T h e r a p e u t i c I n d e x 155 Myristica fragrans, Celastrus paniculatus, and Zingiber officinale improve inhibitory avoidance learning, facilitate spatial learning by improving the speed of processing and retention of new visual information, learning rate, and memory consolidation. Centella asiatica improves memory, influences neuronal morphology, and promotes higher brain functions. Withania somnifera, a useful nervine sedative, improves memory. Nardostachys jatamansi is a useful memory restorative agent for dementia in the aged. Acorus calamus possesses anticholinesterase activity and provides therapeutic benefit in memory. 2. Prevention of cognitive deficits: Centella asiatica prevents cognitive deficits, which is due to a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase in glutathione and catalase levels. Bacopa monnieri maintains cognitive function. Prunus amygdalus is a nervine tonic and supports cognitive function. Celastrus paniculatus has cognitive-enhancing action. Withania somnifera helps improve motor performance after brain stroke by reducing MDA. 3. Neuroprotective action: Nardostachys jatamansi improves post-stroke cerebral ischemia, increases levels of central monoamines and inhibitory amino acids, and reduces aggressiveness, restlessness and insomnia. Celastrus paniculatus exerts neuroprotective effect against increased oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Centella asiatica has antiepileptic activity. As an adjuvant to antiepileptic drugs, Centella asiatica provides an added advantage of preventing cognitive impairment. Acorus calamus reduces the contralateral cortical infarct area, with improvement in neurological function score as assessed by a decrease in lipid peroxidation, and an increase in glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity. This indicates the neuroprotective efficacy of Acorus calamus in ischemia. Evolvulus alsinoides controls neuronal hyperexcitation. It is useful in psychological conditions like insomnia and loss of memory. It is used as an antileptic, memory enhancer, and immunomodulator. Anethum sowa has been used in various conditions including hemiplegia due to its neuroprotective activity. 4. Anxiolytic and antidepressant actions: Centella asiatica reduces the immobility time and ameliorates the imbalance of amino acid levels, which shows its antidepressant activity. Withania somnifera is used as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression. Valepotriates, 2S(-)-hesperidin, and 6-methylapigenin extracted from Valeriana wallichii show anxiolytic properties and potentiate sleep. Nardostachys jatamansi is well-known for its anxiolytic and antidepressant activities. 5. Cholinesterase-inhibiting action: Withaferin A in Withania somnifera attenuates cerebral functional deficits including amnesia in geriatric patients. It affects events in the cortical and basal forebrain cholinergic signal transduction Mentat® [syrup, tablet, DS syrup (sugar-free)]
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