Changes in Antioxidant Activity and Active Compounds of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. Over Successive Growth Stages

Abstract

Brahmi [Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.], also called Water Hyssop, is an herbaceous plant that has been used as herbal medicine to improve and restore memory. This research investigated the changes in antioxidant activity and the active compounds during cultivation 12 weeks to find out the appropriate amount of active compound and crop yield. The main indentified active compounds were luteolin and apigenin, bacoside A3, bacopaside II, bacopasaponin X, bacopasaponin C, and bacoside I. The results showed that plant growth varies over its lifetime. Brahmi plants begin flowering 6 weeks after the establishment of new cuttings and flowering increases up to week 12. The antioxidant activity and active compound were similarly changed. Active compounds were produced gradually at week 2, 4, and 6. The highest amount was shown in week 8 and tended to dramatically drop in week 10 and increased in week 12. However plant growth was positively increased with plant ages. This study indicated that antioxidant activity and active compounds were varied with the growth stage. Regarding capacity per plant, the highest content of active compounds was found in week 12. Therefore, this period should be considered for Brahmi harvesting to obtain high active compounds and crop yield.