Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects
Authors
Neha Singh
aDepartment of Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Science, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Meenakshi Garg
aDepartment of Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Science, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Priyanka Prajapati
aDepartment of Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Science, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Priyanka Singh
bDepartment of Food & Nutrition and Food Technology, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
Rajni Chopra
cDepartment of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Anita Kumari
dDepartment of Nutrition Biology, School of Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana, India
Avneesh Mittal
aDepartment of Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Science, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multimodal neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative illness characterized by anhedonia, continued melancholy, dysfunctional circadian rhythm and many other behavioral infirmities. Depression is also associated with somatic ailments such as cardiometabolic diseases. The existing and upcoming hypotheses have succeeded in explaining the pathophysiology of depression. Only a few of the most validated theories, such as hyperactivity of the HPA axis, activated inflammatory-immune response, and monoaminergic and GABAergic deficit hypotheses, have been discussed in this review. So, an effective and safer alternative approach beyond symptomatic relief has been desired. Therefore, botanical products have steadily been probed to strengthen the modern medicinal system as a promising medicament. In this line, Asparagus racemosus Willd. belongs to Asparagaceace family is the well-documented adaptogen cited in the ancient texts namely, Ayurvedic, Greek, and Chinese medicine system. The whole plant possesses pleiotropic therapeutic activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, nootropic, antidepressant, etc., without showing any remarkable side effects. The literature review has also suggested that A. racemosus administration at varied levels alleviates depression by modulating the HPA axis, increasing BDNF levels, and monoaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.
Alongside, spikes the level of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, GSH peroxidase, GSH, and catalase in distinct brain regions (i.e., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus) and promote neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Thus, it could be a new generation antidepressant that provides relief from both behavioral and somatic illness. The review first describes the plant characteristics, then discusses the hypotheses associated with the pathogenesis of depression, and gives an insight into A. racemosus antidepressant properties and the underlying mechanism.
Keywords: Depression, Shatavari, Neurological disorder, Neuroprotective, Antidepressant
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