Bacopa’s ability to positively impact upon cognitive ability appears to be due to the enhancement of nerve impulse transmission as a result of the actions of triterpinoid saponins and their bacosides, specifically bacosides A and B. Damaged neurons are repaired by these bacosides due to their ability to enhance kinase activity, neuronal synthesis and restore synaptic activity.

Bacopa extracts have been shown to modulate the expression of certain enzymes involved in generation and reactive oxygen species in the brain.

Bacopa has a relaxant effect upon pulmonary arteries, the aorta, trachea and ileal and bronchial tissue as a result of the inhibition of calcium-ion flux into cell membranes. Its ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and to stabilize lysosomal membrane give it an anti-inflammatory ability. Bacopa also increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

Bacopa’s antioxidants also appear to have a protective effect upon human DNA connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), suggesting that it may have benefits in treating diseases where free radicals are an issue.

Bacopa inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase. Cholineterase breaks down acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter which fails in Alzheimer’s patients.