Bacopa Monnieri – Effects and benefits on the Thyroid Gland

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Herbal medicine refers to the use of plant-based products and infusions to treat ailments and maintain health. Various parts of plants are used depending on the required effect and the particular plant. Roots, stems, leaves, berries, flowers have all been used in one way or another. Even the bark of trees has it’s medicinal uses. Ashwagandha is one of the most popular and effective herbal methods of trying to balance thyroid hormones.

Once the province of quacks and hippies, herbalism is now becoming more mainstream and is frequently used to support conventional medical treatments. Interestingly, research has discovered that people in different parts of the world have been using similar plants to treat corresponding ailments for thousands of years. One such herb is Bacopa Monnieri (L), Pennell.

What is Bacopa?

Bacopa Monnieri, or water hyssop is an aquatic herb found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a creeping herb found in marshy habitats. Also known as Brahmi, the plant is endemic in Asia, but can also be found in Parts of Africa, Hawaii and the Southeastern states in the USA. A full overview can be found here.

Bacopa has long been used as a medicinal herb in Ayuvedic practices in India where it was considered to be a tonic for the brain and nerves. As with any herb, there is typically a range of active compounds that are responsible for its benefits. Because of this, it is difficult to find reliable clinical data to substantiate the effects of specific aggregates on the body. However, due to its varied therapeutic potential, Bacopa monnieri has now become a topic of study for modern medical researchers.

Despite several scientific studies, the exact activities of the components of Bacopa have not yet been established. Though research has shown, that the potent compounds in the herb have a positive effect on the brain cells, aiding and promoting re-generation of the tissue. Additional effects are improved memory in healthy individuals, as well as those who are suffering cognitive deterioration. Bacopa is also thought to inhibit degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bacopa was traditionally consumed with ghee (clarified butter) in India. It is now often used in complementary or herbal medicine in the Western world. Since it is a fat-soluble substance, and requires a lipoid transporter to enable it to be absorbed into the body. It is recommended that it is taken at mealtimes.

Bacopa now known for its many useful properties, is thought to aid weight loss due to its capacity to control hunger, improve energy and elevate mood levels. Unfortunately, Bacopa takes the time to work, and its memory enhancing effects may take as long as 8-12 weeks to show any signs of improvement.

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped structure at the front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe and situated just below Adam’s apple. It is an important part of the endocrine system secreting a number of hormones which have effects on a variety of bodily functions, ranging from heart health to metabolism.

Thyroxin is one of the most important hormones produced by the thyroid gland because of its impact on the overall health of the body. Since the thyroid gland produces the hormones that control our metabolic rate, it is also responsible maintaining the energy levels in our body. If the thyroid gland is overactive or under-active, a range of health and mood problems can occur. For instance, those suffering from an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) often have a slower heart rate, feel cold and tired, or may suffer from constipation and weight gain. It may also be responsible for slower growth rates in children. An overactive gland (hyperthyroidism) causes nervousness, irritability, and poor concentration.

Thyroid Disorders

  • HypothyroidismClinical signs and symptoms differ from person to person depending on the severity of the disorder. Most common is fatigue, varying from a simple lack of enthusiasm, to chronic exhaustion. Those suffering from hypothyroidism often feel cold and have low body temperatures, putting them at greater risk of becoming hypothermic, a serious and life-threatening condition. Sufferers tend to have problems with weight gain, and may have problems with obesity, since normal bodily functions become sluggish. They may experience dry, itchy skin, and brittle nails. The muscles in our body need thyroid hormones to function properly. Deficiency can result in severe muscle weakness, tingling sensations in the extremities, stiffness, and pain. Menstrual irregularities sometimes occur, resulting in a lack of menstrual bleeding entirely. Low levels of thyroid hormones also have an impact on ovulation and egg formation causing infertility.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism – This occurs when babies are born with an under-active thyroid gland or without one at all. Low thyroxin levels cause development problems in the young, and if left undiagnosed or untreated results in irreversible neurological problems and stunted growth. With early diagnosis and treatment, these problems can be prevented. However, the condition is usually permanent, and lifelong treatment is required
  • Thyrotoxicosis – Commonly caused by hyperthyroidism, goiter, tumors in the thyroid gland, or thyroid inflammation. It can result in menstrual abnormalities, heat intolerance, weight loss, fatigue or irritability. The rate of metabolism is increased, often resulting in weight loss, increased heart rate, emotional instability, and tremor and bulging eyes.
  • Goiter – Not all goiters cause signs and symptoms. If the body releases too much thyroxin, the thyroid gland may become enlarged resulting in a visible swelling at the base of the neck. Other symptoms include, tightness in the throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing and coughing. A goiter does not necessarily mean the thyroid gland is not working normally. It may still produce normal amounts of hormones; Iodine deficiency may cause the thyroid to enlarge in an effort to obtain more iodine. The condition may be exacerbated by a diet rich in iodine inhibiting foods such as cabbage and broccoli.
  • Graves disease -This occurs when antibodies produced by the immune system, attack the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of thyroxin, and consequent swelling.
  • Hashimotos disease – Also an autoimmune disorder. The thyroid produces too little thyroxine, due to damage caused by the disorder. Enlargement occurs as a result of the thyroid’s attempt to produce more of the hormone.
  • Thyroid cancer – The most common cancer of the endocrine system. It occurs when thyroid nodules become malignant. Nodules on the thyroid are common, with over 90% being benign. These benign nodules may have no adverse effect on hormone production, but in some cases cause overproduction. If the thyroid gland requires removal, the patient will require daily hormone replacement medication for the rest of his life

Benefits of Bacopa for the thyroid

There are many herbal medicines that may treat thyroid disorders including Bacopa. Some thyroid supplements contain bacopa as well.

Thyroxin is a complex iodine rich hormone secreted naturally by the thyroid gland. It is a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine, and is secreted directly into the bloodstream where it is transported to various organs, especially the liver and kidneys.

Acting as a catalyst, it aids oxygen consumption, and increases metabolic rate. It supports general growth and development, muscle control, brain development and improves resistance to infection.

Since Thyroxine affects almost all of the body’s systems, it is vital that proper levels are maintained, to ensure that good health is preserved. It has long been assumed that thyroid problems should be treated with iodine, or iodine supplements. This however depends on whether the cause of the problem is hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism. Supplementing with iodine will only help if the condition is caused by iodine insufficiency.

Bacopa Menniera is proved to be a highly potent medicinal plant. From the results of experimental and clinical trials, there is little doubt that Bacopa is one of the best all-around herbal tonics available. Ancient claims of it’s therapeutic value has been confirmed with regard to cognitive function. However, further research is required to validate its effectiveness in certain other disorders.

A scientific study on mice showed that high doses of Bacopa (200mg/Kg) acts as a very potent stimulant to help fight hypothyroidism, by boosting the concentrations of Thyroxin (T4) by up to 41%. The study therefore vigorously suggests that Bacopa extract does indeed have a stimulatory effect on the function of the thyroid gland.

Research has demonstrated that Bacopa saponins inhibit cytotoxic activity for sarcoma-180 cells. It is thought that this may be due to Bacopa’s inhibition of DNA replication in the cancerous cell.  The saponins are found to have anti-hemolytic and antihelmintic activity.  However, the doses in the study were very high, and the typical 200-400 mg daily in humans may not have the same effect.

18 Comments
  1. Reply
    Daughter_of_Gaia March 31, 2021 at 10:45 am

    Read the Book “Medical Medium: Thyroid Healing – The Truth Behind Hashimoto’s, Graves’, Insomnia, Thryoid Nodules & Epstein-Barr

    It will reveal even more about what everyone here needs to know.

  2. Reply
    Olalla Garza September 22, 2019 at 9:11 pm

    My thyroid does not function at all Will this herb help me. Tired of feeling extremely tired..

  3. Reply
    Cristina Rosas January 16, 2019 at 9:40 pm

    I have just half of my thyroid, I’m taking Synthroid.88 mcg. I wish how to gain weight because I’m so skinny.

  4. Reply
    Claire October 31, 2018 at 9:11 am

    I have Graves disorder so antibodies to my thyroid. For all the other benefits I’d like to take bacopa. I take 50mg levothyroxine daily. Also Neocarbimazole 12.5mgs daily. What dosage would be a gentle start? As it’s an adptogen could it also calm Mt thyroid? Thank you

  5. Reply
    D.A.Patel September 27, 2018 at 10:15 am

    I have normal TSH, T3 and T4 results.Then how can there be a swelling of thyroid gland ? I am suffering from fatigue, more sweating, dry skin and hair fall.
    What it can be ?

    • Reply
      Sudha January 18, 2020 at 1:46 am

      You have Hashimoto’s disease.

  6. Reply
    Dave Anderson September 25, 2018 at 8:25 pm

    It is really interesting to know that nodules found on the thyroid are common, and over 90% are benign! I bet someone who had nodules on their thyroid might be a little bit scared. I am sure that the doctor could really help them out being at peace though.

  7. Reply
    jele March 20, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    and how´s it working for you?

  8. Reply
    bijo October 29, 2017 at 8:12 am

    i have planted this in my house and strated eating the plant very morning in empty stomach

  9. Reply
    Debbie October 21, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    Hello I have been on levothyroxine for 9 years now and I am still feeling awful. Does this correct my thyroid function without having to go on T3.
    I use herbal remedies myself and wanted to try this. Will it help me

    • Reply
      Thyroid Advisor October 22, 2017 at 3:13 am

      Hi Debbie,

      To be honest, I doubt this alone will fix all the thyroid problems you are having. It is an herb to definitely try though and see how it affects you. In conjugation with other herbs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, you will likely feel much better than before, when you were not trying these options.

      • Reply
        Debbie October 23, 2017 at 2:39 pm

        Hello. Thank you for your reply. I have purchase some from my herbal supplier with help from other thyroid herbs and I will see what will happen. I would love to stop taking T4 and T3. I am in the UK and they are stopping the prescription of T3 because it is so expensive to prescribe.
        I am on T4 for the rest of my life with prescription but I am buying T3 from Greece pharmacy.
        Since being on T3 as well as T4 I feel good. I have studied herbal medicine for years. But then found your website and was really surprised about what I read. So I am going to try this bacopa monnieri with great interest. Will keep you updated on what happens. Thank you so much.

        • Beatriz Novak February 24, 2019 at 7:37 pm

          Hi there, let me know if it worked for you! I would like to try it. Cheers!

        • Christie April 1, 2018 at 4:44 pm

          You should ask your doctor to switch you to porcine thyroid like NatureThroid or WP Thyroid. People were treated for a century with Armour Thyroid and were quite well with it but they reformulated a while back and it’s not as effective. The two brands I mentioned are quite effective. ☺️

        • Shanno March 26, 2018 at 4:24 am

          Try ashwagandha; I take levothyroxin and after 5 months of drinking a cup of ashwagandha tea each weeknight (Buddha Teas brand—pricy but worth it) my endocrinologist lowered my med dosage from 125mcg to 112mcg. Good luck!

  10. Reply
    Linda September 29, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    I appreciate the length of information you have given, it was a help to me

  11. Reply
    Sherry Gagne August 31, 2017 at 1:30 am

    Is it not recommended to take Bacopa if you have a hypothyroid and take levothyroxine?

    • Reply
      Thyroid Advisor September 4, 2017 at 10:38 pm

      Hi Sherry,

      I have not read or seen anything that suggests it is not recommended. If you take them some time apart, I would think you should be fine. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor, though, as everyone reacts differently to herbal supplements and medications.

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