Withania somnifera is a herb used in traditional Indian medicine. The herb is also called ashwagandha. Withania somnifera has been investigated for its anxiolytic effects in animals. For example, in one study Withania somnifera was given as part of a polyherbal treatment to rats along with the herbs Hemidesmus indicus (Indian sarsaparilla), Aegle marmelos (bael), Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry) and Ocimum sanctum (holy basil). When rats were administered the polyherbal formula, they showered behavioural changes that could be described as anxiolytic. For example, the rats were less stressed and more relaxed when exposed to experimental stress. Further evaluation of the tissues of the rats showed that the polyherbal formula was significantly able to confer antioxidant effects to the rats and that there was an enhanced expression of GABA and a more active GABA neurotransmitter system following treatment. Therefore Withania somnifera along with additional herbs may provide significant anxiolytic effects in animals.
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