Asparagus racemosus is a traditional Indian Ayurvedic herbal treatment. Evidence suggests that Asparagus racemosus is able to affect the central nervous system, and in this way may affect mental function and mood. One reason for the mental effects of the herb may be that it can act as an adaptogen, and in this regard may normalise aberrant biological parameters particularly stress levels. The phytochemicals responsible for this adaptogenic effect are thought to be a group of steroidal saponins present in the roots of the plant known as shatvarins (shatvarin I to VI are present in the plant tissues). The plant may also have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, both of which may improve mood via a stress-protective effect. Studies on animals investigating the mood elevating effects of Asparagus racemosus show that it may significantly decrease depressive-like behaviour when the animals are placed under stress. Asparagus racemosus may therefore be an adaptogenic herb with mood enhancing properties.
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