2.8.2.4 Bacopa
Synonyms Herpestis; Brahmi.
Biological Sources It comprises of the fresh stems and the fresh leaves of Bacopa monnieri Linn., Pennell or Bacopa monnniera Wettst., or Herpestis monniera Linn., H.B. & L., belonging to family Serophulariaceae.
Geographical Sources The plant is grown extensively throughout the marshy places in India, Ceylon and Singapore. The plant is glabrous, succulent and creeping herb.
Preparation The leaves along with stems are collected from the fully grown plant and are dried preferably in shade. The leaves are separated from the stems and packed separately in polybags.
Description
Colour : Green
Odour : None
Taste : Bitter
Size : Length = 1.2-1.8 cm; Breadth = 2.5-10 mm
Shape : Leaves sessile, broad, entire, ovate-oblong or spathulate with black spots.
Chemical Constituents The leaves contain saponin glycosides known as bacoside A and bacoside B which on acid hydrolysis give rise to triterpenoid aglycone termed as bacogenin A and bacogenin B respectively. It also contains asiatic acid and brahmic acid as depicted below:
Uses
1. It is used in the treatment of insanity and epilepsy
2. It is also employed as a potent nervetonic, cardiotonic and diuretic
3. It is mostly used in the treatment of asthma and as an aperient ie; acts as a mild laxative.
