Title:Neuropharmacological Properties of Withania somnifera - Indian Ginseng: An Overview on Experimental Evidence with Emphasis on Clinical Trials and Patents
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Author(s): Sarat C. Yenisetti, M. J. Manjunath and Muralidhara
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Withania somnifera, neuroprotection, animal models, clinical trials, patents.
Abstract: Background: Owing to the increasing aged population globally, disorders and diseases of
the CNS are anticipated to increase and profoundly impact the health care. As these neurodegenerative
diseases (NDD) are complex, multifactorial and do not have identified etiological factors, unfortunately,
drugs developed for the purpose have not met with the expected success. Hence, there has been
a constant demand for the development of natural therapeutic adjuvants which are safe and possess the
potential to attenuate multiple pathways.
Methods: Numerous herbal/natural products have been used as therapeutics in Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat
NDD and other memory-related disorders. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, WS), popularly called as “Indian Ginseng”
is one such plant which possesses a variety of beneficial neuropharmacological properties. In this review, we have attempted
to review critically the existing literature and patents related to the neuroprotective efficacy of WS roots and the
underlying mechanism/s.
Results: Standardized extracts of Withania somnifera (WS) have been demonstrated to possess multidimensional neuromodulatory
effects both in vitro and animal models. The spectrum of effects evidenced comprises of attenuation of oxidative
damage by enhancing the antioxidant defense system with concomitant enhancement of the expression of marker proteins
responsible for growth, differentiation and communication of neural cells. Specific effects of WS are attributable to
its potential to modulate neurotrophic factors, cytoskeletal elements, cell adhesion molecules and synaptic proteins.
Conclusion: Generation of new data by employing systematic contemporary approaches such as bioinformatics, molecular
docking studies, identification of specific gene targets and epigenetic regulation would provide the necessary impetus
to validate fully the neurotherapeutic potential of the phytochemicals derived from WS. More importantly, well-designed
clinical trials are required to exploit the neuromodulatory propensity of WS extract/bioactives in specific neurodegenerative
diseases such as AD and PD.
