<i>Bacopa monnieri</i> —A Functional Leafy Vegetable and Medicinal Herb: A Comprehensive Review of Scientific Evidence and Proposed Mechanisms Underlying Its Influence on Circadian Rhythm

<i>Bacopa monnieri</i> (BM) is a known leafy vegetable with reported uses in traditional medicine in many countries. In traditional medicine, <i>B. monnieri</i> has been used to manage neurological disorders, enhance memory, and address sleep problems. As it is already recognized as a leafy vegetable suitable for consumption by both children and adults, it is timely to investigate its potential in addressing one of the most prevalent health issues in modern society-sleep disorders. This review connects traditional medicinal knowledge and modern scientific findings by examining the chronotherapeutic potential of <i>B. monnieri</i>. Relevant studies on <i>B. monnieri</i> and its effects on circadian rhythm and sleep quality were identified through a systematic and comprehensive examination of the literature. A total of 160 references, including research articles, review articles, and book chapters, were identified and summarized to provide the current scientific evidence on the effects of <i>B. monnieri</i> in improving sleep quality. After a thorough review, three possible pathways were identified: <i>B. monnieri</i>'s effects on brain neurotransmitters responsible for circadian rhythm, hormonal regulation, and its effect on stress levels, which indirectly affect sleep quality. Scientific evidence supporting the use of <i>B. monnieri</i> for sleep or circadian regulation remains limited and has shown mixed results. Some studies report improved sleep duration and reduced stress, with strong evidence suggesting that <i>B. monnieri</i> has significant potential to improve sleep quality; others show no significant effect on sleep quality. Therefore, more standardized studies are needed to confirm whether <i>B. monnieri</i> is effective in improving sleep quality.