Meta Information
ID:bacopa-monnieri
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Fat
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The active compounds in Bacopa, bacosides, are fat-soluble, and their absorption is significantly improved when taken with dietary fats.
Actionable advice:
Always take Bacopa Monnieri with a meal that includes some fat, like avocado, nuts, or olive oil.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
There is insufficient safety data to recommend the use of Bacopa during pregnancy; its effects on fetal development are unknown.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Bacopa Monnieri completely if you are pregnant.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
It is not known if the active compounds in Bacopa are excreted in breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Bacopa Monnieri completely while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may induce (speed up) the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme, which could lower the blood levels and effectiveness of many common medications.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using if you take medications metabolized by CYP3A4, such as certain statins or calcium channel blockers.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may induce (speed up) the activity of the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially reducing the effectiveness of drugs like warfarin or NSAIDs.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult a healthcare professional if you take medications metabolized by CYP2C9.
Target id:
/class/cholinesterase-inhibitors
Target name:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may increase acetylcholine levels, and taking it with cholinesterase inhibitors (used for Alzheimer's) could lead to an excessive cholinergic effect and increased side effects.
Actionable advice:
Do not combine Bacopa with cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil or galantamine without medical supervision.
Target id:
/class/anticholinergic-medications
Target name:
Anticholinergic Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which could counteract and reduce the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs used for conditions like incontinence or COPD.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking Bacopa if you are on anticholinergic medications, as it may reduce their efficacy.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Sedatives and CNS Depressants
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa can cause drowsiness and may have an additive sedative effect when combined with other CNS depressants like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or alcohol.
Actionable advice:
Avoid combining with other sedatives or alcohol, especially when driving or operating machinery.
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine_systemic_disease
Target name:
Levothyroxine (Thyroid Hormone)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Animal studies suggest Bacopa may stimulate the thyroid gland and increase thyroxine (T4) levels, potentially leading to an overactive thyroid state when combined with thyroid medication.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor and monitor thyroid function closely if you take thyroid hormones and wish to use Bacopa.
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Because Bacopa may increase thyroid hormone production, it could potentially worsen hyperthyroidism or alter the medication needs for hypothyroidism.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and under medical supervision if you have any thyroid condition.
Target id:
/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease
Target name:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may increase gastric and intestinal secretions, which could potentially aggravate existing stomach ulcers.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Bacopa if you have active peptic ulcers.
Target id:
/condition/asthma-copd
Target name:
Asthma and COPD
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
The cholinergic effects of Bacopa could theoretically cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), which may worsen symptoms of asthma or COPD.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult your doctor before taking Bacopa if you have asthma or COPD.
Target id:
/condition/bradycardia
Target name:
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Due to its potential cholinergic effects, Bacopa might further slow the heart rate, which could be problematic for individuals with pre-existing bradycardia.
Actionable advice:
Avoid Bacopa if you have a known slow heart rate, or use only under medical supervision.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Bacopa may interact with medications used during and after surgery, such as anesthetics (additive sedation) and anticholinergics, and could theoretically affect bleeding risk.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue Bacopa at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/class/cyp1a2-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP1A2
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may inhibit (slow down) the CYP1A2 enzyme, which could increase the levels and side effects of substances like caffeine or theophylline.
Actionable advice:
Be mindful of increased effects from caffeine or other CYP1A2 substrates when taking Bacopa.
Target id:
/class/cyp2d6-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may weakly inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme, potentially increasing levels and side effects of many antidepressants, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers.
Actionable advice:
Monitor for increased side effects if you take medications metabolized by CYP2D6 and consult your doctor.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which could be additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing hypotension (low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
Monitor your blood pressure if you combine Bacopa with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
There is a theoretical concern that Bacopa could have mild antiplatelet effects, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Target id:
/class/serotonergic-agents
Target name:
Serotonergic Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa has been shown to modulate serotonin systems. There is a theoretical risk of additive effects when combined with other serotonergic drugs, though this is not well-documented.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for any unusual symptoms if combining with serotonergic medications.
Target id:
/condition/urinary-retention
Target name:
Urinary Tract Obstruction / BPH
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Theoretically, increased cholinergic activity from Bacopa could worsen urinary tract obstructions.
Actionable advice:
Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have a urinary tract obstruction or BPH.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Bacopa can cause fatigue or drowsiness in some individuals, which may interfere with daytime alertness if taken in the morning.
Actionable advice:
If Bacopa makes you feel tired, consider taking your full dose in the evening.
Target id:
/biomarker/thyroid-panel
Target name:
Thyroid Panel Blood Test
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
assay_interference
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Bacopa may physiologically increase T4 levels, which could lead to a misinterpretation of thyroid function tests. This is a true physiological effect, not a direct chemical interference with the test.
Actionable advice:
Inform your doctor that you are taking Bacopa when having your thyroid levels checked.