Unlocking the Power of Bacopa monnieri: A Clinical Trial on Aging, Neurocognitive Functions, with relation to constitution (Prakriti) in healthy adults

To explore this interconnection, a pioneering clinical trial has been initiated at the University of Colombo, marking the first collaborative study between the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine and the Faculty of Medicine. Notably, this is the first clinical trial conducted after the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine officially became a faculty. This study aims to investigate the effects of Bacopa monnieri, a well-known Ayurvedic herb, on aging and neurocognitive functions while considering individual constitution (Prakriti). This clinical trial is designed to provide scientific, evidence-based data on the effectiveness of Bacopa monnieri and its specially formulated Ayurvedic dosage form, BMFD, in enhancing neuro-cognitive functions and mitigating aging-related changes. This study aims to assess the potential of BMFD-Bacopa monerri freeze-dried decoction -the interventional dosage) in stabilizing the aging process and influencing cognitive functions in the elderly Participants. Participants will be allocated randomly into the two arms and consider testing dosage form (BMFD), which has the highest anti-aging activity and the highest anti-lipase activity and placebo to evaluate if the BMFD dosage form is better at stabilizing the process of aging and aging-related neurocognitive functions as compared to placebo by analyzing the telomere length and telomerase activity. The trial also seeks to identify early indicators of neuro-cognitive impairment and neurophysiological alterations linked to aging and Prakriti.

This study is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry – UK under the identifier ISRCTN64126920.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN64126920

The Research Team includes Dr H L N R Pradeep – Lecturer (Probationary), Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, PhD candidate, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, under the supervision of Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, Professor Dilshani Dissanayake, Professor Nilakshi Samaranayake, and Professor P R Waratenne. This clinical trial aims to contribute to the scientific validation of Bacopa monnieri in managing age-related neurocognitive decline while incorporating Ayurvedic Prakriti analysis for a personalized approach. The findings may pave the way for drug development targeting aging and neurocognitive function decline, offering integrative healthcare strategies that bridge traditional wisdom with modern science. As the world’s population ages, the need for effective, natural, and holistic interventions becomes increasingly vital. This groundbreaking clinical trial seeks to unveil the therapeutic potential of Bacopa monnieri, bringing Ayurveda into mainstream scientific discourse while providing promising insights into healthy aging and neurocognitive longevity. Dr Rangana Pradeep is the first BAMS graduate to be internally registered for a PhD in Research and Higher Degrees Committee, Faculty of Medicine.