Therapeutic Effects of Ashwagandha in Brain Aging and Clock Dysfunction

Jagota, Anita; Kowshik, K.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-59192-6_21

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 91 publications

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“…WS extracts have also been shown to have antioxidant functions, and their effects on anxiety and depression have been connected to interactions with Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-related activity [ 25 , 64 , 65 ]. Effects on GABA might also underlie the sleep-promoting function of WS [ 20 ], but it has also been described that WS can restore age-related changes in circadian clock genes [ 66 ]. Future studies are required to determine whether changes in these pathways play a role in the protective effects of WS in our assays and which are the compounds mediating these effects.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Withania somnifera Extracts Promote Resilience against Age-Related and Stress-Induced Behavioral Phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster; a Possible Role of Other Compounds besides Withanolides

et al. 2022

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Withania somnifera (WS) extracts have been used in traditional medicine for millennia to promote healthy aging and wellbeing. WS is now also widely used in Western countries as a nutritional supplement to extend healthspan and increase resilience against age-related changes, including sleep deficits and depression. Although human trials have supported beneficial effects of WS, the study designs have varied widely. Plant material is intrinsically complex, and extracts vary widely with the origin of the plant material and the extraction method. Commercial supplements can contain various other ingredients, and the characteristics of the study population can also be varied. To perform maximally controlled experiments, we used plant extracts analyzed for their composition and stability. We then tested these extracts in an inbred Drosophila line to minimize effects of the genetic background in a controlled environment. We found that a water extract of WS (WSAq) was most potent in improving physical fitness, while an ethanol extract (WSE) improved sleep in aged flies. Both extracts provided resilience against stress-induced behavioral changes. WSE contained higher levels of withanolides, which have been proposed to be active ingredients, than WSAq. Therefore, withanolides may mediate the sleep improvement, whereas so-far-unknown ingredients enriched in WSAq likely mediate the effects on fitness and stress-related behavior.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Withania somnifera Extracts Promote Resilience against Age-Related and Stress-Induced Behavioral Phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster; a Possible Role of Other Compounds besides Withanolides

et al. 2022

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“…It is also evidenced that WS has chronomodulatory effects on the brain. Jagota and Kowshik (2017) demonstrated that a hydroalcoholic leaf extract of WS restored age-induced changes in several clock genes ( e.g ., rBmall, rPer1, rCry1, rPer2 ) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of middle- and old-aged rats [ 125 ]. In a subsequent study, Kukkemane and Jagota (2020) found that in old-aged rats, a hydroalcoholic leaf extract of WS restored the daily rhythms and phases of SIRT1 (a clock modulator) and NRF2, which is a transcription factor controlled by a clock that regulates several endogenous antioxidant enzymes [ 126 ].…”

Section: Sleep-promoting Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia

et al. 2021

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Background: Withania somnifera (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, is commonly used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems. WS has seen an increase in public use worldwide due to its reputation as an adaptogen. This popularity has elicited increased scientific study of its biological effects, including a potential application for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical studies examining the neuropsychiatric effects of WS, specifically its application in stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Methods: Reports of human trials and animal studies of WS were collected primarily from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Results: WS root and leaf extracts exhibited noteworthy anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity in animal and human studies. WS also improved symptoms of depression and insomnia, though fewer studies investigated these applications. WS may alleviate these conditions predominantly through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic-adrenal medullary axes, as well as through GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. While some studies link specific withanolide components to its neuropsychiatric benefits, there is evidence for the presence of additional yet unidentified active compounds in WS. Conclusion: While benefits were seen in the reviewed studies, significant variability in the WS extracts examined prevents a consensus on the optimum WS preparation or dosage from treating neuropsychiatric conditions. WS generally appears safe for human use; however, it will be important to investigate potential herb-drug interactions involving WS if used alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Further elucidation of active compounds of WS is also needed.

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