Background:There is increasing awareness of the use of Traditional medicine in today’s medical practices. This is a known fact that over 80% of the world population depends on herbal medicines and product for healthy living. The disappointment appears due to adulteration in the drugs, which is critical side for herbal manufacturers. Hence there is a need to develop validation techniques to prevent health, consumer’s faith as also for economic productivity. Medhya Rasayanas are a group of medicinal plants described in Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine) with multi-fold benefits, specifically to improve memory and intellect by Prabhava (specific action). Medha means intellect / retention and Rasayana means therapeutic procedure that on regular practice will boost nourishment, health, memory, intellect and immunity.
Objective: To increase the awareness of use of medhyarasayan plants in nuerological disorders by giving light of research updates.
Method: The research updates of Four Medhyarasayan plant spp namely Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnerie, Nardostachys jatamansi , Centell asiatica is mentioned in the present review covering the preclinical research aspact as also with mentioning their active principals.
Results and Conclusion: The present review deals with a study of modern techniques/bioassays useful in validation of some Medhyarasayan plants. On the other hand, they are beneficial to understand metabolomics, physiology, biochemistry and proteomics of living being and also play a vital role in drug discovery.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Brahmi [Bacopa monnieri (L.); Fam: Scruphulariaceae]
3. Jatamansi [Nardostachys jatamansi DC, Fam: Valerianaceae]
4. Mandukaparni [Centella asiatica Linn., Fam: Apiaceae]
Research Objectives and Themes
This review aims to synthesize current research on the efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of selected Medhyarasayan plants—specifically Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys jatamansi, and Centella asiatica—in treating neurological and neurodegenerative disorders to validate their traditional use in Ayurveda.
- Validation of Traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plants for neurological health
- Preclinical pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of Medhyarasayan plants
- Standardization techniques and quality control for herbal formulations
- Therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Integration of Traditional Medicine into modern scientific validation practices
Excerpt from the Book
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera ; Family :Solanaceae)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, WS; Family :Solanaceae)) is cultivated, on a commercial scale, in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan in India23 As per its name “somnifera” in Latin means “sleep-inducer” which probably refers to its extensive use as a remedy against stress . Some herbalists refer to Ashwagandha as Indian ginseng, since it is used in India, in a way similar to how ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a large variety of human diseases 24.
In Ayurveda, the herbal preparation is referred to as a “rasayana”, that works in a nonspecific, global fashion, to increase human health and longevity. It is also considered an adaptogen, a nontoxic medication that normalizes physiological functions, disturbed by chronic stress, through correction of imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems 25, 26.
Withania somnifera (Ashawagandha) is very revered herb of the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as a Rasayana (tonic). It is used for various kinds of disease processes. Considering these facts many scientific studies were carried out and its adaptogenic / anti stress activities were studied in detail. Rasayana is described as an herbal or metallic preparation that promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of Ayurveda as an ancient medicinal system and discusses the rising global interest in natural therapies for health maintenance.
2. Brahmi [Bacopa monnieri (L.); Fam: Scruphulariaceae]: This section reviews scientific studies validating the memory-enhancing and neuroprotective effects of Brahmi, particularly in models of schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Jatamansi [Nardostachys jatamansi DC, Fam: Valerianaceae]: This chapter details the pharmacological investigations of Jatamansi in neuro-psychiatric disease management, focusing on its antioxidant properties and impact on neuroblastoma cell growth.
4. Mandukaparni [Centella asiatica Linn., Fam: Apiaceae]: This chapter explores the historical use and modern neuro-regenerative findings of Centella asiatica, highlighting the role of stigmasterol in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Keywords
Traditional Medicine, Medhyarasayan, Ayurveda, Neurodegenerative disorders, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys jatamansi, Centella asiatica, Stigmasterol, Phytochemicals, Pharmacological validation, Cognitive dysfunction, Memory enhancement, Neuroprotection, Standardization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research review?
The review focuses on the validation of four specific Medhyarasayan plants—Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi, and Mandukaparni—and their potential therapeutic applications in treating neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
What are the central themes discussed in the paper?
The paper covers the transition from traditional Ayurvedic knowledge to modern scientific validation, the need for standardization of herbal drugs, and the pharmacological mechanisms through which these plants influence neurological health.
What is the main goal of the authors?
The goal is to increase awareness of Medhyarasayan plants by consolidating recent preclinical research, thereby providing scientific justification for their use in modern medical practices.
Which scientific methods are utilized to evaluate these plants?
The research relies on preclinical studies, including cell-free assays, receptor-transfected cell assays, animal models of neurodegeneration (such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s models), and chemical characterization like HPLC and phytochemical screening.
What content is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines individual medicinal profiles, active chemical constituents, bioactivity, and specific study results for the four selected plants, as well as an overview of the Ministry of AYUSH’s organizational role in promoting Traditional Medicine.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Traditional Medicine, Medhyarasayan, neuroprotection, phytochemistry, and standardization, reflecting the intersection of ancient herbology and contemporary drug discovery.
How does Withania somnifera contribute to neuro-recovery?
The text suggests that Ashwagandha acts as a GABA-mimetic and adaptogen, reducing oxidative stress and preventing neuronal injury in Parkinson's and stress-induced models.
What is the significance of stigmasterol in Centella asiatica?
Stigmasterol is identified as a major phytosterol with neuroprotective properties, specifically showing promise in the treatment of amyloidosis and Alzheimer's disease.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Pratibha Chaturvedi (Author), Prof Abhay Chowdhary (Author), 2018, Intervention of Medhyarasayan plants for neurological disorder: An updated research review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/430181
