Ashwagandha is known to very few people. It is a medicinal plant from India, which is said to have a great effect! Although it is not as well-known as some other herbs, it is said to have a positive effect on the body and especially on the functionality of the brain. Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng and is mainly found in India, Nepal, China and Yemen. The roots of the medicinal plant contain important substances, which are mainly used in traditional treatment in India.
Researchers from New Delhi have now looked at the amazing effect of Ashwagandha on the brain in a recent study. Traditionally, it is used to treat brain disorders. The aim of the study was to map the current state of research on the healing power of Ashwagandha in order to investigate the neuroprotective effects, which Ashwagandha is said to have, especially in connection with brain disorders. The method used by the researchers was a broad literature search to map the current state of research.
They found that Ashwagandha is used in a very wide range of applications. The studies examined, which dealt with the effects of Ashwagandha, were based on preclinical studies, clinical trials and published patents. Thus, important pharmacological effects have been demonstrated in various diseases and disorders of the brain: In particular, Ashwagandha showed discernible effects as a therapy for anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, dyslexia, depression, autism, addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and bipolar disorders. Reports of negative effect such as poisoning in the form of overdose by the administered Ashwagandha could not be found in the literature.
Nevertheless, the research results of the present study are by no means to be regarded as the only evidence for or against a possible therapeutic success. So far, there is very little data collected through clinical trials of Ashwagandha for various diseases of the brain, so the present study points in one direction, but promises nothing. Nevertheless, researchers agree that the positive effects that have already been demonstrated to date warrant further investigation to promote Ashwagandha as a promising drug candidate.
Citation
- Zahiruddin S, Basist P, Parveen A, Parveen R, Khan W, Gaurav, Ahmad S. (2020). Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments. J Ethnopharmacol. 15;257:112876. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112876.