Abstract
The disorders of the central nervous system are increasingly recognized as
one of the most prevalent disorders in the present world. It has been envisaged that
neurological disorders will be of great concern in the present and future populations
worldwide. The different neurological disorders may be associated with signs, such as
loss of memory, impaired brain function, cognitive deficits, etc. The occurrence of such
degenerative diseases of the nervous system certainly imposes medical and public
health burdens on populations worldwide. The multifactorial nature of such neural
disorders entails the use of modern medicine in combination with conventional
medicines for treatment. There has been undeniably a revolution in the foundation of
existing medical facilities, which have been strengthened by the amalgamation of
phytomedicine. In recent times, the use of medicinal herbs to improve mental function
has come into the limelight in both developed and developing countries. Increased
research is being carried out to discover Ayurvedic medications owing to their
biosafety profile and utility in cognitive impairment. The current chapter deals with the
depiction of one such plant, that is Bacopa monnieri, which possesses neuroprotective
properties, and is considered to be Medhya Rasayana (a nootropic drug). This Indian
herb, being a dietary anti-oxidant, has several modes of action to protect the brain
against oxidative damage and age-related issues. A majority of the plant compounds,
such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes, present in medicinal plants, have been
known to have therapeutic properties against neurodegeneration mainly by virtue of
their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic effects.