Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/217252

Title

The neural and cognitive effects of Bacopa Monniera: an fMRI study

Author(s)

Neale, Chris;  Scholey, Andrew;  Hughes, Matthew;  Johnston, Patrick

Abstract

Objectives: Bacopa Monniera is an ayurvedic herbal medicine used in Indian medicine as a memory tonic. Animal models have shown that it is an antioxidant (1), a memory enhancer (2), and an antidepressant (3). Human trials have had variable results, but spatial memory, attention, and information processing tasks seem to be affected by Bacopa. Given the improvements shown the RVIP task as a result of a 12 week Bacopa intervention, an fMRI methodology was employed to see how Bacopa affects the brain during this task. The improved performance in these tasks suggests Bacopa may modulate task specific brain regions. This investigation looks at the effects of Bacopa on the BOLD signal in the RVIP task over a 90 day intervention. Method: The study utilized a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design where all participants completed a 90 day course of both Bacopa (300mg daily) and placebo during the study. The participants were aged between 40 and 65 years and in good health. Interventions were separated by a 120 day washout period. Scans were undertaken on a 3T Siemens TRIO magnet before and after each 90 day intervention where participants would complete two runs of the task per scan visit. The RVIP task is a block design which requires participants to respond when they see three odd or even numbers in a stream of numbers presented at 100/minute. The control block requires a response when a zero is seen in the stream of numbers. Blocks last for 1 minute and are repeated 3 times per condition in each of two experimental runs per scan. Results: Data collection is ongoing at present. Baseline data show a bilateral increase in BOLD activation in the precentral gyrus and precuneus with activation extending to the left inferior frontal gyrus (n=7, p=.005) when compared with control using a task greater than baseline mask. Behavioural data suggest fewer 'hits' in the active task compared to control task. Conclusions: The methodology of the study sets a gold standard for clinical trials using nutraceuticals and fMRI. Given the ongoing nature of the study, conclusions are merely speculative at this point. However, the task looks to be a sensitive reflection of sustained attention. We anticipate that the 90 day intervention of Bacopa will affect the BOLD signal in these particular regions of interest.

Publication type

Conference poster

Source

Poster presented at The 4th International Congress of Psychopharmacology, Antalya, Turkey, 23-27 November 2011

Publication year

2011

Keyword(s)

Bacopa Monniera;  fMRI;  Nutraceuticals;  Human cognition

Publisher

Turkish Association for Psychopharmacology

Publisher URL

http://www.psikofarmakoloji.org/4thkongre/pp_109.html

Copyright

Copyright © 2011.

Peer reviewed