Effects of Brahmi: on the Centaur for the oestradiol immunoassay'

1

• Effects of Brahmi on the Centaur for the
  oestradiol immunoassay.

• How it works
• The memory enhancing and cognitive effects of
  Brahmi have been attributed to the active
  components saponins, in particular bacosides A
  and B.
• The mode of action is thought to be by the-
  Positive influence on many nerve endings found in
  the brain, which are important for memory and
  cognition- Antioxidant effects by neutralisation
  of free radical producing metals and by
  increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes,
  thus assisting in avoiding cell damage

• Case Details
• 51 yr old female
• Currently using hormone replacement therapy
• Been having her oestradiol tested recently
• Previous results
• 02/09/05 417 pmol/ L (N)
• 30/09/05 360 pmol/ L (N)
• 22/11/05 318 pmol/ L (N)
• Current result was significantly greater than
  the others
• 06/01/05 gt3670 pmol/ L (???)
• Dr. asked why/what happen?
• Patient indicated the only thing different was
  that she was taking brahmi and glucosamine.

• General information
• Brahmi  is also known as bacopa monniera
  (bacopa).
• It is rapidly becoming one of the most
  sought-after herbs in Australia.
• It is typically found throughout India.
• Mainly used as a nerve tonic, to treat insomnia
  and nervous tension.
• Brahmi is known to contain hypotensive and
  diuretic properties.
• It is sometimes referred to as "brain food"
  because it is known to nourish the brain.
• Thus, improving intelligence and memory.
• It is rumored to also help decrease the signs of
  aging, particularly in the mind, by increasing
  mental clarity and brain functioning.

• Dosage
• Adults - Take one tablet twice daily with meals,
  or as professionally prescribed.
• Children (under 12 years) - Not recommended for
  children under the age of 12 years.

• Active ingredient per tablet
• Extract equivalent to dry whole plant
• 3 g (3000mg)(standardised to contain bacosides
  67.5mg)

• Investigation
• Received 2 pills containing brahmi.
• 1 pill was crushed into a fine powder.
• .0.010g of fine powder was weighted out.
• The powder was then mixed with 3ml of oestradiol
  diluent.
• As, the powder could not dissolve fully, the
  solution was centrifuge at maximum speed for 10
  minutes. and aliquot the supernatant
• The supernatant was then aliquoted and analyzed
  on the centaur.
• Results from the centaur was positive
  (approximately 264 pmol/ L).

• Traditional uses
• Crushed brahmi is traditionally used for fevers,
  boils,  sprains and fractures.
• In India, the plant is used for all sorts of
  skin problems- as it is said to stimulate the
  growth of skin, hair and nails.
•  In Pakistan, it is a home remedy for skin
  problems, rheumatism, piles, inflammations
  swellings, fever, dysentery, children's bowel
  complaints, mental weakness and to improve memory.

• Conclusion
• Brahmi somehow caused a higher positive result
  on the centaur for oestradiol
• It either contain some amounts of oestradiol or
  it chemically interferes with the immunoassay
  reaction (i.e. bind to antibodies), thus causing
  false positives.

• Modern uses
• Brahmi is typically recommended/used for people
  from middle age and onwards, who find their
  memory is not always as sharp as they would like
  it to be.
• Additionally, Brahmi is suitable for students as
  it enhances the minds ability to learn and to
  focus.
• It also enhances the mind by having the ability
  to calm the mind, while at the same time
  rejuvenating the thinking capacity in a centered,
  peaceful way.
• Generally, Brahmi is used for people who want to
  improve mental function and concentration
  particularly under pressure or in stressful
  conditions. (for example during presentations).

• Acknowledgement
• Thanks to the staff in the biochemistry
  department at Dorevitch Pathology for assisting
  me with this case study, particularly Dr. Que Lam
  for assisting me with finding the tablets and
  giving me the case study.

• References
• http//www.arcadiaherbsandalternatives.com/single
  s/herbs/bacopa.htm
• http//www.alternativehealth.com.au/Articles/brah
  mi.htm