A systematic review of the Ayurvedic medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations

AuthorsKean, J.D.
Downey, L.A.
Stough, C.
TypeJournal Article (Review)
JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine
PubMed ID27912958
Year of Publication2017
URLhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27912958
DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2016.09.002
AbstractOBJECTIVES: Clinicians utilise critical research to advance their knowledge when prescribing standard and alternative therapies for developmental disorders. Recent research has reported that the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri may improve cognitive outcomes in adult populations; however, few studies have investigated its benefits in younger cohorts. The aim of the current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trial outcomes and safety of Bacopa and its effects on the cognition and behaviour in children and adolescents. METHOD: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google and CINAHL were searched up to August 2015 for trials investigating Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations. There were no restrictions in study design. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs and effect sizes were calculated for all significant data to allow for direct comparisons. RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria for this review. The results demonstrated significant consistent improvements in the language behaviour cognitive domain and in a number of the memory sub-domains. Significant improvements were also seen in hyperactivity and attention-deficit domains. Overall outcome data demonstrated small to medium effect sizes (mean d=0.42). Safety and tolerability data was well reported for 80% of studies with only 2.3% of all participants reporting mild side-effects. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the safe use of Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations for improving elements of cognition as well as behaviour and attention-deficit domains. However, there is a significant need for replicated study designs and stringent statistical analysis to validate these outcomes.

http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872913


< More publications



CHEST-MND:PROCHEST-MND:PRO

Motor neurone disease (MND) causes the body's muscles to weaken. Breathing muscle weakness means that most people affected by MND will eventually lose the ability to take a deep breath and cough strongly....

Respiratory Biomarkers in Motor Neurone DiseaseRESPIRATORY BIOMARKERS IN MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

The inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that breathing...

Perth Highlights: TSANZSRS 2026PERTH HIGHLIGHTS: TSANZSRS 2026

A huge congratulations to all our team members who participated in the excellent workshops and meetings at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth in March 2026!

Better Sleep, Better Life TipsBETTER SLEEP, BETTER LIFE TIPS

For World Sleep Day, Dr. Amy Jordan joined the "Get Cereal" panelists Sam and Matilda to share top tips for better sleep, discussing the vital importance of sleep health and hygiene in a podcast interview.

Recognising research meritRECOGNISING RESEARCH MERIT

Kudos to Dr. Lauren Booker & Dr. Jen Cori on their JOEM publication examining fatigue detection alarms in rural truck drivers. Their study explores the alarms' effectiveness, accuracy, and habituation, offering key insights into fatigue management.

Honoring Excellence in ResearchHONORING EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

Congratulations to Prof. Anne Holland and A/Prof. Narelle Cox for being featured in the NHMRC's 10 of the Best - 16th Edition. Their work exemplifies groundbreaking research delivering extraordinary outcomes.

Institute for Breathing and Sleep

Level 5, Harold Stokes Building, Austin Health
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084

(03) 9496 5390

Email Us

Donate