Bacopa Monnieri is one of the most celebrated nootropics the world over. With roots in ancient Ayurveda, this herb has been known to work wonders and consequently many nootropic stacks like Qualia Mind and Qualia Focus have incorporated bacopa into their supplements.
As a result, there are many companies out there competing to sell pure Bacopa extracts and supplements. To make sure you can separate the grain from the chaff, here’s a list of the best bacopa supplements that are currently available on the market.
Let’s take a closer look.
What To Look For In Bacopa Monnieri Supplements?
When buying Bacopa supplements, it’s important to note that not all Bacopa extracts are created equal. Even among products that claim to be similar, you can always find some vital differences that you need to be aware of.
In general, Bacopa is found across Asia, Africa, and Europe, and has been used for thousands of years in ancient Ayurvedic medicines. In recent times, the plant has gained popularity due to its recognition as a well-functioning nootropic substance.
Regular and diligent Bacopa supplementation can help lower anxiety, enhance cognition, assist in memory formation, and improve your studying efficiency. What’s more, in combination with other nootropic substances, Bacopa can even have mood-enhancing effects.
The secret behind the plants’ nootropic properties lies in the compound called bacosides. This is the primary active ingredient in Bacopa, and currently, twelve bacosides have been identified to be present in the plant.
Importance of Bacosides In Bacopa Monnieri
Bacosides belong to a class of chemicals called Dammarane Triterpenoid Saponins and are responsible for giving Bacopa its characteristic taste, smell, and solubility. Plus, bacosides help to promote neural growth in the brain, which leads to enhanced cognitive ability.
Bacosides also work with the GABA receptors in the brain and enhance neurotransmitter effects of the substance. They also have a positive impact on the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems of the body.
If you’re using a 55% bacopa extract, then the recommended dosage of Bacopa is around 300mg per day. However, when taking it in the supplement form, it’s essential to understand the differences between the various extract types, and then make the decision.
That’s why, in the next section, we’re going to take a look at the different types of Bacopa extracts, and how they differ in usage as well as efficacy levels. This’ll help you to decide which Bacopa extract is suitable for your needs.
Different Types Of Bacopa Monnieri Extracts
When it comes to Bacopa Monnieri extracts, there are multiple varieties that one can consider. However, it’s important to understand the different types before making a decision, and that’s what we’re going to attempt in this section.
The most common variety of Bacopa extract is the Whole Plant Extract that’s prepared from the entire plant. Such an extract often does not follow any fixed standards and has an unknown level of bacoside content.
Some other varieties have bacoside content that is standardized to higher levels. As can be expected, a higher level of the component results in greater efficacy. Still, other varieties of Bacopa are standardized for glycoside levels and deliver a wider range of effects.
Next, we must mention the Bacopa Leaf Extracts, which are prepared from the plant’s leaves. As compared to the whole plant extract, this has lesser potency and requires higher consumption levels to achieve a similar effect.
However, the most popular type of Bacopa extracts can be divided into two varieties that have been prepared after intense research and analysis. These are the Bacognize Bacopa and Synapsa Bacopa extracts. In the following section, we’re going to undertake a detailed comparison of the two and understand what sets them apart from each other.
Bacognize vs. Synapsa
In essence, both Synapsa and Bacognize are standardized Bacopa extracts that have years of experimentation and trials behind them. When you go for either of these varieties, rest assured that you’ll get a consistent formulation and guaranteed effects with each use.
While both the extracts use the entire plant in the preparation of the product, each variety deals with separate compounds sourced from the plant.
The primary difference between Bacognize and Synapsa is in the ratio of the bacosides content. Bacognize contains the bacosides in the same proportions as found within the actual plant. It has a fixed glycoside content, and apart from bacosides, includes bacopasides and multiple naturally occurring alkaloids.
On the other hand, Synapsa focuses on achieving higher bacoside content than is naturally present in the plant. In doing so, the Synapsa extract ends up with the largest amount of bacosides that can be gleaned from the plant.
Another critical difference between the two is that when compared with each other, Bacognize also acts as a potent sedative. This means the Synapsa is typically the better-tolerated extract with the least amount of mood-altering effects.
For the best results, we suggest combining the two extract types. This way, users can get access to the maximum benefits of the plant. We recommend sticking to Synapsa in the daytime and switching to Bacognize in the evenings due to its sedative effects.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at the five best Bacopa supplements available in the market today.
The 5 Best Bacopa Supplements Reviewed
The first item we have for you is the Synapsa Bacopa Monnieri from Nootropics Depot, one of the leading manufacturers of nootropics today (you can read our full Nootropics Depot review here). This Synapsa Bacopa supplement comes in a bottle of 60 capsules and is prepared from a whole plant extract.
Why Do We Recommend It?
Backed by over a dozen trials and tests, this supplement has over three decades of research behind it. At a time when most supplements seek to merely alleviate cognitive decline, this product aims to provide you with peak cognitive performance.
The reason behind this product’s high potency is the standardized Synapsa extraction that contains 55% bacosides. This also has the distinction of being a 25:1 extract, which means 25kg of the plant is used to produce 1kg of the extract.
Its benefits include faster cognitive processing rates, enhanced learning abilities, and improved memory function. Dosage is typically one capsule a day, which means a single bottle will last for two whole months.
Finally, we must mention that this highly affordable product is meant only for adults. Also, it’s best to avoid this supplement if you are a lactating mother or are pregnant.
Next up, we have the BaCognize Bacopa Monnieri, also from the house of Nootropics Depot. The 300mg BaCognize bottle contains 120 capsules, which means at a dosage of one capsule per day, a bottle is enough to last for four months. Plus, it has got several other benefits as discussed below.
Why Do We Recommend It?
First off, the primary reason for choosing BaCognize is that it is standardized for Serotonin Active Bacopa Glycosides (SABG). This allows it to have better stress management capabilities, together with promoting relaxation.
Along with that, BaCognize also improves cognitive capabilities and works to enhance memory and sharpen focus. This is due to a proven regulation at serotonin receptors that are related to higher cognitive functions. The extract also has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Add to that the fact that BaCognize is manufactured in a dedicated manufacturing facility, and you’ve got a product that conforms to the highest quality standards. Plus, the manufacturing facility has also been audited for Good Manufacturing Practices by third-party agencies.
Overall, BaCognize is a proven formulation that has several neuro-enhancing properties. Combining the benefits of modern science with the wisdom of ancient Ayurveda, this is a product that’s perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking to enhance their cognitive performance.
If enhanced mental clarity and performance are what you’re looking for, then Doctor’s Best Bacopa with Synapsa is a product you can certainly try out. Entirely vegan and gluten as well as soy-free, each bottle of 320mg Bacopa contains 60 capsules.
Why Do We Recommend It?
The major highlight of this product is that it allows the consumer to get enhanced visual processing capabilities, improved learning rates, and better mental clarity. In short, it works to provide a well-rounded boost to all major cognitive functions.
Synapsa has been proven to have 55% bacosides, which aids in promoting better memory, and enhances the ability to multitask. It also has antioxidative properties that help to lower mental stress levels and give a fillip to mental acuity.
Backed by intense testing, this product is meant for professionals and students who like to be at the top of their performance levels at all times. Bacopa works by boosting neural connections and interneuron communication, thereby paving the way for better neural health and performance.
Apart from being backed by thirty years of testing and clinical research, the product has been verified for quality by third-party authorities. Plus, it’s manufactured in cGMP certified facilities, which means quality is never an issue.
For those of you looking to take their Bacopa experience to the next level, Toniiq has brought forth their ultra high strength Bacopa capsules. Available in a bottle of 90 capsules, this is one of the most potent Bacopa extracts available in the market.
Why Do We Recommend It?
The Bacopa capsules from Toniiq are manufactured from top-quality Bacopa, and each capsule contains a massive 500mg of the stuff. The Bacopa in each capsule is guaranteed to contain a potent 28:1 ratio of concentration.
The higher Bacopa concentration translates to better bio-absorption and bioavailability. In simple terms, you will be able to reap the full benefits of the supplement in each dose.
It’s estimated that each serving of these capsules supplies you with a massive 250mg of bacosides. This means you can limit your dosage to fewer capsules, yet get better benefits than other comparable brands.
Also, we cannot fail to mention that every Toniiq product is manufactured entirely in Miami, USA. The products are made in a GMP-certified and NSF approved manufacturing unit, and are entirely vegan, gluten-free and devoid of additional preservatives.
For the last product on our list, we have the fully organic Bacopa from Himalaya, a brand that’s trusted the world over for its Ayurvedic products. Every bottle contains 60 caplets of 750mg strength and is enough for two whole months of consumption.
Why Do We Recommend It?
Himalaya products speak for themselves, and this one is no exception. It is made from a whole plant extract of Bacopa and contains 24% bacosides. This makes it suitable for those sections of the population who might be sensitive to excess bacosides. With this product, they can still reap the benefits of the residual effects.
Apart from the usual effects of enhanced cognitive clarity and mental acuity, this supplement is USDA certified organic and doesn’t have any ingredients of animal origin. Each caplet is also free of any additives and doesn’t contain any artificial fillers, binders, or excipients.
However, the secret of its success lies in the highly potent formulation. Each caplet is equivalent to 3375 mg of Bacopa powder, making it extra potent yet suitable for all consumers. Plus, it has also been clinically tested for safety and efficacy, so you’ve nothing to worry about.
Check out our full Himalaya Bacaopa review to find out more information.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed going through our list of the best Bacopa supplements. Before we leave, however, we’d like to suggest that you do the due diligence before opting for any Bacopa extract available in the market.
Most Bacopa supplements in the market are made from weak leaf extracts, while others are made from low-quality Bacopa. Naturally, these aren’t as effective as you’d want, and don’t give the desired results.
That’s why, when buying Bacopa, be sure to stick to the renowned brands and undertake the necessary research. That way, you’ll be sure to end up with the perfect product for your needs.
