Bacopa
Bacopa monnieri, one of six botanicals in Helm's 231 mg blend. Trials of standardised extract found quicker attention after twelve weeks.
Written by R. Kessler · About Knurle · Editorial policy
The short answer
Bacopa monnieri is a herb from Ayurvedic practice. A meta-analysis of nine randomised trials in 518 people found standardised bacopa extract improved speed of attention, cutting 17.9 milliseconds from a trail-making test. Every trial ran at least twelve weeks. Helm contains bacopa powder as part of a 231 mg six-plant blend.
The form, and why it matters
Trials used standardised bacopa extracts. Helm uses bacopa whole-herb powder, as one of six botanicals in a single proprietary blend: gotu kola, astragalus, bacopa, cistanche, maritime pine bark and Panax ginseng. The label prints the blend total, 231 mg, not each plant.
Typical dose
The best-known trial used 300 mg of bacopa extract a day for twelve weeks. Helm's whole six-plant blend is 231 mg, so the bacopa in it is less than a trial dose.
What the research shows
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg of bacopa extract a day improved speed of visual information processing, learning rate and memory consolidation, with the largest effects at twelve weeks. A meta-analysis of nine trials and 518 subjects, 437 in the pooled analysis, found shorter trail-making and choice reaction times.
Who should be careful
Bacopa can cause stomach upset in some people. Helm also contains Panax ginseng, which can interact with blood thinners and diabetes medication. Talk to your clinician first if you take prescription medicine, are pregnant or nursing.
Where it sits in our formulas
| Product | Form on the label | Amount per serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helm | gotu kola, astragalus, bacopa, cistanche, maritime pine bark 65% proanthocyanidins, Panax ginseng | 231 mg | not established |
Sources
- Stough et al., The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects, Psychopharmacology
- Kongkeaw et al., Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract, J Ethnopharmacol
Figures checked against the sources above on 21 September 2026.
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera root, 650 mg a capsule in Cove. Trials of concentrated root extracts found lower stress scores and cortisol over eight weeks or more.
Read itNAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, 500 mg in Ember. The human research so far is mostly on its building blocks rather than on NAD+ taken by mouth.
Read itEvery milligram, printed.
Each amount on the label is the amount in a full daily serving, and it matches what is on this page.
