Bacognize® Bacopa Monnieri

Ingredient Overview

Bacognize® is a proprietary, standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri (common names: Brahmi, water hyssop) ¹. It is produced from the whole aerial plant and formulated as a dry powder ingredient for supplements. Historically, Bacopa monnieri has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a “Medhya Rasayana” (memory tonic), with mentions in Indian texts dating back to the 6th century AD². Bacognize® was introduced in the mid-2000s as a modern, quality-controlled form of this traditional herb. The extract has a brown to greenish-brown color and a mildly bitter taste, reflecting the plant’s natural phytochemicals. Importantly, Bacognize® is not characterized by any specific health or therapeutic claim – it is defined purely by its composition and quality parameters. It is standardized to contain a consistent level of active constituents (see below) and is manufactured under food-grade conditions for use in dietary supplement products. Chemically, Bacognize® is rich in bacopa glycosides, which are the signature compounds of Bacopa monnieri. The extract is typically standardized to about 45% of these glycosidic saponins by weight³. This means nearly half of the extract consists of bacopa’s natural glycoside content (often measured as “bacosides”). By concentrating these constituents, Bacognize® ensures batch-to-batch uniformity and potency, while remaining a full-spectrum extract (the profile of compounds retains the natural ratios found in the plant). The ingredient does not include any added stimulants or synthetic additives – it is simply a purified botanical extract.

In summary, Bacognize® can be described neutrally as a highly standardized Bacopa monnieri herbal extract powder, developed to provide a reliable source of the plant’s phytochemicals without making any medicinal claims. In terms of origin and source material, Bacognize® is derived from Bacopa monnieri plants cultivated in suitable climates (typically in India and other parts of Asia, where the herb grows in wet, marshy areas). Verdure Sciences (the developer) maintains quality control from harvest through extraction to ensure the identity and purity of the herb. The extract’s development leveraged both traditional knowledge of Bacopa and modern phytochemical standardization techniques. No physiological or health effect claims are attributed to Bacognize® in this overview; it is defined by its composition and preparation only.

Chemical Classification and Structure

Bacognize® contains a group of triterpenoid saponins that are the major active constituents of Bacopa monnieri. These saponins are glycosides of the dammarane-type triterpene aglycones (jujubogenin and pseudojujubogenin). Collectively, they are often referred to as “bacosides” or “bacopa glycosides.” Chemically, each bacoside molecule has a steroid-like backbone (27-carbon dammarane structure) with sugar units attached. For example, one of the primary components is Bacoside A3, which has the IUPAC name (3β,16β,23R)-16,23:16,30-Diepoxy-20-hydroxydammar-24-en-3-yl O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-α-L-arabinofuranoside ⁴. This nomenclature describes a dammarane skeleton (24-en-3-ol) functionalized with an epoxide bridge and linked glycoside chains. In simpler terms, Bacoside A3 consists of the aglycone jujubogenin with a trisaccharide (one glucose and two arabinose sugars) attached at specific hydroxyl positions.

The major saponin constituents in Bacognize® fall into two related categories called bacosides and bacopasides. Notably, “Bacoside A” is not a single compound but a mixture of saponins. Its principal components are identified as bacoside A3, bacopaside II, bacopasaponin C, and an isomer known as bacopaside X. These molecules only differ in their sugar attachments or minor modifications of the aglycone. Another prominent component is Bacopaside I, which has a pseudojujubogenin aglycone with sulfated sugar moieties (it is one of the few bacopa saponins containing a sulfate group)⁵. All of these compounds belong to the triterpenoid saponin class – amphiphilic (soap-like) molecules that can interact with cell membranes due to their lipid-like aglycone and hydrophilic sugar parts.

Besides saponins, Bacognize® retains other naturally occurring compounds in Bacopa monnieri albeit in smaller quantities. These include alkaloids such as brahmine and herpestine, phenolic compounds (e.g. flavonoids like luteolin and apigenin), and phytosterols (e.g. β-sitosterol and stigmasterol)⁶. However, the extraction process is optimized to enrich the bacoside fraction, so these other constituents are present in minor proportions relative to the saponins. In terms of chemical classification, the bacosides can be viewed as glycosylated phytosteroids. They have a molecular weight typically in the range of 800–900 Daltons in their glycosylated forms, and around 440–470 Daltons as aglycones (after removal of sugar units). For structural reference, the core aglycone jujubogenin (found in bacoside A3 and bacopaside X) is a tetracyclic triterpenoid with the formula C₃₀H₄₈O₆. It can be visualized as a derivative of the sapogenin pseudojujubogenin (C₃₂H₅₂O₁₁ in glycosidic form for bacopaside I) where rings and epoxy bridges form a rigid polycyclic structure⁵. The sugar attachments are usually arabinose and glucose in various linkages (β-1→3 or α-1→2). These saponins are often acetylated or exist as isomeric pairs in the plant.

In summary, Bacognize® is chemically characterized by a suite of dammarane triterpene glycosides (bacosides). Table 1 of Sekhar et al. (2019) provides a summary of these compounds and their aglycone/sugar composition⁵. No single “active ingredient” is isolated – instead, the extract’s efficacy (in a pharmacological context) is attributed to the combined presence of these saponins. Here, we focus only on their chemistry: they are non-volatile, non-alkaloidal, water-soluble glycosides belonging to the steroidal saponin family. This neutral chemical description underlines that Bacognize® is a complex mixture of natural compounds, each with a defined chemical structure, but we make no inference about their biological activity in this document.

Dietary Sources and Natural Occurrence

Bacopa monnieri is the natural source of all the compounds found in Bacognize®. This creeping herb grows in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide – notably in India, Nepal, China, and even parts of Florida and Hawaii – typically in wetlands and muddy shorelines². The entirety of the above-ground plant (leaves, stems, and flowers) is used for extraction. In traditional usage, fresh Bacopa leaves were eaten or brewed into teas; in Bacognize®, dried whole herb material is the starting point. There are no other dietary sources of bacosides – these specific saponins are unique to Bacopa monnieri (they do not naturally occur in common foods). Consumers obtain these compounds only by consuming Bacopa plant material (whether as the raw herb or in supplement form like Bacognize®).

The content of bacoside compounds in Bacopa monnieri can vary widely based on environmental factors such as growing location, season, and even the plant’s genetic strain. In wild Bacopa, total bacoside concentration is relatively low (often less than 1% of dry weight)⁷. Cultivated strains or optimized growing conditions can increase this. A recent controlled study compared Bacopa grown in soil vs. hydroponic culture and in diploid vs. tetraploid forms: soil-grown plants had significantly higher bacoside yields. Soil-cultivated Bacopa (diploid) showed ~1.33% bacoside A3 by dry weight, whereas hydroponically grown equivalents were about half of that (0.7% range)⁸. Tetraploid (polyploid) Bacopa variants also demonstrated up to ~1.43% bacoside A3 in soil culture⁸. This indicates that climate, soil nutrients, and even plant genetics influence the concentration of active glycosides. Generally, Bacopa grown under sunlight in nutrient-rich soil tends to accumulate more bacosides than shade-grown or water-grown plants⁸.

When Bacognize® is produced, these natural variations are evened out by blending and standardization. The manufacturing process ensures that each batch contains a fixed range of bacosides, regardless of source fluctuations. In practical terms, a typical daily serving of Bacognize® (e.g. one capsule of 300 mg) will provide approximately 135 mg of total bacosides (45%) and about 30–40 mg of specific bacopa glycosides (measured by HPLC)⁹. By contrast, consuming 300 mg of the dried raw herb would yield only on the order of a few milligrams of bacosides (assuming ~1% content in the dried plant). Thus, the extract form significantly concentrates the natural constituents.

No endogenous production of bacosides occurs in the human body – these compounds must come from the Bacopa plant. Bacopa monnieri is sometimes eaten as a minor leafy vegetable in certain cultures, but it is not a common dietary staple due to its bitter taste. Therefore, supplements like Bacognize® serve as a concentrated dietary source of Bacopa’s unique phytochemicals. It should be noted that outside of Bacopa, no conventional foods contain bacoside glycosides. So if one’s diet does not include this herb, the only way to obtain these compounds is via supplements or herbal preparations. In the context of the diet, Bacognize® would typically be an ingredient in nootropic or herbal supplement products, providing a quantified amount of Bacopa extract per serving. For example, a product might state “Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacognize®) – 300 mg per capsule, standardized to 45% bacosides,” which corresponds to the content ranges mentioned above.

Biochemical Role and Presence in the Body

Since bacosides are not produced by the human body, their presence in the body only occurs after oral ingestion of Bacopa monnieri or its extracts. When one consumes Bacognize®, the bacopa glycosides must survive digestion and be absorbed into the bloodstream to distribute in the body. Being relatively large polar molecules, intact bacosides are not readily absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead, evidence suggests they undergo biotransformation in the gut. The glycosidic bonds can be cleaved by intestinal bacteria or enzymes, releasing smaller aglycone fragments. The aglycones (like jujubogenin) are more lipophilic and can be absorbed through the intestinal mucosa⁵. In this way, the bacosides follow a common path for saponins: partial hydrolysis yields absorbable sapogenins.

After absorption, these compounds (or their metabolites) are distributed via the bloodstream. They do not belong to any normal metabolic pool in humans, so the body treats them as foreign phytochemicals. Bacosides or their aglycones may bind to plasma proteins or partition into cell membranes given their amphiphilic nature. Studies on the pharmacokinetics of Bacopa extracts in humans are somewhat limited (no endogenous levels exist to measure, and the compounds are complex). However, one pharmacological review noted that after oral administration of Bacopa extract, peak plasma concentrations of bacoside compounds (or their effects) occur in approximately 2–4 hours, and the effective plasma half-life is on the order of 12–15 hours⁵. This suggests that bacoside metabolites persist in circulation for half a day before being cleared, allowing for once-daily dosing in supplements.

Once in the bloodstream, the bacopa constituents can potentially cross cell membranes. Notably, there is interest in whether they cross the blood-brain barrier, since Bacopa is traditionally associated with cognitive effects. While direct evidence of bacoside levels in the brain is scarce, their relatively moderate molecular size and amphiphilic structure imply that some fraction might penetrate into brain tissue. Indeed, rodent studies have observed pharmacological effects consistent with central activity, implying distribution to the brain¹⁰. Nonetheless, in this overview we will not delve into physiological roles. Biochemically, once absorbed, bacosides do not perform a known nutritive function; they are xenobiotic compounds that may interact with enzymes and receptors as the body attempts to metabolize and excrete them. Importantly, Bacognize®’s components have no established role in normal human physiology – unlike vitamins or minerals, they are not co-factors or structural units needed by cells. Their “role,” if any, is as exogenous phytochemicals. Some in vitro experiments show bacosides can modulate certain enzymes and neurotransmitter receptors¹¹, but those findings go beyond a neutral chemical description.

From a biochemical standpoint, when Bacopa extract is consumed, the body will absorb what it can and circulate these compounds temporarily. They might undergo phase I and II metabolism (modification by liver enzymes, see next section) and eventually be eliminated. There is no bodily store or reservoir for bacosides – with continued intake, a steady-state may be reached where absorption and elimination balance out, but if intake stops, the compounds are cleared and not retained long term. In summary, bacosides from Bacognize® appear in the human body only after ingestion and are distributed through systemic circulation. They likely localize to both water-soluble compartments (blood plasma) and to some extent in lipid membranes (due to their aglycone part). They are not endogenous to humans and serve no essential biochemical function; rather, they are bioactive herbal constituents present transiently in the body post-consumption. We do note that Bacopa is not endogenously present – without dietary intake of Bacognize® or the plant itself, these molecules would be absent from the body.

Metabolism and Excretion

After absorption, the bacoside glycosides undergo extensive metabolic transformation. The human body treats them as foreign substances (xenobiotics) and processes them primarily in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. A key step in metabolism is deglycosylation – removal of sugar moieties. Gut microbiota play a major role in this: bacterial enzymes can cleave the glycosidic bonds, yielding the triterpenoid aglycones (such as jujubogenin) and various sugar residues. Once the aglycones are freed, they may be modified by liver enzymes (Phase I metabolism) – for example, by oxidation or reduction of functional groups. Bacopa aglycones have multiple hydroxyl groups that could be conjugated. In fact, the liver is expected to attach polar groups via Phase II metabolism, such as glucuronidation or sulfation, to facilitate excretion. The presence of sulfate in bacopaside I (a sulfated glycoside) suggests that de-sulfation and re-sulfation steps may occur as well⁵.

One pharmacokinetic study in rats (on bacopaside I) noted almost none of the intact compound was found in blood or urine, and only a small fraction was recovered unchanged in feces⁵. The majority was presumably broken down into metabolites or degraded by gut bacteria. Meanwhile, some in vitro findings indicate Bacopa extracts may inhibit certain CYP isoenzymes (like CYP2C19 and CYP2C9)⁵, suggesting bacosides could compete for or alter these enzymes’ activity.

The primary route of excretion for Bacognize® compounds appears to be through the biliary-fecal route. After hepatic metabolism, conjugated metabolites are likely secreted into bile and eliminated in feces. Some fraction of metabolites may undergo enterohepatic circulation – i.e., excreted into bile, then reactivated in the gut and reabsorbed – which can prolong their half-life. Ultimately, however, the bulk of metabolites should leave the body in stool. Renal (urinary) excretion plays a minor role: the intact bacosides are too large and not seen in urine, and only if very small metabolites form could they be filtered by the kidneys. The plasma half-life of bacoside metabolites in humans has been indirectly estimated at around 12–15 hours⁵, meaning within a couple of days most of a dose would be eliminated.

No long-lasting or bioaccumulative behavior has been reported. In practical terms, if a person takes Bacognize®, within a day or two the bacosides and their metabolites are largely gone from the body. The metabolism and excretion profile underscores that Bacognize® functions as a source of transient herbal compounds that the body will process and clear in order to maintain homeostasis.

Industrial Production Methods

Extraction and Standardization: Bacognize® is produced by an industrial extraction process designed to concentrate Bacopa’s glycosides while removing unwanted components (like fibers and chlorophyll). The process typically begins with dried Bacopa monnieri herb that is milled into a coarse powder. This powder is subjected to solvent extraction – commonly a hydroalcoholic solvent such as a mixture of food-grade ethanol and water is used³. The filtrate then undergoes concentration (e.g., vacuum evaporation), producing a thick syrup or paste rich in bacosides. Additional steps (like defatting with non-polar solvents) may remove oils and chlorophyll, but a broad range of bacosides is retained. The resulting extract is spray-dried or vacuum-dried to a fine powder.

Bacognize® is standardized to contain a defined percentage of bacopa glycosides (~45%). Each lot is tested (using HPLC or spectroscopic methods) to quantify the major saponins. The yield of dried extract from raw Bacopa herb is relatively low, reflecting the concentration of actives in the plant. Nonetheless, the hydroalcoholic process is considered “clean,” employing food-grade solvents that are removed to safe residual levels. Quality control includes chromatographic fingerprinting and tests for contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, microbes). The final powder is >90% pure (in terms of overall non-fibrous constituents) and includes all major bacoside forms in natural proportions.

Pros and Cons: A key advantage is consistent potency—each batch meets a fixed bacoside specification, providing reproducible phytochemical content. A downside is the strong, bitter taste typical of saponin-rich extracts, which formulating companies often mask via excipients or capsule delivery.

Regulatory and Historical Background

Historical Introduction: Bacognize® was first marketed in the early 21st century as a nutraceutical ingredient. Verdure Sciences, an Indiana-based nutraceutical company, developed and trademarked Bacognize®. Bacopa monnieri itself has a long history of use in India and was known in Western herbal circles by the 1990s. The modern standardized form capitalized on growing interest in Ayurvedic herbs for cognitive health, while maintaining compliance with supplement regulations.

Regulatory Status – United States: In the U.S., Bacognize® is a dietary supplement ingredient under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The FDA does not “approve” such ingredients but requires that they be manufactured under cGMP and that they are safe. Bacognize® is used in supplements with label statements like “Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacognize®), standardized to 45% bacosides.” No disease claims can be made.

Regulatory Status – European Union: In the EU, Bacognize® is also sold as a botanical food supplement ingredient. No health claims for Bacopa monnieri are currently approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Bacopa-based claims remain “on hold,” so any references to memory or cognitive function are not authorized in EU markets. Nevertheless, Bacognize® can be lawfully marketed as a standardized Bacopa extract, with safety and quality data provided to regulators.

Public Health and Safety Evaluations: EFSA has not published a specific safety monograph on Bacognize®, but Bacopa monnieri is recognized as a traditional herbal with a generally safe profile under normal supplement use. In the U.S., it has been reviewed in toxicological studies and used in clinical trials. These data support a wide margin of safety (see next section).

Safety and Recommended Dosages

Safety Profile: Bacognize® has undergone toxicological evaluations indicating a wide safety margin. In a GLP-compliant 90-day subchronic toxicity study in rats, Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacognize®) caused no adverse effects even at the highest dose tested (1000 mg/kg/day)¹. The No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) was thus at least 1000 mg/kg/day, far above normal human intakes.

Another rat study on a similar standardized Bacopa extract found no acute toxicity at a single dose of up to 5000 mg/kg, and no chronic toxicity over 270 days at 1500 mg/kg/day¹⁰. Genotoxicity assays (Ames, micronucleus, chromosomal aberration) showed no mutagenic or clastogenic effects¹.

Human data likewise show good tolerability. Adverse events in clinical trials are predominantly mild gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, increased stool frequency) and occasional fatigue or dry mouth². These appear dose-dependent and generally subside if the extract is taken with food. There have been no serious safety signals reported in decades of Bacopa use. The US FDA’s adverse event databases do not flag Bacopa as a significant concern.

Recommended Dosages: Most supplement products provide 150–300 mg of Bacognize® one to three times daily (total 300–600 mg/day). This corresponds to ~135–270 mg of bacosides. Doses up to 600 mg/day in divided servings have been widely studied with good tolerability. Some manufacturers set a safe upper intake of about 1000 mg/day for adults. There is no official RDI or tolerable upper limit established by regulatory agencies; these guidelines reflect research usage and traditional practice.

Contraindications and Interactions: Bacognize® is generally safe for healthy adults. Caution is advised for individuals with GI ulcers or on sedative medications, as Bacopa may have mild calming properties. Pregnant or lactating women are often advised to avoid it unless under professional supervision (limited data). Some in vitro studies suggest it may affect CYP enzymes, so those on prescription drugs should consult a healthcare provider if combining with Bacopa⁵.

Overall, Bacognize® poses minimal risk at typical supplement dosages. The high NOAEL in animal studies and a long history of traditional use further support its safety profile, provided the ingredient is used within recommended amounts.

Conclusion

Bacognize® is a chemically well-characterized extract of Bacopa monnieri, standardized chiefly for its bacoside and bacopaside content. It provides a concentrated source of the herb’s distinctive triterpenoid saponins, delivered in a consistent ratio reflective of the natural plant. Over the course of this overview, we have detailed Bacognize®’s definition as an ingredient, its chemical makeup (dammarane-type glycosides), and its fate in the body (absorption after partial hydrolysis, metabolic breakdown, and fecal excretion). Industrially, it is produced via hydroalcoholic extraction, careful standardization, and comprehensive quality controls to ensure a reproducible product.

From a regulatory perspective, Bacognize® is sold as a nutraceutical/botanical ingredient, not a drug. It has entered global markets on the basis of traditional use, modern standardization, and favorable safety data. Both FDA and EFSA acknowledge Bacopa as a legitimate herbal supplement but have not approved any health claims for it. Consequently, Bacognize® must be marketed without disease or therapeutic promises.

In neutral terms, Bacognize® is simply a concentrated Bacopa monnieri extract offering a consistent phytochemical profile. This document focuses on its chemistry, standardization, safety, and regulatory considerations—making no assertion of health benefits. Its inclusion in dietary supplements is underpinned by a history of use and current toxicological evidence.

The upshot is that Bacognize® can be used as a reliable source of Bacopa saponins in supplement formulations, with minimal risk when used appropriately. Any potential cognitive or health-related effects remain outside the scope of this neutral overview. As always, compliance with EU, US, and other relevant laws is essential, especially regarding permissible labeling and advertising.

This scientific overview has presented chemical, biochemical, and regulatory context without any health claims. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not approved any health or physiological claims associated with Bacognize®. Consumers should not interpret this educational information as medical advice or a basis for health decisions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting dietary supplements or making significant dietary changes. Supplements should complement, not replace, a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.

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