--> Skip to main content


Brahmi Plant of Indian Ayurveda System Can Help Ward Off Alzheimer's Disease

Brahmi has been used by Hindus for thousands of years as a Brain tonic and is an important medicine in the Indian Ayurveda System of Medicine. It is also known as an anti-ageing plant. But Hindus always believed that Brahmi helps in concentration, memory and improves the intellect. Now trials underway at Swinburne University of Technology Brain Sciences Institute (BSI) indicate that Brahmi helps to ward off Alzheimer's Disease and preserves one's mental faculties.

Times of India reports

Although what exactly causes Alzheimer's is not known, sufferers experience inflammation of the brain, deposits of beta amyloid, traces of heavy metals and signs of oxidative stress.

Brahmi, a semi-aquatic plant, acts on all of these, said Con Stough, director of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) involved in trials underway at Swinburne University of Technology Brain Sciences Institute (BSI).

"It has an anti-inflammatory effect, is an antioxidant and collates and removes heavy metals and beta amyloid," he said.

Two trials with a brahmi extract called CDRI08, conducted over 90 days, have shown improvements in working memory, particularly spatial memory accuracy.

Brahmi, also known as jal-neem, thyme-leaved gratiola; a creeping succulent perennial herb is valued for its memory enhancing properties. It grows under varying soil and climatic conditions, grown as an annual crop (March – July) and is harvested during October-November.

Fresh dried whole plant or aerial parts are used in form of fresh juice, powder and water decoction; herb contains several components used in epilepsy, insanity and memory loss.

There is also another variety of Brahmi that is found in India especially in south and western parts of India. This Brahmi has leaves that are quite similar to the shape of the brain.