Nootropic-like effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) in mice

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) root extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; or ally) improved retention of a passive avoidance task in a step-down paradig m in mice. Ashwagandha (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; orally) also reversed the sc opolarnine (0.3 mg/kg)-induced disruption of acquisition and retention and attenuated the amnesia produced by acute treatment with electroconvulsive s hock (ECS), immediately after training. Chronic treatment with ECS, for 6 s uccessive days at 24 h intervals, disrupted memory consolidation on day 7. Daily administration of ashwagandha for 6 days significantly improved memor y consolidation in mice receiving chronic ECS treatment. Ashwagandha, admin istered on day 7, also attenuated the disruption of memory consolidation pr oduced by chronic treatment with ECS. On the elevated plus-maze, ashwagandh a reversed the scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg)-induced delay in transfer latency on day 1. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that ashwagandha ex hibits a nootropic-like effect in naive and amnesic mice. Copyright (C) 200 1 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.