Bacopa vs Gotu Kola

Bacopa is a creeping herb that thrives in wetlands throughout South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most important nootropic herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, with a history of over 3,000 years of use for cognitive enhancement. Modern clinical trials support its use for memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed.

Gotu kola is a creeping herb found in tropical and subtropical regions, used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Southeast Asian medicine for thousands of years. It is one of the most important herbs for cognitive function in Ayurveda (where it is sometimes called Brahmi) and for wound healing and skin health.

Bacosides A and B, Bacopasides, Brahmine, Herpestine, Apigenin

Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Brahmoside

Memory enhancement, Learning aid, Anti-anxiety, Epilepsy treatment, Cognitive tonic

Memory enhancement, Wound healing, Longevity tonic, Meditation aid, Skin health

Memory and learning, ADHD support, Anxiety, Cognitive decline prevention, Neuroprotection

Wound healing and scar reduction, Cognitive function, Venous insufficiency, Anxiety, Keloid treatment

300-450mg standardized extract (50% bacosides) daily

250-500mg standardized extract (10% asiaticoside) 2-3 times daily

Thyroid conditions (may increase thyroid hormones), Concurrent thyroid medications, GI conditions, Urinary tract obstruction

Liver disease, Scheduled surgery, Concurrent hepatotoxic medications

GI upset, Nausea, Cramping, Bloating, Dry mouth, Fatigue

GI upset, Nausea, Drowsiness, Headache, Skin irritation (topical), Liver toxicity (rare, long-term)