Butea monosperma is a plant that grows in India and which is used in traditional Indian medicine. The plant is rich in phytochemicals that may affect the brain, and this may confer medicinal effect and mood and memory. Studies show that extracts of Butea monosperma are able to elicit anticonvulsant effects on animals, suggesting that phytochemicals within the plant are able to alter brain neurochemistry. In particular, experiments show that in animals, Butea monosperma is able to raise brain levels of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) and serotonin. As both GABA and serotonin are linked to mood, this may explain the mood elevating effects of Butea monosperma extracts shown in some studies. There is also evidence that at certain doses, Butea monosperma extract may depress the central nervous system and this could explain its sedative effects. The available evidence therefore suggests that Butea monosperma can alter brain function in a way that reflects its traditional use as a medicine.
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