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Brahmi

Scientific name:
Bacopa monnieri
Common name:
Brahmi
Origin:
Wetlands of Southern India

Bacopa monnieri, is a perennial creeper plant. Creeper plants are viny plants that spread and grow out from the original plant, like a plant that you may have seen growing on a house. It is native to the wetlands of Southern India, growing best in tropical climates with wet soil.

Photo of Brahmi herb

 

Brahmi is rich in many nutrients including iron, vitamin C, and calcium. Among the many bioactive compounds and nutrients that are found in Brahmi, alkaloids are one of the key compounds that improve hair health. 

Alkaloids are organic compounds found in plants (and other living organisms) that cause a biological effect. In the case of the hair follicle, alkaloids have been found to enhance protein kinase activity. Protein kinases are enzymes that are key regulators of cell function. In the case of hair, they regulate the hair cycle and growth. There are many different types of protein kinases. The inhibition or activation of certain types contribute to the regulation of the hair cycle. For example, the inhibition a protein kinase called Janus Kinase was found to be effective in treating alopecia areata, while the activation of MAP kinase was found to aid in the regulation of the hair cycle. By enhancing protein kinase activity, the alkaloids in Brahmi contribute to increasing the number of cells in the hair follicle—resulting in the induction of hair growth. 

Brahmi also contains saponins. A saponin is a bioactive compound that possesses antioxidant properties. The main saponins found in Brahmi are triterpenoid saponins, also called bacosides. Read the Fenugreek section to learn more on how saponins contribute to hair health.

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