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Background: Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica are two of the most important Medhya (intellect-promoting) herbs in Ayurveda. Both have been called “Brahmi” in different regions and texts, leading to long-standing confusion in practice, trade and research. Charaka names Mandukaparni as a Medhya Rasayana, while later texts and modern Indian practice usually identify Brahmi with Bacopa. Objective: To clarify the botanical identity of Brahmi and Mandukaparni and to compare their phytochemistry, neuropharmacology and clinical evidence for cognition and mood. Methods: Narrative review of classical Ayurvedic sources and modern pharmacological reviews, randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. Results: Bacopa contains triterpenoid saponins called bacosides, while Centella contains pentacyclic triterpenes such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Both show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in animals. Clinically, Bacopa has more consistent evidence: a meta-analysis of nine randomised trials found improved attention and processing speed, and individual trials show improvements in memory consolidation after about 12 weeks. A meta-analysis of Centella trials found no clear effect on cognitive domains but some improvement in alertness and reduced anger, and a trial in healthy elderly people reported better working memory and mood. Centella reduced the acoustic startle response in healthy volunteers, suggesting anxiolytic potential. Conclusion: The two herbs are distinct and should not be used interchangeably in research or labelling. Bacopa has stronger evidence for memory and attention; Centella has emerging evidence for mood and alertness. Correct botanical identification, standardised extracts and longer trials in clinical populations are needed for both.

Keywords: Brahmi; Bacopa monnieri; Mandukaparni; Centella asiatica; Medhya Rasayana; cognition; memory; anxiety