ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Depression is an etiologically heterogeneous group of chronic psychiatric illnesses associated with signicant morbidity, mortality, and disability. Among the several theories behind the pathophysiological basis of depression, imbalances of the monoamine neurotransmitters (monoamine hypothesis), especially serotonin, have been the most extensively investigated. Several antidepressant drugs targeting the serotonin system have been developed (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) with the intended physiological effect to enhance serotonin signaling at the synapse. Although these drugs represent popular and effective treatments for depression, they are also associated with side effects and limitations in their efcacy. Herbal remedies, often employed as part of traditional systems of medicine and generally associated with favorable safety proles, have the potential to provide effective alternatives to currently employed modern synthetic antidepressants. Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world and has been practiced for centuries in India. Ayurveda has described the use of several medicinal plants to prevent, treat, and manage numerous diseases. The following chapter discusses a selection of ayurveda medicinal plants with serotonergic properties that are currently used or have the potential to be developed as antidepressants. The plants discussed here include Areca catechu, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Berberis aristata, Tinospora cordifolia, Curcuma longa,
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 398 Serotonin Synthesis, Signaling, and Degradation .................................................................................. 399 Ayurvedic Plants with Antidepressant and Serotonergic Properties ...................................................... 400 Areca catechu ......................................................................................................................................... 401 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) ...................................................................................................... 401 Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) .................................................................................................................... 402 Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) ............................................................................................................. 404 Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) ............................................................................................................. 405 Haridra (Curcuma longa) ....................................................................................................................... 406 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis .......................................................................................................................... 407 Sunthi (Zingiber ofcinale) .................................................................................................................... 408 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) ........................................................................................................................ 408 Future Perspectives ................................................................................................................................ 409 Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................................411 References ...............................................................................................................................................411
