Indian Spices: An Insightful Review on Reported Antipsychotic, Antidepression, Neuroprotective and Anti-Anxiety Activities

Abstract

The potential of traditional medicinal herbs to cure neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) has attracted more and more attention from researchers. Notably, a number of plants have long been used to enhance memory and cognitive performance, including Crocus sativus, Nigella sativa, Coriandrum sativum, Ferula assafoetida, Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, and Curcuma longa. By lowering oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant levels, and blocking acetylcholinesterase activity, their bioactive substances—carotenoids, monoterpenes, and polyphenols—have neuroprotective benefits. Additionally, by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and total nitrite, these herbs control neuroinflammation. Taken together, these results provide credence to the medicinal potential of these herbs and their active ingredients in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and AD.  Traditional medicinal potential in these findings, when combined, support the therapeutic potential of these plants and their active components in the treatment of AD, anxiety, and depression.