Quick Comparison
| Bacopa Monnieri | Magnesium L-Threonate | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | 2-6 hours (bacosides) | 2-3 hours (threonate carrier), but brain magnesium levels increase cumulatively |
| Typical Dosage | Standard: 300-600 mg daily of extract standardized to 50% bacosides (e.g., Bacognize or Synapsa). Take with fat for absorption. Allow 8-12 weeks for full effects. Evening dosing preferred due to mild sedation. | Standard: 1500-2000 mg Magnesium L-Threonate daily (providing 144 mg elemental magnesium). Often split into a daytime dose and a pre-bed dose. The Magtein brand uses 2000 mg daily (667 mg three times). |
| Administration | Oral (capsules, powder). Fat-soluble — take with a meal containing fat. | Oral (capsules, powder). The L-threonate form is specifically chosen for brain penetration. |
| Research Papers | 8 papers | 10 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa's bacosides (bacosides A and B, bacopaside I-VII) enhance synaptic communication by increasing dendritic branching, spine density, and synaptic activity in the hippocampus via modulation of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM) and FGF-2. They modulate serotonin through 5-HT3 receptor antagonism (reducing anxiety) and 5-HT2A modulation, dopamine through D1/D2 receptor modulation, and acetylcholine through enhancement of choline acetyltransferase. Bacosides upregulate tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression, increasing serotonin synthesis and reuptake. The antioxidant properties of bacosides reduce lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in the hippocampus via free radical scavenging, protecting neurons from oxidative damage during memory formation. They may enhance CREB phosphorylation and BDNF expression.
Magnesium L-Threonate
The L-threonate carrier forms stable complexes with magnesium and transports it across the blood-brain barrier via specific transporters more effectively than inorganic magnesium salts or other chelated forms. Once in the brain, magnesium acts as a voltage-dependent blocker of the NMDA receptor channel at the physiological magnesium binding site within the ion pore, preventing excessive calcium influx and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. Magnesium also serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase, glutamic acid decarboxylase), ATP production (creatine kinase, pyruvate kinase), and DNA/RNA polymerase. Elevated brain magnesium enhances synaptic density and plasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, likely through CREB-mediated gene expression and increased density of postsynaptic AMPA receptors.
Risks & Safety
Bacopa Monnieri
Common
Gastrointestinal discomfort (cramping, nausea, bloating), fatigue, dry mouth.
Serious
May interact with thyroid medications.
Rare
Increased bowel movements, decreased appetite.
Magnesium L-Threonate
Common
Drowsiness (often desired for sleep), mild headache initially, gastrointestinal discomfort.
Serious
None documented at standard doses. Magnesium toxicity is not a concern with oral supplementation in people with normal kidney function.
Rare
Diarrhea (less common than with other magnesium forms).
Full Profiles
Bacopa Monnieri →
An Ayurvedic herb used for thousands of years as a memory enhancer. Modern research confirms it — Bacopa reliably improves memory formation, recall speed, and information retention. The catch is that benefits require 8-12 weeks of daily use to manifest; it is not an acute cognitive enhancer. The bacosides (active compounds) are also mildly sedating, making evening dosing common.
Magnesium L-Threonate →
A form of magnesium specifically designed to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase brain magnesium levels. Developed at MIT, it is the only magnesium form clinically shown to raise CSF magnesium concentrations. Brain magnesium is critical for synaptic plasticity, and deficiency (common in modern diets) impairs learning, memory, and sleep quality. Sold under the brand name Magtein.