# Water Hyssop

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/water-hyssop/

> Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) is a plant drug, also called Brahmi, Matsyaksi and Sarasvati. Bacoside A3, bacopaside I, II, and X are the specific active saponins. Bioavailability is enhanced 1.5-2x by lipid co-administration (ghee, phospholipids). Brahmi Ghrita (traditional ghee-based formulation) provides superior bacoside delivery through lipid solubilization.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Bacopa monnieri
- **Family:** Plantaginaceae

## Names in the Indian languages

Every name form this project holds for this drug, with the script form first and the
transliteration after it. Sources per name are on the canonical page.

| Language | Names |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit | ब्राह्मी (brāhmī), मत्स्याक्षी (matsyākṣī), सरस्वती (sarasvatī) |
| Hindi | ब्राह्मी (brāhmī) |
| Tamil | நீர்ப்பிரமி |

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Water Hyssop |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Svarasa (fresh juice), Capsule, Tablet, Syrup, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) ([Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Ghrita), Tincture, Standardized extract capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice daily; 300-450 mg standardized extract (20-50% bacosides) twice daily; 1-2 teaspoons Brahmi Ghrita

**Optimal Timing:** Morning and evening with meals (reduces GI side effects); Brahmi Ghrita at bedtime for cognitive [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) effect

**Storage:** Standardized extract in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25 deg C. Fresh plant material refrigerated at 4-8 deg C. Brahmi Ghrita in glass jars at room temperature. Bacosides are moderately photosensitive; opaque packaging preferred.

**Marker Compounds:** Bacoside A3, Bacopaside I, Bacopaside II, Bacopaside X, Bacopasaponin C, [Jujubogenin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#jujubogenin), Pseudojujubogenin, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), Brahmine, Herpestine

### Synergistic Combinations

- Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) - comprehensive Medhya Rasayana combination
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) (Acorus calamus) - memory and cognitive enhancement
- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) (Nardostachys jatamansi) - calming and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) synergy
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and cognitive combination
- Mandukaparni/Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) - complementary nootropic action
- Ghrita (ghee) as vehicle - Brahmi Ghrita for optimal CNS delivery

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/water-hyssop/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.