title: Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases.
abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases commonly induce irreversible destruction of central nervous system (CNS) neuronal networks, resulting in permanent functional impairments. Effective medications against neurodegenerative diseases are currently lacking. Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera Dunal) is used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for general debility, consumption, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and loss of memory. In this review, we summarize various effects and mechanisms of Ashwagandha extracts and related compounds on in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injury.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama.
authors.forename: Tomoharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kuboyama
authors.forename: Chihiro
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tohda
authors.forename: Katsuko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Komatsu
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D015394:Molecular Structure; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D032341:Withania / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; C030693:Ashwagandha