Antidepressant-like effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in adolescent rats

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Rationale Adolescent depression is often linked to biological changes associated with stress. However, new approaches and treatment strategies for early intervention and prevention of depression in children and adolescents are still limited. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb widely used in the management of anxiety and stress. However, there is no information in the current literature on its potential effect on adolescent depression. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of depression on proapoptotic proteins and neuroinflammation and the antidepressant effect of Ashwagandha on depression-like symptoms in adolescent rats exposed to the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) model. Methods In the study, CUMS model was used to induce depression in adolescent rats. Rats were treated with Ashwagandha or Sertraline. To evaluate the antidepressant effects, behavioral tests as well as biochemical and histological analyses were performed. Forced Swim Test (FST), Sucrose Test and Elevated Plus Maze Test were performed as behavioral tests. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured by the ELISA method in the fronto-parietal cortex. Proapoptotic proteins (Bax and Caspase-3) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β), as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were evaluated immunohistochemically in the fronto-parietal cor

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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