Bacopa monnieri extract may improve emotional function in patients with Parkinson’s disease

A pilot study carried out at the Paranaense University of Brazil has shown that the aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. have potential interest in the treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. This parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of an extract of B. monnieri on parameters related to Parkinson’s disease. Twenty patients were assigned to treatment with a dry extract (57.4–77.6 mg triterpene glycosides per tablet) of B. monnieri (dose of 225 or 450 mg/day) or placebo.

Motor activity was evaluated and the Parkinson’s Disease Quality-of-Life (PDQL) questionnaire was applied at the beginning and at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. No significant differences were observed in Parkinsonian and systemic symptoms, emotional function, or social function. Delta percent (Δ%) showed time-dependent improvements in emotional function with B. monnieri treatment, at the 450 mg/day dose. Regarding the initial situation, a strong correlation was found between quality of life and motor results at the beginning and 30 days of treatment, and a moderate correlation at 60 and 90 days of treatment. The results of this study suggest that B. monnieri extract may improve emotional function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Further clinical trials are recommended to confirm this indication.

^{Source: Santos AFD, Souza MMQ, Amaral EC, Albuquerque ER, Bortoloti DS, Gasparotto Junior A, Lourenço ELB, Lovato ECW, Lívero FADR. Bacopa monnieri in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2023 Feb; 26 (2): 114-119. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2022.0106.}