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@article{187867,
        author = {Dhanashri R. Avhad and Piyush N. Jangam and Sayali S.Gandhi and Kalyani J. Raut and Pranav R. Thombare},
        title = {AYURVEDIC HERBAL MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA): A REVIEW},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {6},
        pages = {7178-7184},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=187867},
        abstract = {Depression and anxiety are among the most widespread mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide and contributing significantly to social and economic burden. Modern pharmacotherapy, despite its effectiveness, is often limited by side effects, relapse rates, and poor patient adherence. This has intensified interest in traditional systems like Ayurveda, which offers a holistic, individualized approach to mental health through herbal medicines, lifestyle modifications, and mind–body therapies. This review summarizes Ayurvedic principles related to depression and anxiety, highlights key herbal remedies, and focuses on the therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—one of the most researched adaptogenic herbs. Modern pharmacological evidence suggests that Ashwagandha modulates neurotransmitters, stabilizes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reduces cortisol, and enhances neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Ayurvedic and scientific perspectives together indicate its value as a safe and promising intervention for managing depression and anxiety. The review concludes with limitations of existing research and recommendations for future studies.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {November},
        }