Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on biochemical and neurobehavioral disturbances induced by chronic restraint stress in an animal model

Abstract

Stress is a very important current problem for both men and women. in the animal. Each individual, human and animal, is confronted in his daily life with stressful situations, chronic exposure to stress is responsible for the appearance of several pathologies, forced immobilization is one of the best explored stress models in rats. Due to several side effects of chemical medications, many specialists and patients prefer herbal therapy like adaptogen plant as Ashwagandha extracts to cure diseases and disorders associated with chronic stress. In this study, we will focus on evaluating the possible preventive effects of Withaniasomnifera root extract on oxidation, biochemical and neurobehavioral disturbances induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days in female Wistar rats. The application of chronic restraint stress for 3h/d for 21 consecutive days, causes anxiety like depression responses detected by the EPM and FST tests, a deterioration of exploratory and locomotor activity in the OF test associated with a memory deficiency revealed by the TRO test and cerebral oxidative stress revealed by the decrease in the activity of GST and increase in the MDA. and on the other hand, hematological (Leukocytosis) and biochemical (Hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and increased cerebral ACTH disturbances. In addition, the treatment of stressed rats with the root of organic Ashwagandha attenuated cognitive disorders, decreased anxiety like depression effects and improved cerebral redox status. In conclusion, Ashwagandha supplementation may improve the biochemical, cognitive, and behavior effects of restraint stress