A recently published study with Bacognize, a proprietary Bacopa monnieri extract from Verdure Sciences, reported numerous findings related emotional and mental wellbeing, alertness, focus, impact on sleep, stress, and other quality of life markers.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the extract’s ability help with alertness and focus, including when subjects were under stressful test taking circumstances (Kumar et al, 2016). Previous studies have also looked at its mechanism of interaction on HT1a receptors associated with serotonin uptake. With this knowledge, researchers examined the ability of the extract to act as an adaptogen, modulating the serotonin/melatonin pathways associated with alertness, focus, and a healthy circadian rhythm.
The trial examined administration of 150 mg Bacognize twice daily and its impact on quality of life (QOL) measures, including emotional wellbeing, alertness, and quality of sleep. 89 healthy men and women aged 18-70 with self-reported sleep problems showed positive improvements in salivary biomarkers measures with Bacognize when compared to placebo in all QOL measures, with positive changes in PM melatonin, decreases in CRP, and trending increase of morning cortisol levels. The ability to improve grogginess was significant. No adverse effects were observed in the Bacognize group attributed to supplementation.
“Conducting a human clinical during the COVID-19 pandemic did present some unusual challenges; however, the results are encouraging. Stress and quality of life have definitely been brought to the forefront during these times, with an ever-broadening appreciation of adapting capabilities. This study suggests that Bacognize extract indeed has the ability to help individuals respond and adapt without any negative impacts to the sleep cycle, with specific support in mood, emotional wellbeing, focus, attention, and overall cognitive vitality,” explained Sonya Cropper, VP of Marketing and Innovation at Verdure Sciences.
The researchers concluded supplementation with the extract at 300 mg/day was associated with statistically significant improvements to emotional wellbeing and general health. The treatment group saw an average 14% improvement in emotional wellbeing, compared to a 6% improvement in emotional wellbeing in the placebo group.1
Kristen Marshall, Digital Marketing Manager with Verdure Sciences, said: “This study, supports the opportunity to promote restful, restorative, and rejuvenating sleep with Bacognize. It is a very relatable category / application to target; nearly everyone has wanted to wake up alert and refreshed, balance their circadian rhythm, but not want to feel groggy or tired when getting up. It pairs nicely with the study in medical students (Kumar et al, 2016) as improved learning has traditionally been associated with a good nights’ sleep, and just because you want to promote good quality sleep—restorative and restful—does not mean that you want to feel more tired when you lie down. Overall, we are thrilled with this new publication joining the growing body of evidence in support of Bacognize.”
References
1. Lopresti AL et al. Effects of a Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacognize®) on stress, fatigue, quality of life and sleep in adults with self-reported poor sleep: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Funct Foods. 2021 Aug 02. 85(2021): 104671. EPub 2021 Aug 5. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104671