Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects
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Date
2023-04
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Abstract
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 car diometabolic 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.