Product Description
Targeting memory and cognitive health dietary supplements, focus and calm support formulations, and Ayurvedic-inspired botanical blends. We supply Bacopa Monnieri (Whole Plant) Extract in standardised ratios – 10:1 and 20:1 – as well as total bacoside standardized grades, with 20% and 50% total bacosides (quantified via validated HPLC method).
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae) |
| Part Used | Whole Herb (Aerial Parts) |
| Plant Origin | A wetland herb native to India, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Commercial raw material is sourced mainly from India and Vietnam. The plant also grows in southern Chinese provinces. |
| Solvent | Food-grade aqueous ethanol |
| Standardisation | Total bacosides (HPLC); Total polyphenols (UV); Total flavonoids (UV) |
| Specifications | Standardised extract ratios: 10:1, 20:1. Single-compound grades: 20% and 50% total bacosides (HPLC). |
| Appearance | Light brown to brown fine powder |
| Odour | Slight, characteristic herbal odour |
| Taste | Bitter, slightly astringent |
| Moisture | ≤ 6.0% (LoD) |
| Ash | ≤ 5.0% (Total ash) |
| Heavy Metals | Pb ≤ 2 ppm; As ≤ 1 ppm; Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm; Cd ≤ 0.3 ppm |
| Residual Solvents | Ethanol ≤ 2,000 ppm (Ph. Eur. 2.4.24) |
| Microbiological | Total aerobic count ≤ 10^3/g; Yeast & mould ≤ 10^2/g; E. coli negative; Salmonella negative |
| Particle Size | 95% pass 80 mesh (180 μm) |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture) |
| Target Market | Dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, nootropic blends, traditional Ayurvedic formulations (China, EU, USA, Japan, Southeast Asia) |
| Core Application Areas | Memory and cognitive support; focus and attention formulas; stress and calm support; adaptogenic blends; healthy ageing formulations |
Product Description
Bacopa Monnieri Extract is obtained from the whole herb of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.
The plant is a creeping wetland herb of the Plantaginaceae family.
In Ayurveda it is known as “Brahmi”, a classical herb for memory and calm.
IMPORTANT IDENTITY NOTE: In India, the name “Brahmi” also refers to Centella asiatica (Asiatic Pennywort).
They are different plants from different families. This product is Bacopa monnieri only.
The characteristic actives are bacosides, a group of triterpene saponins.
Clinical studies used standardised extracts providing defined bacoside levels.
Active Constituents
The bioactive profile is defined by its bacoside saponins, plus flavonoids and polyphenols.
Primary Markers
| Compound | CAS | Molecular Formula | Molecular Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total bacosides | – (saponin mixture) | – | – | Bacoside A/B group; triterpene glycosides; standardisation marker |
| Total flavonoids | – | – | – | Verification indicator (NaNO2-AlCl3 UV) |
| Total polyphenols | – | – | – | Verification indicator (Folin-Ciocalteu) |
COA Standard Specifications
| Item | Specification | Method | Result Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total bacosides | Varies by grade (20% / 50%) | HPLC | Per specification |
| Total flavonoids (10:1 / 20:1) | ≥ 2.0% (typical) | UV (NaNO2-AlCl3) | Per batch COA |
| Total polyphenols (10:1 / 20:1) | ≥ 8.0% (typical) | Folin-Ciocalteu | Per batch COA |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 6.0% | LoD 105°C | – |
| Total ash | ≤ 5.0% | Char at 600°C | – |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.3 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Total aerobic count | ≤ 10^3/g | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
| Yeast and mould | ≤ 10^2/g | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
| E. coli | Negative | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
| Salmonella | Negative | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
Mechanism of Action
Cholinergic Support
Bacopa has been reported to support acetylcholine activity in laboratory studies.
Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter for memory and learning.
Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effects
Bacosides show antioxidant activity in brain-tissue models.
Animal studies report effects on neuronal signalling and dendritic branching.
Adaptogenic and Calming Activity
Traditional use describes bacopa as an adaptogen for stress.
Human trials measured calm and mood outcomes after 8-12 weeks of use.
Slow Onset
Cognitive effects in trials appeared after sustained use of 8-12 weeks.
Formulations should position bacopa as a daily, long-term ingredient.
Traditional and Modern Use
Historical Use
Bacopa is a classical Rasayana herb in Ayurvedic tradition.
It has been used for memory, learning, and calm for centuries.
The herb also appears in traditional medicine of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Modern Clinical Evidence
A randomised trial in age-associated memory impairment used 300 mg per day of a standardised extract.
A second trial in healthy adults over 55 reported memory improvements versus placebo.
Evidence supports modest effects with sustained use. Structure/function wording is recommended for export labels.
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | Export botanical ingredient | Bacopa is not listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia or the medicine-food homology catalogue. It is not approved as a new food raw material. Sold as a botanical raw material for export. |
| India | Traditional Ayurvedic herb | Bacopa is a classical Ayurvedic medicinal plant. Herbal medicines are regulated under ASU/AYUSH. |
| European Union | Not a conventional food | Bacopa is not widely consumed as food in the EU. Check the EU Novel Food Catalogue (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) before marketing as food. Sold as a supplement ingredient in several member states. |
| United Kingdom | Supplement ingredient | Marketed in food supplements. No authorised UK health claim exists. |
| United States (FDA) | DSHEA-compliant supplement ingredient | Marketed as a dietary supplement ingredient under DSHEA. The FDA has not evaluated specific health claims. |
| Australia & NZ / Japan | Permitted supplement ingredient | Bacopa appears in listed complementary medicines and supplements under local rules. |
Recommended Usage
Dosage guidance is based on clinical trials and Ayurvedic tradition. For general reference only.
Formulation Guidance by Grade
Total bacosides 50% grade: 300 mg per day, matching the dose used in clinical trials.
Total bacosides 20% grade: 450-600 mg per day for cognitive blends.
10:1 / 20:1 extract: 500-1,000 mg per day in traditional-style formulations.
Take with meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Position as a sustained-use ingredient: trials measured outcomes after 8-12 weeks.
Precautions for Bacopa Monnieri Extract
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, cramps, loose stools) are the most commonly reported. Taking with food reduces them.
General Precautions
Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.
Keep out of reach of children. Store below 25°C in a dry place.
Thyroid and Heart Considerations
Animal studies suggest bacopa may influence thyroid hormone levels. Consult a doctor if you have thyroid disease or take levothyroxine.
Bacopa may slow heart rate in some individuals. Use caution with bradycardia or beta-blockers.
Drug Interactions
May add to sedative medications, anticholinesterase drugs, or thyroid medications.
Consult a healthcare professional if taking prescription medications.
Contraindications
This product is NOT recommended for:
- Individuals with untreated thyroid disorders, unless supervised by a doctor
- Individuals with significant bradycardia or intestinal obstruction
- Men actively trying to conceive (reversible effects on sperm motility reported in one trial)
- Infants and young children without medical advice
When to Discontinue
Discontinue and seek medical advice if persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, palpitations, or allergic reactions occur.
Why Choose Nutralighting
Need guaranteed Bacopa, not Centella?
We authenticate every batch by HPTLC against a Bacopa monnieri reference. Adulteration risk is eliminated at intake.
Looking for custom bacoside strengths?
Our R&D group develops tailored grades between 20% and 50%. Contact us to discuss your formulation target.
Seeking samples before production?
We ship Bacopa extract powder samples with batch COA for your pilot testing. Evaluation results guide the final specification together.
References
MSD Manual Professional Version. “Bacopa.” Summary of randomised trials using 300 mg/day standardised Bacopa monnieri extract.
Morgan K, Stevens J, Winter A, et al. (2008). “Does Bacopa improve memory functioning in an older population?” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 116(3):427-433.
PubChem. “Bacopa monnieri” plant record and “Bacoside A” compound records. NIH, Bethesda, MD.
European Commission. Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods, and the EU Novel Food Catalogue. EUR-Lex.
Commercial supplier catalogues and COAs (ChemicalBook, Alibaba, CPHI). Bacopa extract specifications: 10:1, 20:1, 20% and 50% total bacosides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our standard MOQ is 1 kg for sample orders and 25 kg for bulk commercial orders. Custom packaging sizes are available for large-volume buyers.
Yes, a complete COA is provided with every shipment, including assay results, heavy metal testing, and microbial analysis. MSDS and technical data sheets are also available.
Standard lead time is 15-25 working days after order confirmation, depending on the ordered quantity. Express shipping options are available for urgent orders.
Yes, we provide full OEM/ODM support including custom standardization levels, unique packaging, and private label solutions. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Packaging & Shipping
Standard Packaging
- Standard packaging: 25 kg per drum, double-layered with an inner PE bag and outer aluminum foil layer.
- Custom packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg cartons or bags with aluminum foil lining. Private labeling available upon request.
Shipping Terms
- We ship worldwide via DHL, FedEx, UPS, and sea freight.
- Domestic shipping: 3-5 working days (China).
- International shipping: 7-15 working days (DHL/FedEx express); 25-35 working days (sea freight).
- Free samples (up to 100g) are available for quality evaluation.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.
- Keep container tightly sealed when not in use.
- Avoid exposure to high humidity and direct sunlight to maintain potency and shelf life.
