Bacopa monnieri (L.) A Medicinal Source & Phytoremediant- A Paradox

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell is a widely used herbal medicine used since antiquity in the traditional Ayurvedic Medical System of India for its cognitive enhancing effects. A number of pre-clinical and clinical studies support this traditional usage. In vitro studies have demonstrated antioxidant and cholinergic actions in the brain as well as improved memory and cognitive performance in animal models. Now it is identified that it plays a vital role in phytoremediation of heavy metals from soil/water. Experimental aspects of plant response to heavy metals, physiological manifestation and bioaccumulation potential are experimentally detected and explained emphatically. Sensitivity of Bacopa monnieri towards water and soil polluted with essential and non-essential elements is another quality of this plant and the experimental plant as an agent to monitor heavy metal contamination is recommended. Indiscriminate use of polluted area for large scale cultivation of Bacopa monnieri by manufacturers of Ayurvedic medicines and food supplements and in vitro studies on the bioaccumulation efficacy of animal model obviously indicates the potential danger for living organisms.