Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi)

Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is a plant that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It thrives in humid, tropical environments and is often grown underwater in aquariums.

Bacopa monnieri is commonly used to treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

However, it’s worth noting that Bacopa monnieri is not widely used in the field of alopecia. You won’t typically find supplements or shampoos containing this plant for hair loss treatment.

Is it effective for hair loss?

As of now, there have been very few studies conducted on Bacopa monnieri in relation to hair loss. Some of these studies tested it as part of a combination with various ingredients. While some reviews briefly mention it as an effective plant for countering hair loss, the overall understanding of its potential in addressing alopecia remains limited.

A single study on DHT

In a 2016 study conducted in Thailand by Ruchy Jain and her team, they examined the anti-androgenic effects of various plants. The focus of the study was specifically on measuring the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.

As you may be aware, the hormone DHT is produced from testosterone through the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. DHT is considered a significant factor in hereditary hair loss. By reducing the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, the formation of DHT can be decreased.

Results: Many plants demonstrated inhibitory effects on DHT, but Bacopa monnieri was not one of them. Therefore, if Bacopa monnieri does have a positive effect on hair loss, it does not appear to be due to its anti-androgenic properties.

Consider the table below:

In this table, the comparison is made against dutasteride, which serves as the positive control group. It is evident that no DHT was formed when using this medication (with a score of 0%). Dutasteride is a potent inhibitor of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Conversely, Bacopa monnieri had no noticeable effect on DHT (with a score of 105%).

Apart from this specific study, there is no other available information on this topic. Therefore, the reason some articles recommend Bacopa monnieri for hair loss remains unclear.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Precautions & side effects

• Possibility of allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Taking Bacopa can lead to nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue.
• Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
• Do not use in cases of intestinal congestion, emphysema, or urinary obstructions.