How long does bacopa take to work?
The trials that found memory effects used standardized extracts for at least twelve weeks; shorter use has not shown consistent benefit.
The short answer
A 2014 meta-analysis pooled nine randomized trials in which participants took a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract for twelve weeks or longer, and improvements appeared in attention speed and choice reaction time; a 2012 review found memory free-recall gains in twelve-week studies. These are modest, extract-specific findings, not a guarantee, and the herb has not been shown effective for any disease in adequately controlled trials. Stomach upset is common early on and is reduced by taking it with food.
Sources
- Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract (Kongkeaw et al., 2014)Journal of Ethnopharmacology / PubMed
- The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review (Pase et al., 2012)Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine / PubMed