Potential medicinal plants for CNS disorders: an overview.
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University, Health Sciences Center, School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA. vikask@bhu.ac.in
Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|August 16, 2006
Summary
Traditional Ayurvedic
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Ethnomedicine
- Neuroscience and Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Limited pharmaceutical options exist for cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
- Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine system, classifies specific plants as 'medhya rasayanas' (intellect-boosting rejuvenators).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key medicinal plants used for Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders.
- To highlight plants with reputed cognitive and rejuvenating benefits.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern scientific studies.
- Identification and compilation of plants with documented efficacy in CNS disorders.
Main Results:
- Several plant-derived agents, like galantamine and rivastigmine, are used in modern medicine.
- Ayurvedic 'medhya rasayanas' offer potential benefits lacking in conventional pharmaceuticals.
- Key reviewed plants include Ginkgo biloba, St John's wort, Kava-kava, Valerian, Bacopa monniera, and Convolvulus pluricaulis.
Conclusions:
- Medicinal plants, particularly those from Ayurveda, represent a valuable resource for cognitive health.
- These traditional remedies offer promising alternatives or adjuncts for managing CNS disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
01:28An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...