Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herbal remedy used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat stress and nervous problems. The herb is an adaptogen, which means it can protect the consumer for changes to normal physiological homeostasis. In this role, ashwagandha can act as a neuroprotective agent and is able to protect the neurones of the brain from detrimental changes that can alter brain function. For example, in one study, rats were deprived of sleep in order to cause them to be in a stressful condition. Under such circumstances, damage to the brain can occur through the generation of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the ashwagandha was able to protect the rats and reduce the damage caused to neurones in the delicate brain tissue. In particular, the protection occurred in the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is through to be involved in the development of mood disorders. Ashwagandha therefore appears to be a potent neuroprotective agent in rats, and may be protective of mood disorders.
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