A critical review on brahmi

Summary of article contents:

Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri widely known as Brahmi are considered as ‘ Medhya rasayanas ’(brain tonic). However, these plants are distinctly different. The name Brahmi, is assigned to Bacopamonnieri whereas " Mandukaparni ", often confused with Brahmi, refers to Centella asiatica Brahmi islargely treasured as a revitalizing herb used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for almost 3000 years. The herb has been mentioned in several Ayurvedic treatises including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita In addition to being a wellknown nootropic herb for centuries, it has alsobeen used as an antispasmodic, astringent, cardio tonic, diuretic, anticonvulsant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antiepileptic agent Brahmi is a wellknown nootropic herband its uses in neurological and psychiatric disorders are well recognized. Its efficacy and safety is supported by research and thousands of years of knowledge and experience. Despite being such an old medicine, its new benefits are constantly being studied. Brahmi is one of the most sattvic herbs known in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia since vedic times Hence here is an attempt to compileall the classical references of Brahmi a wonder drug. Keywords: Brahmi, Bacopa monnieri, nootropic, medhya rasayana Ashalatha M