Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) as functional food ingredient in food processing industry

Abstract

Brahmi is one of the oldest traditional ayurvedic medicines in India. It was originated in India more than 3000 years ago. Brahmi is known for enhancing memory, cognition, mood and other mental disorder. Saponins are the major compounds in Brahmi which is responsible to enhance the nerve impulse transmission. It has many long researched and proven for many beneficial medicinal and functional properties. Functional ingredients are the foods that have health benefits beyond normal nutrition. Brahmi has its own unique strong herbal taste and a bitter aftertaste. Due to change in lifestyles and growing consciousness for health there is a great demand of food products that are healthy as well as provide some functional benefits. An Ayurvedic herb such as Brahmi comes with many functional benefits. The present review enlightens the various such properties and use of Brahmi in various food systems.

Full text

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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2018; 7(3): 189-194
E-ISSN: 2278-4136
P-ISSN: 2349-8234
JPP 2018; 7(3): 189-194
Received: 29-03-2018
Accepted: 30-04-2018
Devendra
Scientist, Dabur Research
Foundation, Ghaziabad, Uttar
Pradesh, India
Patel Saurabh Shankar
Ph.D. Scholar, SRS of National
Dairy Research Institute,
Adugodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
Birwal Preeti
Ph.D. Scholar, SRS of National
Dairy Research Institute,
Adugodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
Basu Santanu
Associate Professor, Punjab
University, Chandigarh, Punjab
India
Deshmukh Gajanan
Ph.D. Scholar, SRS of National
Dairy Research Institute,
Adugodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
Datir Rupesh
Ph.D. Scholar, SRS of National
Dairy Research Institute,
Adugodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
Correspondence
Patel Saurabh Shankar
Ph.D. Scholar, SRS of National
Dairy Research Institute,
Adugodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) as functional food
ingredient in food processing industry
Devendra, Patel Saurabh Shankar, Birwal Preeti, Basu Santanu,
Deshmukh Gajanan and Datir Rupesh
Abstract
Brahmi is one of the oldest traditional ayurvedic medicines in India. It was originated in India more than
3000 years ago. Brahmi is known for enhancing memory, cognition, mood and other mental disorder.
Saponins are the major compounds in Brahmi which is responsible to enhance the nerve impulse
transmission. It has many long researched and proven for many beneficial medicinal and functional
properties. Functional ingredients are the foods that have health benefits beyond normal nutrition.
Brahmi has its own unique strong herbal taste and a bitter aftertaste. Due to change in lifestyles and
growing consciousness for health there is a great demand of food products that are healthy as well as
provide some functional benefits. An Ayurvedic herb such as Brahmi comes with many functional
benefits. The present review enlightens the various such properties and use of Brahmi in various food
systems.
Keywords: Brahmi, cognitiotion, saponins, food systems, herbal taste, nootropic drugs, medicinal
properties, functional ingredient
Introduction
Ayurveda is the world oldest medication system and is originated in India more than 3000
years ago. It is the purest and traditional health care system. Nootropic herbs and drugs are
used to enhance memory, cognition, mood, and other factors associated with mental
functioning [1]. Examples of herbs with nootropic activity include Ashwagandha (Convolvulus
arvensis / Withania somnifera), Shankhpushpi, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and gotu kola
(Centella asiatica) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) are some of the famous nootropic herbs.
Bacopa monnieri (BM), also referred to as, Herpestis monniera, water hyssop, locally known
as Brahmi or Jalanimba in India, has been used for centuries in the Ayurveda, a holistic
system of medicine originating from India. It is classified as a Medhyarasayana, a drug used to
improve memory and intellect (medhya) [1]. It was used traditionally as a brain tonic to
enhance memory development, learning, and concentration, and to provide relief to patients
with anxiety or epileptic disorders [2]. Brahmi name is derived from the word ‘Brahma-creator
of the universe in the Hindu pantheon [3].Because the brain is the Centre for creative activity,
any compound that improves the brain health is called Brahmi, which also means ‘bringing
knowledge of the supreme reality’. The herb has been mentioned in several ancient Ayurvedic
treatises including the ‘Charaka Samhita’ since sixth century AD, in which it is recommended
in formulations for the management of a range of mental conditions including anxiety, poor
cognition and lack of concentration, as a diuretic and as an energizer for the nervous system
and the heart. Plant of Brahmi has been extensively researched and it shows nootropic ability,
improve learning and respiratory function. It is found in wetlands throughout the Indian
subcontinent in damp and marshy or sandy areas near streams in tropical regions. The genus
Bacopa contains over 100 species of aquatic herbs scattered throughout the warmer areas of
the world. Apart from India, it is also found Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Vietnam,
Florida and other southern states of the USA. The entire plant is used medicinally.
Plant Description and Morphology
Bacopa monnieri, a member of the Scrophulariaceae family, is a small, creeping herb with
numerous branches, small oblong leaves, and light purple flowers. In India and the tropics it
grows naturally in wet soil, shallow water, and marshes The herb can be found at elevations
from sea level to altitudes of 4,400 feet, and is easily cultivated if adequate water is available.
Flowers and fruit appear in summer and the entire plant is used medicinally [4]

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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Fig 1: Picture of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) plant [5]
Kingdom – Plantae
Division – Anthophyta
Class – Dicotyledoneae
Order – Scrophulariales
Family – Scrophulariaceae
Genus – Bacopa
Species – monniera
Structure of Major Chemical Entity
Bacoside A and B are the Bacopa monnieri isolate with
neuroprotective activity. Bacoside A is one of many structural
analogues found in the Ayurvedic nootropic herb Bacopa
monnieri [6].
Bacoside A (levorotatory); (b) Bacoside B (dextrorotatory)
Fig 2: Chemical structures of some well-known Saponins from Bacopa monnieri [6]
Chemical Composition of Brahmi
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) contains 88.4% moisture along
with carbohydrates, fat, protein and minerals. The major
chemical composition of the herb is given in table below.
Table 1: Chemical Composition of Brahmi [5]
Component
Amount (/100gm)
Moisture
88.4 gm
Protein
2.1 gm
Fat
0.6 gm
Carbohydrates
5.9 gm
Crude Fiber
1.05 gm
Ash
1.9 gm
Calcium
202.0 mg
Phosphorus
16.0 gm
Ascorbic Acid
63.0
Nicotinic acid
0.3
Iron
7.8 mg
Energy
38 cal
Mode Of Action Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) have been extensively
investigated for their neuropharmacological effects. There are
some compounds such as Saponins and their bacosides
present in Brahmi, which are responsible to enhance the nerve
impulse transmission [7]. The bacosides aid in repair of
damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal
synthesis, and restoration of synaptic activity, and ultimately
nerve impulse transmission. In animals, Bacopa has a relaxant
effect on pulmonary arteries, aorta, trachea, and ileal and
bronchial tissue, possibly mediated by inhibition of calcium-
ion influx into cell membranes [4]. There are numerous clinical
trials and studies have been performed by various researchers
to check the nootropic effects of Bacopa monnieri.
Functional/ Therepeutic Properties of Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri)
It is a well proven herb of many medicinal properties. All the
parts of the plant can be used as medicine. In Ayurveda,
Brahmi has been used to promote memory and intellect and
also used for treatment of neurological disorders and also as a
rejuvenator [5]. It has also an ability to improve cognitive
function. Brahmi has many medicinal properties such as
antispasmodic, anticholinesterase, neuroprotective,
antioxidant, Alzheimer’s disease, antidepressant,
bronchovasodilatory, antiulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, anticancer, cell stabilization, antileishmanial,
etc.
Dosage
Therapeutic doses of Bacopa are not associated with any
known side effects, and Bacopa has been used safely in
Ayurvedic medicine for several hundred years [8]. Traditional
daily doses of Bacopa are 5- 10 g of non-standardized
powder, 8-16 mL of infusion, and 30 mL daily of syrup
(Brahmi). Dosages of a 1:2 fluid extract are 5-12 mL per day
for adults and 2.5-6 mL per day for children ages 6- 12 [9].
For Bacopa extracts standardized to 20-percent bacosides A
and B the dosage is 200-400 mg daily in divided doses for
adults, and for children, 100-200 mg daily in divided doses to
achieve the medicinal/therapeutic properties of Brahmi.
Clinical Studies
There are numerous clinical trials and studies have been
performed by various researchers to check the nootropic
effects of Bacopa monnieri. Summary of results are enlisted
in the table given below.

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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Table 2: Summary of clinical studies performed on Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).
S.
No.
Substances/treatments
Subjects/patients
Results/comments
References
1.
BM crude extract; chronically for 4 weeks
Patients with anxiety
neurosis
Enhancing of memory
[10]
2.
BM extract; chronically for 12 weeks
Children
Enhancing memory and learning
[11]
3.
BM standardized extract (300 mg); acute treatment for 2 h
Healthy adult subjects
No significant changes were
found
[10]
4.
BM standardized extract
Mentally
retardedchildren
Effective in enhancing
learning and in controlling
abnormal behaviour
[12]
5.
BM standardized extract (300 mg); chronically for 12 weeks
Healthy adult subjects
Improving early information
processing, verbal learning and memory
consolidation
[7]
6.
BM standardized extract (300 mg); one trial after chronic treatment
for three months and another trial and for 6 weeks after the
completion of the trial
Healthy adult subjects
Significant effect on a test for retention of
new information. Tasks assessing attention,
verbal and visual short term memory and
the retrieval of pre-experimental
knowledge
were unaffected
[13]
Brahmi As A Functional Food Ingredient In Commercial
Food Products
Functional foods are promoting public health but require
strong scientific evidence [14]. It is applicable for use of
Brahmi or any other Ayurvedic herb too. Confusion also
exists about claims applied to foods and those applied to
dietary supplements. Claims must be communicated
effectively to the consumers so that there is less confusion
about the product [15]. Care must be taken so that consumer
can differentiate the claims of health and structure-function
scientific claims. In recent times, the use of herbal products
has increased tremendously in the western world as well as in
developed countries due to its tremendous health benefits.
Bacopa monnieri, a well-known nootropic, an outstandingly
important medicinal plant and widely used therapeutically in
various food systems. There are numerous of food products
available in market of India which contains Brahmi as
functional food ingredients. The description of various
products along with ingredients, product origin and different
claims has been enlisted in the table 3.
Table 3: Description of various products available worldwide with Brahmi as ingredient [16]
S. No
Product/Country
Country of
Origin
Ingredients
Product Claims
1.
B-Natural Brahmi
Ready to Serve
Fruit Beverage
India
Water (69.4%), Brahmi leaf extract (16%), de-
ionised apple concentrate (14.5%), citric acid (1%)
Brahmi is proven to improve the mental acuity and
support the physiological process involved in
relaxation. Its active constituents help calm the mind
and reduce stress
2.
Baidyanath Junior
Chyawanprash
India
Chyawanprash Avaleha Baelchhal Ganiyari
Cleodendym Parul Chhal Mugdaparni Prishniparni
Gokhru Mashparni Pipal Shalparni Gangeticum
Chhoti Kateri Bari Kateri dalchini tejpata nagkesar
chhoti elaichi madhu, Brahmi.
It provides energy, immunity and strength. The
complete brain and body nourishment product is
specially formulated for growing children and contains
50 vital herbs and minerals to help all-round growth of
the child
3.
Jain Memovit
Flavoured Brahmi
Granules
India
Mandukaparni, ashwagandha, Brahmi,
shankhpushpi, yashtimadhu, guduchi, khandsarkara
q.s, approved flavours
These granules have been designed to help improve the
immune system and increase concentration levels in
children
4.
Verjinia Wondy
Custard Powder
India
Edible starch, edible common salt, permitted food
colours, artificial flavours, Brahmi extract.
It is described as a memory and concentration booster.
This vegetarian product retails in a 160g pack, which
contains two separate flavour packs of 80g each
5.
Shree Guruji
Brahma Tej
India
Badam, keshar paste, kheera beej paste, Brahmi
concentrate, shankh puspi concentrate, shahad,
mulethi concentrate, durva concentrate, vacha
concentrate, ashwagandha concentrate, posta dana
pasta, manduk parni permitted class II preservatives
(E218, E216), flavours, colours (E110, E102)
It is for Brain improves concentration, enhances
memory, nourishes brain and strengthens nerves. This
vegetarian product is a combination of 28 ayurvedic
herbs that are effective on brain and is said to be very
delicious and nutritive
6.
Assorted Nutrition
Bar Pack
India
Ritebite smart: rice crispies, corn syrup, cane sugar,
caramel, rolled oats, cocoa powder, (INS 322, INS
471), herbs (ashvagandha, Brahmi, shankpushpi)
7.
Pitambari's Geni
Health and
Memory Enhancer
Granules
India
Shatavari, ashwagandha, bhui kohala, Brahmi,
shankhapushpi, yashtimadhu, gokshur, vidang,
vekhand, sugar, added preservative, permitted
colours, permitted flavours
It is an ayurvedic medicine that enhances memory and
grasping power. It relieves stress and fatigue, builds
stamina and strength, provides essential nourishment
and improves health and immunity
8.
Paradise Gold
Premium Brahmi
Almond Syrup
India
Brahmi booti, rose water, giribadam, istakhadus-
booti, cardamom, shankpushpi, sugar, skimmed
milk, water, citric acid, permitted synthetic food
colours (19140, 42090), artificial flavour, natural
flavour, nature identical flavour, permitted class II
It can be used to sweeten puddings, cereals, lassi, ice
cream and toppings. The vegetarian product retails in a
700 mL recyclable bottle
9.
Panchwati Health
Prash
India
Brahmi, shankpushpi, arjuna, pipali, amla,
ashwagandha, honey
It is recommended for students and is also claimed to
be ideal for adults. The product is available in a 1kg jar
10.
Ojasvita
India
Ashwagandha (withania somnifera), shatavari
(asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri),
The product contains seven herbs, including
ashwagandha, satavari, Brahmi, jatamansi,

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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
jyotismathi, vanilla powder, E202, contains
permitted natural colours, added flavours
shankapushpi, bringaraj and kali musali
11.
Natura Tammy
Raw Mango
Flavoured Jelly
India
Aloe vera (10mg) (aloe barbadensis), Brahmi (5mg),
nimbu satva (32mg), shankhpushpi (3mg), stabilizer,
preservative (sodium benzoate), colour (pea, green
supra FCF), added flavour, fructooligosaccharide
(dietary fibre)
The ayurvedic product is suitable for vegetarians and
retails in a 4g pack
12.
Sandali Brahmi
Badam Sharbat
India
Sugar, water, arq (kewra, kashni, anjbar, rose, khus),
almonds, shankhpushpi extract, sandalwood oil,
Brahmi booti, citric acid (E330), permitted synthetic
food colour, added flavour, permitted class II
preservative (E224)
It is said to bring the rich aroma of the Mughal area for
the summer season. One part of the vegetarian product
can be mixed with three parts of iced water or milk to
prepare. It needs no addition of sugar, and retails in a
750ml bottle
13.
Himani Sona
Chandi
Chocoprash
India
Agnimantha, haritaki, bala, mashaparni,
mudgaparni,, vidarikanda (0.05g each); arjuna,
jyotishmati, shankhpushpi, Brahmi; 0.01 each of
bilva, gambhari, jeevanti, brihati, gokshura,
kantakari (0.11g each ); 20g skimmed milk powder,
5g cocoa butter,, water, preservatives
It is marketed as a sensational breakthrough formula
featuring the super powers of precious of gold, silver
and saffron incorporated with 51 rare herbs, minerals
and rich chocolate
14.
Patanjali Brahmi
sharbat
India
Brahmi Extract Baccopa monnieri, Sugar, Jala
Nimbu Sat, Preservative, Sugandhit, Dravya
Colour,
15.
Amrapali Mums
Breakfast cereals
India
Corn, sugar, salt, Brahmi, malt extract, baking
powder, sodium bicarbonate, niacin
Amrapali Mum's Corn Flakes have been repackaged
and are now retailed in a 500g carton featuring a new
design. This 100% vegetarian cereal features Memory
Enhancer and natural herbs for Memory Plus. Corn
flakes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron
16.
Amrita Drugs
Brahmi Powder
India
Brahmi, sankhapushpi, ashwagandha, shatavari,
jatamansi, gokshur, sugar
Amrita Drugs Brahmi Powder is described as a memory
booster. The ayurvedic product is said to improve
memory and concentration levels, relieve the problems
associated with excessive stress among professions,
intellectuals, students and elderly people, and is also an
excellent tonic
17.
Ayursona Fine
Foods memory
milk buscuits
India
Nachani, soyobean, wheatflour, sugar, edible fats,
milk powder, ashwagandha, shatavari,
shankhapushpi, Brahmi, bhrungaraj, vekhand,
jeshthimadh, sunth, vavding, anantmul, manjishtha,
harda, nutmeg, cardamom
A 160g pack of biscuits, said to improve health and
memory. The product is highly nutritious and fibrous
18.
Basic Ayurveda
Muslified Energic
Drink
India
Safed musali (asparagus adscendens), shatawar
(asparagus racemosus ), Brahmi, samel musli
(bombax malabaricum), gond katira (astragalus
gummifer ), ashwagandha (withania somnifera ),
swarn varka (pure gold foil ), kesar/ saffron (crocus
sativus)
Basic Ayurveda Muslified Energic Drink is described
as a powered energy booster and is a routine health
support for men, women, children, teens and seniors
19.
Dabur Chyawan
junior Malted
Food Drink
India
Malt extract, sugar, liquid glucose, amla
dry,skimmed milk powder, yashtimadhu, Brahmi,
shankha pushpi, nature identical vanilla flavour,
permitted raising agents (INS 500)
20.
Dabur
Chyawanprash
India
Dashmool, bala, mudgaparni, mashaparni,
karkatshring, tamalaki, draksha, jivanti, pushkara,
haritaki, guduchi, karchura, musta, punarnava,
utpala, vasa, yashti, kakrasika, varahi, ashwagandha,
The product ensures immunity, mental and physical
fitness in growing children it keeps youth fit by
protecting from day to day ailments like common cold
and cough, provides active elders with antioxidants and
strengthens their immune system
21.
Double Horse
Health Putthu mix
India
Samba wheat, brown rice, njavara rice, maize, ragi,
barley, sago, green gram, bengal gram, badam,
cashew nut, Brahmi, tulasi, carrot, cocoa,
cardamom, rice bran, soya beans
It is a combination of cereals and herbs, which meet the
daily nutritive requirement of the family. This tasty and
healthy breakfast mix which is 100% natural and free
from preservatives, is designed to prepare in a Puttu
maker (kutt)
22.
Haritage Almond
Syrup
India
Brahmi booti (Bacopa monnieri ), rose water,
giribadam (almond clusters), istakhadus-booti,
cardamom, shankphushpi (convolvulus pluricalis ),
sugar, skimmed milk, water, citric acid, colour
(19140, 42090)
It is a beverage concentrate that can be used to make an
almond flavoured drink or to sweeten puddings,
cereals, lassi, ice creams and toppings
Food Product Segments Study
In recent times, the use of herbal products has increased
tremendously in the western world as well as in developed
countries. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), one of the
outstandingly important medicinal plants, widely used
therapeutically in the orient and becoming increasingly
popular ingredient in food products. There are numerous of
food products available in market which contains Brahmi as
functional food ingredients. Summary of product segments
available in the market with Brahmi as an ingredient is
presented in below chart.

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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Fig 3: Sector wise Segregation of Products containing Brahmi as functional Food ingredient [16]
Conclusion
Brahmi is clinically proven for its functional and therapeutic
benefits. It has been added as a functional ingredient in vast
majority of commercial food products. The major problem
comes with the herbs during their incorporation in to food
products. Most of the times, the food product chemistry is so
different from the herbs composition, it becomes very
difficult to incorporate the dry herb extract in to food product
matrix. The other major challenge with the herbal medicines
like Brahmi is that they taste very bitter and gives a pungent
herbal aroma. Bitter taste of Brahmi is the main reason for the
rejection in various food products. But it is also keep in mind
that various food drinks such as coffee, beer, wine, etc., is
popular due to its bitterness.
Way Forward
Herbal plant is gaining interest now a day because of its
various health benefits. It is becoming popular and growing
very fast in the western world as well as in developed
countries. So, the food company has to establish this herbal
product under and a strong marketing required to change the
behaviour of consumers about this herb. Flavour plays an
important role in consumer satisfaction and influences further
consumption of foods. The herbal note & bitterness makes
flavour of the product unappealing to the consumers. A
commercial process is needed that removes bitter components
without adding anything which is not permitted, while still
maintaining the expected flavour and nutritional value of the
product. With the use of herbs like Brahmi as a functional
food ingredient will bring revolution in the functional food
market as it has immense potential to provide greater health
benefits to the consumers.
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