi effects a mucosal offensive and defensive action, limiting the growth of helicobacter pylori, preventing gastric ulceration and promotes healing.
Active constituents that are found in Brahmi include the following: 
