Antidepressant Potential of Nardostachys jatamansi and Withania somnifera: A comparative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61114/UJPSR.10.1.2026.12-19Keywords:
Major depressive disorder, Nardostachys jatamansi, Withania somnifera, antidepressant activity, monoamine oxidase, HPA axis, BDNFAbstract
Major depressive disorder affects over 280 million people globally, yet conventional antidepressants are limited by delayed onset, adverse effects, and treatment resistance. This review evaluates the antidepressant potential of two Ayurvedic Himalayan plants, Nardostachys jatamansi and Withania somnifera. N. jatamansi demonstrates rapid monoaminergic enhancement via MAO inhibition and SERT modulation, showing superior effects to fluoxetine in preclinical models. In contrast W.somnifera exerts sustained effects through HPA axis normalization and BDNF upregulation, with strong clinical evidence. Both exhibit favorable safety profiles compared to SSRIs. Their complementary mechanisms suggest potential for combined use in managing treatment-resistant depression, highlighting the need for standardized formulations and well-designed clinical trials.
Keywords: Major depressive disorder, Nardostachys jatamansi, Withania somnifera, antidepressant activity, monoamine oxidase, HPA axis, BDNF.
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